transmission FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual

Starting a Gasoline Engine
.......................173
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ........................................................................\
.
176
Engine Block Heater ...................................
178
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ..........................................
180
Hybrid Vehicle Operation .........................
182
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................
184
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
185
Fuel Quality - E85 .......................................
185
Fuel Quality - Gasoline ..............................
187
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
187
Running Out of Fuel ....................................
187
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ...........................................
189
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........................................................................\
.
192
Fuel Consumption ......................................
194
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
196
Catalytic Converter .....................................
197
High Voltage Battery
General Information - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................................
200
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
201
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ...............................
207
Using Four-Wheel Drive ...........................
207
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential ............................
213Brakes
General Information
...................................
214
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
215
Electric Parking Brake ................................
215
Hill Start Assist ..............................................
217
Auto Hold ........................................................
218
Reverse Braking Assist
What Is Reverse Braking Assist .............
220
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions .....
220
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On and Off ..................................................................
221
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist .........
221
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators ..........
221
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting ......................................
222
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
224
Using Traction Control ..............................
224
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
225
Using Stability Control ..............................
226
Hill Descent Control
What Is Hill Descent Control ..................
228
Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off ................................................................
228
Setting the Hill Descent Speed .............
228
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................
229
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
230
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
230
Front Parking Aid .........................................
232
Side Sensing System .................................
234
Active Park Assist .......................................
235
Rear View Camera ......................................
238
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

Essential Towing Checks
.........................292
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels .....
294
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance ...............
295
Economical Driving ....................................
295
Cold Weather Precautions ......................
296
Breaking-In ...................................................
296
Driving Through Water .............................
296
Floor Mats ......................................................
297
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance .................................
298
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
299
Fuel Shutoff .................................................
299
Jump Starting the Vehicle ......................
300
Collision, Damage or Fire Event ............
302
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
303
Transporting the Vehicle .........................
303
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need .............
305
In California (U.S. Only) ...........................
306
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
307
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) .....................
308
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada ......................................................
308
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
.
310
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ...........................
312
Changing a Fuse .........................................
320Maintenance
General Information
...................................
322
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
322
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ..................
324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
325
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L ........................
326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L .........................
326
Engine Oil Check .........................................
326
Oil Change Indicator Reset ......................
327
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ...............................................
328
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L ........................................................................\
329
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L ....
330
Engine Coolant Check ................................
331
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
335
Brake Fluid Check .......................................
335
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
336
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
336
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
338
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
340
Fuel Filter .......................................................
340
Checking the Wiper Blades ....................
340
Changing the Front Wiper Blades ........
340
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades ...........
341
Changing a Bulb ...........................................
341
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
343
Cleaning Products ......................................
343
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
344
Waxing ............................................................
345
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
345
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
346
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

Cleaning the Interior
..................................346
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens .......................
347
Cleaning Leather Seats .............................
347
Repairing Minor Paint Damage .............
348
Cleaning the Wheels .................................
348
Vehicle Storage ...........................................
348
Body Styling Kits ........................................
350
Wheels and Tires
General Information ...................................
351
Tire Care .........................................................
353
Using Summer Tires ..................................
366
Using Snow Chains ....................................
366
Tire Pressure Monitoring System .........
368
Changing a Road Wheel ...........................
374
Technical Specifications .........................
380
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ........................................................................\
382
Engine Specifications - 3.0L ..................
383
Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST ...........
383
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline ........................................................................\
385
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................
386
Transmission Specifications - ST ........
386
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ .....
388
Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L ............................
389
Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L .............................
390
Vehicle Identification Number ................
391
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoostâ„¢ ................................................
391
Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L .......................................................................
398
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline .....................................................
405
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) .............
412Bulb Specification Chart
..........................
419
Connected Vehicle
What Is a Connected Vehicle ..................
421
Connected Vehicle Requirements .........
421
Connected Vehicle Limitations ..............
421
Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile Network .......................................................
421
Connecting the Vehicle to a Wi-Fi Network - Vehicles With: SYNC 3 ......
421
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: Modem ..........................
422
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: SYNC 3 ..........................
423
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot .........
425
Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name or Password ................................
425
Audio System
General Information ..................................
426
Audio Unit .....................................................
426
Digital Radio ..................................................
427
Satellite Radio .............................................
429
USB Port ........................................................
432
SYNCâ„¢ 3
General Information ..................................
433
Using Voice Recognition ..........................
435
Entertainment ..............................................
441
Climate ............................................................
451
Phone ..............................................................
453
Navigation .....................................................
455
Electric Vehicle Information ...................
460
Apps .................................................................
461
Settings ..........................................................
464
SYNCâ„¢ 3 Troubleshooting ....................
466
7
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

