FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE
CONTROL
Note:Depending on your vehicle optionpackage, the controls may look differentfrom what you see here.
Note:You can switch temperature unitsbetween Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Note:You can control some of the climatefeatures through the touchscreen.
Note:For Hybrid Electric Vehicles andPlug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, the airconditioning compressor may run, and youmay feel airflow when the climate controlis off to provide cooling to the battery.
Accessing the Air DistributionControls
Press and release the button toactivate the selection screen.
From the screen, switch directed air fromthe windshield, instrument panel orfootwell vents on or off. You can direct airthrough any combination of these vents.See Climate (page 445).
Accessing the Menu
Press and release the button toaccess different climatefeatures.
Smart Zone - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle(PHEV)
If there is not an occupant in the frontpassenger seat, the climate control systemmay default to single zone to improve fueleconomy, if you were previously in dualzone operation. When this occurs, dualzone turns off and the passenger set pointchanges to match the driver set point.
Press the dual zone button on thetouchscreen or adjust the passenger setpoint to use dual zone operation withouta passenger present. The system remainsin dual zone operation until you switch thevehicle off.
You can disable or re-enable the SmartZone feature by pressing and holding thedual zone button on the touchscreen. Bothset point displays begin flashing to signifywhen the feature disables. The systemreturns to previous state after you releasethe dual zone button.
Accessing Rear Climate Controls
Press and release the button toaccess additional controls forthe rear climate system.
Setting the Blower Motor Speed
Press and release + or - to adjustthe volume of air circulated inthe vehicle.
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Setting the Temperature
Press the toggle button on the left-handside of the climate control upward ordownward to set the left-handtemperature.
Note:This control also adjusts theright-hand side temperature when youswitch off dual zone mode.
Press the toggle button on the right-handside of the climate control upward ordownward to set the right-handtemperature.
Switching Auto Mode On and Off
Press and release the button toswitch on automatic operation.Repeatedly press the button toadjust auto mode.
The system adjusts the blower motorspeed, air distribution, air conditioningoperation, and outside or recirculated airto reach and maintain the temperature youhave set.
Under high humidity conditions, the systemadjusts the blower motor speed, airdistribution and air conditioning operationto reduce window fogging.
Note:The system starts at the previoussetting when you switch on AUTO mode.
Note:You can also switch off dual zonemode by pressing and holding the buttonfor more than two seconds.
Auto Mode Indicator Status
DescriptionAuto Mode IndicatorStatus
One indicator illumin-ated.•The blower motor speed is reduced.
•Use this setting to minimize the amount of noise fromthe blower motor.
•This setting increases the time taken to cool theinterior.
Two indicators illumin-ated.•The blower motor speed is moderate.
Three indicators illumin-ated.•The blower motor speed is increased.
•Use this setting to reduce the time taken to cool theinterior.
•This setting increases the amount of noise from theblower motor.
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Switching the Air Conditioning Onand Off
Press and release the button.
Use air conditioning with recirculated airto improve cooling performance andefficiency.
Note:In certain conditions, for example,maximum defrost, the air conditioningcompressor may continue to operate eventhough you switch off the air conditioning.
Note:The A/C LED light may turn on andoff based on the temperature setting or thecurrent conditions.
Switching the Climate Control Onand Off
Press and release the button.
Switching Maximum AirConditioning On and Off
Press and release the button formaximum cooling.
The driver and passenger temperaturesare set to LO, recirculated air flows throughthe instrument panel air vents, airconditioning turns on and the blower motoradjusts to the highest speed.
Switching Maximum Defrost Onand Off
Press and release the button formaximum defrosting.
The driver and passenger temperaturesare set to HI, air flows through thewindshield air vents, and the blower motoradjusts to the highest speed.
Note:Depending on your region, airconditioning turns on.
You can also use this setting to defog andclear the windshield of a thin covering ofice.
Note:To prevent window fogging, youcannot select recirculated air whenmaximum defrost is on.
Note:The heated rear window also turnson when you select maximum defrost.
Switching Recirculated Air On andOff
Press and release the button toswitch between outside air andrecirculated air.
The air currently in the passengercompartment recirculates. This mayreduce the time needed to cool the interior,when used with A/C, and reduce unwantedodors from entering your vehicle.
Note:Recirculated air may turn offautomatically, or prevent you from switchingon in all air flow modes except MAX A/C toreduce the risk of fogging. Recirculation mayalso turn on and off automatically in variousair distribution control combinations toimprove heating or cooling efficiency.