On Board Diagnostics Data Link
Connector
WARNING: Do not connect
wireless plug-in devices to the data link
connector. Unauthorized third parties
could gain access to vehicle data and
impair the performance of safety related
systems. Only allow repair facilities that
follow our service and repair instructions
to connect their equipment to the data
link connector.
Your vehicle has an OBD Data Link
Connector (DLC) that is used in
conjunction with a diagnostic scan tool for
vehicle diagnostics, repairs and
reprogramming services. Installing an
aftermarket device that uses the DLC
during normal driving for purposes such as
remote insurance company monitoring,
transmission of vehicle data to other
devices or entities, or altering the
performance of the vehicle, may cause
interference with or even damage to
vehicle systems. We do not recommend
or endorse the use of unapproved
aftermarket plug-in devices. The vehicle
Warranty will not cover damage caused
by an aftermarket plug-in device.
Notice to Owners of Pickup Trucks
and Utility Type Vehicles WARNING:
Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read
this Owner ’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle
is not a passenger car. As with other
vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury or death. Using Your Vehicle With a
Snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for
snowplowing.
Your vehicle does not have a snowplowing
package.
Using Your Vehicle as an
Ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an
ambulance.
Your vehicle does not have the Ambulance
Preparation Package.
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT
WARNING:
Driving while
distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, crash and injury. We strongly
recommend that you use extreme
caution when using any device that may
take your focus off the road. Your
primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving.
Using mobile communications equipment
is becoming increasingly important in the
conduct of business and personal affairs.
However, you must not compromise your
own or others’ safety when using such
equipment. Mobile communications can
enhance personal safety and security when
appropriately used, particularly in
emergency situations. Safety must be
paramount when using mobile
13
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Introduction

AT A GLANCE - ST
Exterior
•
Front and rear fascias feature unique
ST grille and unique finish.
• ST badging in front grille and on rear
liftgate.
• Trim features unique ST gloss black
finish.
• E-X-P-L-O-R-E-R lettering across
hood.
• Blackout treatment on headlight and
taillight lenses.
Interior
• Unique ST interior trim.
• Ford Performance sill plates.
• ST flat-bottom steering wheel with
integrated transmission shift paddle
controls.
• Selectable Drive Mode controller with
7 settings (Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail,
Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand and
Tow/Haul).
• Unique electronic sound enhancement
in Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
Chassis
• Unique ST-tuned suspension featuring
32 N/mm front coil springs and a 34
mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 106
N/mm rear coil springs and a 21.7 mm
hollow rear stabilizer bar.
• Standard ST brake system consists of
345 mm diameter vented front rotors
with two piston calipers and low-dust
linings; 326 mm solid rear rotors with
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with low
dust linings. •
Optional ST braking system includes
363 mm diameter vented front rotors
with heavy duty two-piston calipers
and low-dust linings; 350 mm diameter
vented rear rotors with heavy-duty
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with
low-dust linings; system requires 21 x
9-inch wheels and P275/45R21
all-season tires.
• Optional low-metallic brake linings are
included with optional P275/45R21
summer tire (late availability).
• ST-tuned electric power assist steering
rack and pinion.
• AdvanceTrac with stability
enhancement system with four modes:
Default, Traction Control Off, Sport and
Disabled.
• Aluminum ST 20 in (50.8 cm) x 8.5 in
(21.6 cm) wheels standard; 21 in
(53.3 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) wheels
optional.
• P255/55R20 all-season tires or
optional P275/45R21 all-season tires.
Powertrain
• 3.0L V6 DOHC GTDI engine, 400
horsepower, 415 lb-ft.
• 10R60 10-speed automatic
transmission with SelectShift manual
shift mode.
• 3.58 axle ratios.
• Unique transmission calibration in
Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
• Dual exhaust with quad-tip outlets.
20
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing At a Glance