HINTS ON CONTROLLING THE
INTERIOR CLIMATE
General Hints
Note:Prolonged use of recirculated air maycause the windows to fog up.
Note:You may feel a small amount of airfrom the footwell air vents regardless of theair distribution setting.
Note:To reduce humidity build-up insideyour vehicle, do not drive with the systemswitched off or with recirculated air alwaysswitched on.
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Note:Do not place objects under the frontseats as this may interfere with the airflowto the rear seats.
Note:Remove any snow, ice or leaves fromthe air intake area at the base of thewindshield.
Note:To improve the time to reach acomfortable temperature in hot weather,drive with the windows open until you feelcold air through the air vents.
Automatic Climate Control
Note:Adjusting the settings when yourvehicle interior is extremely hot or cold isnot necessary. Automatic mode is bestrecommended to maintain set temperature.
Note:The system adjusts to heat or coolthe interior to the temperature you selectas quickly as possible.
Note:For the system to function efficiently,the instrument panel and side air ventsshould be fully open.
Note:If you select AUTO during coldoutside temperatures, the system directsair flow to the windshield and side windowair vents. In addition, the blower motor mayrun at a slower speed until the engine warmsup.
Note:If you select AUTO during hottemperatures and the inside of the vehicleis hot, the system uses recirculated air tomaximize interior cooling. Blower motorspeed may also reduce until the air cools.
Quickly Heating the Interior
1.Press and release AUTO.
2.Adjust the temperature function to thesetting you prefer.
Recommended Settings forHeating
1.Press and release AUTO.
2.Adjust the temperature function to thesetting you prefer. Use 72°F (22°C) asa starting point, then adjust the settingas necessary.
Quickly Cooling the Interior
1.Press and release MAX A/C.
Recommended Settings forCooling
1.Press and release AUTO.
2.Adjust the temperature function to thesetting you prefer. Use 72°F (22°C) asa starting point, then adjust the settingas necessary.
Defogging the Side Windows inCold Weather
1.Press and release defrost or maximumdefrost.
2.Adjust the temperature control to thesetting you prefer. Use 72°F (22°C) asa starting point, then adjust the settingas necessary.
REAR PASSENGER CLIMATE
CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Depending on your vehicle optionpackage, the controls may look differentfrom what you see here.
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Directing Air to the Overhead AirVents
Press and release the button todirect airflow to the overhead airvents.
Directing Air to the Rear FootwellAir Vents
Press and release the button todirect airflow to rear footwell airvents.
Rear Climate Control LockIndicator
When illuminated, you can onlyoperate the rear passengersettings through the frontcontrols.
Setting the Rear Blower MotorSpeed
Turn the control to adjust the volume ofair circulated in the rear passengercompartment.
Setting the Rear Temperature
Turn the control to set the temperature inthe rear passenger compartment.
Switching the Rear ClimateControl On and Off
Press and release the button.
Switching the Rear Heated SeatsOn and Off (If Equipped)
See Heated Seats (page 156).
HEATED WINDSHIELD (IF
EQUIPPED)
Windshield Wiper De-Icer
When you switch the heated rearwindow on, the windshield wiperde-icer turns on.
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HEATED REAR WINDOW
Press the button to clear the rearwindow of thin ice and fog. Theheated rear window turns offafter a short period of time.
Note:Do not use harsh chemicals, razorblades or other sharp objects to clean orremove decals from the inside of the heatedrear window. The vehicle warranty may notcover damage to the heated rear windowgrid lines.
HEATED EXTERIOR MIRRORS
(IF EQUIPPED)
When you switch the heated rear windowon, the heated exterior mirrors turn on.
Note:Do not remove ice from the mirrorswith a scraper or adjust the mirror glasswhen it is frozen in place.
Note:Do not clean the mirror housing orglass with harsh abrasives, fuel or otherpetroleum-based cleaning products. Thevehicle warranty may not cover damagecaused to the mirror housing or glass.
REMOTE START (IF EQUIPPED)
The climate control system adjusts theinterior temperature during remote start.
You can switch this feature on or off andadjust the settings using the touchscreen.See Settings (page 458).
You cannot adjust the climate controlsetting during remote start operation.Switch the ignition on to makeadjustments.
Based on your remote start settings, thefollowing vehicle-dependent features mayor may not remain on after remote startingyour vehicle:
•Climate controlled seats.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Heated mirrors.
•Heated rear window.
•Windshield wiper de-icer.