Seatbelt fastened.
A
Seatbelt not fastened.
B
Seatbelt recently unfastened.
C
Fault
D
Deactivating and Activating the
Belt-Minder Feature - Front outermost
seats only WARNING: While the system
allows you to deactivate it, this system
is designed to improve your chances of
being safely belted and surviving an
accident. We recommend you leave the
system activated for yourself and others
who may use the vehicle.
Note: The driver and front passenger
warnings switch on and off independently.
When you perform this procedure for one
seating position, do not buckle the other
position as this terminates the process.
Read Steps 1 - 4 before starting the
procedure.
Make sure that:
• You set the parking brake.
• The transmission is in park (P).
• The ignition is off.
• You close all vehicle doors.
• You unbuckle the driver and front
passenger seatbelts. 1.
Switch the ignition on. Do not start the
engine.
2. Wait until the seatbelt warning lamp turns off (about one minute). After
Step 2, wait an additional five seconds
before proceeding with Step 3. Once
you start Step 3, you must complete
the procedure within 60 seconds.
3. For the seating position you are switching off, buckle then unbuckle the
seatbelt three times at a moderate
speed, ending in the unbuckled state.
After Step 3, the seatbelt warning lamp
turns on.
4. When the seatbelt warning lamp is on,
buckle then unbuckle the seatbelt.
After Step 4, the seatbelt warning lamp
flashes for confirmation.
• This switches the feature off if it is
currently on.
• This switches the feature on if it is
currently off.
CHILD RESTRAINT AND
SEATBELT MAINTENANCE
Inspect the vehicle seatbelts and child
safety seat systems periodically to make
sure they work properly and are not
damaged. Inspect the vehicle and child
restraint seatbelts to make sure there are
no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if
necessary. All vehicle seatbelt assemblies,
including retractors, buckles, front seatbelt
buckle assemblies, buckle support
assemblies (slide bar-if equipped),
shoulder belt height adjusters (if
equipped), shoulder belt guide on seat
backrest (if equipped), child safety seat
LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching
hardware, should be inspected after a
crash. Read the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions for additional
inspection and maintenance information
specific to the child restraint.
43
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SeatbeltsE274703

Car Finder
Press the button twice within
three seconds. The horn sounds
and the direction indicators
flash. We recommend you use this method
to locate your vehicle, rather than using
the panic alarm.
Sounding the Panic Alarm
Note: The panic alarm only operates when
the ignition is off. Press the button to sound the
panic alarm. Press the button
again or switch the ignition on to
turn it off.
Remote Start (If Equipped) WARNING: Do not start the engine
in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always
open the garage door before you start
the engine. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death.
Note: Do not use remote start if your fuel
level is low. The remote start button is on the
remote control.
This feature allows you to start your
vehicle from the outside. Your remote
control has an extended operating range.
If your vehicle has automatic climate
control, you can configure it to operate
when you remote start your vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 139). A manual
climate control system runs at the setting
it was set to when you switched your
vehicle off. Many states and provinces have
restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial
laws for specific requirements regarding
remote start systems.
The system does not work if:
•
The ignition is on.
• The anti-theft alarm triggers.
• You disable the feature.
• The hood is open.
• The transmission is not in park (P).
• The battery voltage is below the
minimum operating voltage.
• The service engine soon light is on.
Remote Control Feedback (If
Equipped)
An LED on the remote control provides
status feedback of remote start or stop
commands. Status
LED
Remote startsuccessful
Solid green
Remote stopsuccessful
Solid red
Request failed or
status not received
Blinking red
Status incomplete
Blinking green
Remote Starting Your Vehicle
Note: You must press each button within
three seconds of each other. If you do not
follow this sequence, your vehicle does not
start remotely, the direction indicators do
not flash twice and the horn does not sound.
62
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Keys and Remote ControlsE138623 E138624 E138625