Note:For dual zone climate controlledseats, the passenger seat setting defaultsto match the driver seat during remote start.
Automatic Settings
If Auto is on, the system sets the interiortemperature to 72°F (22°C) and heats orcools the vehicle interior as required toachieve comfort.
Note:In cold weather, the heated rearwindow and heated mirrors turn on.
Last Settings
If Last Settings is on, the system uses thesettings last selected before you turnedoff the vehicle.
Heated and Cooled Features
In Auto mode, certain heated features mayswitch on during cold weather, and cooledfeatures during hot weather.
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WHAT IS THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
The cabin air filter improves the quality ofair in your vehicle by trapping dust, pollenand other particles.
REPLACING THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
Replace the filter at regular intervals. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 476).
The cabin air filter is behind the glovecompartment.
To remove the lower glove compartmentand access the filter:
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Press the tab on each side.
3.Fully lower the glove compartment.
4.Pull the glove compartment towardyou.
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SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION
WARNING: Sitting improperly, outof position or with the seatback reclinedtoo far can take weight off the seatcushion and affect the decision of thepassenger sensing system, resulting inserious injury or death in the event of acrash. Always sit upright against yourseat back, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING: Do not recline the seatbackrest too far as this can cause theoccupant to slide under the seatbelt,resulting in personal injury in the eventof a crash.
WARNING: Do not place objectshigher than the top of the seat backrest.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death in theevent of a sudden stop or crash.
When you use them properly, the seat,head restraint, seatbelt and airbags willprovide optimum protection in the eventof a crash.
We recommend that you follow theseguidelines:
•Sit in an upright position with the baseof your spine as far back as possible.
•Do not recline the seat backrest so thatyour torso is more than 30 degreesfrom the upright position.
•Adjust the head restraint so that thetop of it is level with the top of yourhead and as far forward as possible.Make sure that you remaincomfortable.
•Keep sufficient distance betweenyourself and the steering wheel. Werecommend a minimum of 10 in(25 cm) between your breastbone andthe airbag cover.
•Hold the steering wheel with your armsslightly bent.
•Bend your legs slightly so that you canpress the pedals fully.
•Position the shoulder strap of theseatbelt over the center of yourshoulder and position the lap straptightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position iscomfortable and that you can maintain fullcontrol of your vehicle.
HEAD RESTRAINTS
WARNING: Fully adjust the headrestraint before you sit in or operate yourvehicle. This will help minimize the riskof neck injury in the event of a crash. Donot adjust the head restraint when yourvehicle is moving.
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WARNING: The head restraint is asafety device. Whenever possible itshould be installed and properlyadjusted when the seat is occupied.Failure to adjust the head restraintproperly could reduce its effectivenessduring certain impacts.
Note:Adjust the seat backrest to an uprightdriving position before adjusting the headrestraint. Adjust the head restraint so thatthe top of it is level with the top of your headand as far forward as possible. Make surethat you remain comfortable. If you areextremely tall, adjust the head restraint toits highest position.
Adjusting the Head Restraints
Front Seat Head Restraints
The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing headrestraint.A
Two steel stems.B
Guide sleeve adjust and releasebutton.C
Raising the Head Restraint
Pull the head restraint up.
Lowering the Head Restraint
1.Press and hold the C button.
2.Push the head restraint down.
Second Row Center Seat HeadRestraint (If Equipped)
The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing headrestraint.A
Two steel stems.B
Guide sleeve adjust and releasebuttons.C
Removing the Head Restraint
1.Press and hold the C buttons.
2.Pull the head restraint up.
Installing the Head Restraint
Align the steel stems into the guide sleevesand push the head restraint down until itlocks.
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Second Row Outermost Seat HeadRestraints
The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing headrestraint.A
Two steel stems.B
Guide sleeve unlock and removebuttons.C
Removing the Head Restraint
1.Press and hold the C buttons.
2.Pull the head restraint up.
Installing the Head Restraint
Align the steel stems into the guide sleevesand push the head restraint down until itlocks.
Third Row Seat Head Restraints
The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing headrestraint.A
Two steel stems.B
Fold strap.C
Folding the Head Restraint
Pull the fold strap (C). Pull the headrestraint back up to reset.
Note:Press the stow or fold button on thepower folding seats to fold the headrestraint.
MANUAL SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Moving the Seat Backward andForward
WARNING: Do not adjust the driverseat or seat backrest when your vehicleis moving. This may result in sudden seatmovement, causing the loss of controlof your vehicle.
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