Smart Unlocks for Intelligent
Access Keys (If Equipped)
This helps to prevent you from locking your
key inside the passenger compartment or
rear cargo area.
When you electronically lock your vehicle
with any door open, the transmission in
park (P) and the ignition off, the system
searches for an intelligent access key in
the passenger compartment after you
close the last door.
If the system finds a key, all the doors
immediately unlock and the horn sounds
twice, indicating that a key is inside.
You can override the smart unlock feature
and intentionally lock the intelligent access
key inside your vehicle.
To override smart unlock, lock your vehicle
after you have closed all doors by
• Using the keyless entry keypad.
• Pressing the lock button on another
intelligent access key.
• Touching the locking area on the front
of the door handle with another
intelligent access key in your hand.
When you open one of the front doors and
lock your vehicle using the power door lock
control, all doors lock then unlock if
• The ignition is on.
• The ignition is off and the transmission
is not in park (P).
Autolock
(If Equipped)
Autolock locks all the doors when
• All doors close.
• The ignition is on.
• You shift into any gear putting your
vehicle in motion.
• Your vehicle reaches a speed greater
than
12 mph (20 km/h) Autolock repeats when
•
You open then close any door while the
ignition is on and your vehicle speed is
9 mph (15 km/h)
or lower.
• Your vehicle reaches a speed greater
than
12 mph (20 km/h).
Autounlock
Autounlock unlocks all the doors when
• You stop your vehicle, place the gear
selector in park, and switch the ignition
off or to accessory position.
• You open the driver door within 10
minutes of switching the ignition off or
to accessory position.
Note: The doors do not autounlock if you
electronically lock your vehicle after you
switch the ignition off and before you open
the driver door.
Enabling or Disabling Autounlock
You can enable or disable the autounlock
feature in the information display or an
authorized dealer can do it for you. See
General Information
(page 117).
Illuminated Entry
The interior lamps and some exterior
lamps illuminate when you unlock the
doors with the remote control.
The lamps turn off if:
• The ignition is on.
• You press the remote control lock
button.
• 25 seconds have elapsed.
The lamps do not turn off if:
• You switch them on with the lighting
control.
• Any door is open.
71
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Doors and Locks

POWER LIFTGATE
WARNING: It is extremely
dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside
or outside of a vehicle. In a crash, people
riding in these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed. Do not allow
people to ride in any area of your vehicle
that is not equipped with seats and
seatbelts. Make sure everyone in your
vehicle is in a seat and properly using a
seatbelt. Failure to follow this warning
could result in serious personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Make sure that you fully
close the liftgate to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. If you
are unable to fully close the liftgate,
open the air vents or the windows to
allow fresh air to enter your vehicle.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury or death. WARNING: Keep keys out of reach
of children. Do not allow children to
operate or play near an open or moving
power liftgate. You should supervise the
operation of the power liftgate at all
times.
Note: Make sure that you close the liftgate
before operating or moving your vehicle,
especially in an enclosure, like a garage or
a parking structure. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Do not hang anything, for example
a bike rack, from the glass or liftgate. This
could damage the liftgate and its
components.
Note: Make sure that you fully close the
liftgate to prevent cargo from falling out.
The liftgate only operates with the
transmission in park (P). If there is a problem with the open or close
request, a tone sounds for one of the
following reasons:
•
The ignition is on and the transmission
is not in park (P).
• The battery voltage is below the
minimum operating voltage.
• The liftgate is not fully closed and your
vehicle speed is at or above
3 mph
(5 km/h).
If the liftgate starts to close after it has
fully opened, this indicates there may be
excessive weight on the liftgate or a
possible strut failure. A repetitive tone
sounds and the liftgate closes under
control. If the liftgate continues to close
after opening, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer. Remove any
excessive weight from the liftgate.
Opening and Closing the Liftgate WARNING:
Make sure all persons
are clear of the power liftgate area
before using the power liftgate control.
Note: Make sure the area behind your
vehicle is free from obstruction and that
there is enough room for you to operate the
liftgate. Objects too close to your vehicle,
for example a wall, garage door or another
vehicle may come into contact with the
moving liftgate. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Be careful when opening or closing
the liftgate in a garage or other enclosed
area to avoid damaging the liftgate.
Note: Do not leave the liftgate open when
you are driving. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
74
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Liftgate

Opening from the Instrument Panel
With the transmission in park
(P), press the button on the
instrument panel.
Opening with the Remote Control Press the button twice within
three seconds.
Opening with the Outside Control
Button
1. Unlock the liftgate with the remote control or power door unlock control.
If a passive key is within 3 ft (1 m) of
the liftgate, the liftgate unlocks when
you press the liftgate release button. 2.
Press the control button to the right of
the rear view camera. Note:
Allow the power system to open the
liftgate. Manually pushing or pulling the
liftgate may activate the system ’s obstacle
detection feature and stop the power
operation or reverse its direction, replicate
a strut failure, or damage mechanical
components.
Closing the Liftgate WARNING:
Keep clear of the
liftgate when using the rear switch. Press and release the liftgate button.
Stopping the Liftgate Movement
Note:
Do not apply sudden excessive force
to the liftgate while it is in motion. This
could damage the power liftgate and its
components.
You can stop the liftgate movement by
doing any of the following:
• Pressing the liftgate control button.
• Pressing the liftgate button on the
remote control twice.
• Pressing the liftgate button on the
instrument panel.
• Moving your foot under and away from
the center rear bumper in a single-kick
motion.*
75
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing LiftgateE138633 E267940 E291352 E291351