manual transmission FORD EXPLORER 2023 User Guide

The electric parking brake could applywhen you shift to park (P) without thebrake pedal fully pressed. The electricparking brake applies when you shift topark (P) on large slopes. The electricparking brake releases with the drive awayrelease function or manually. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note:A warning tone sounds if you openthe driver door and you have not shifted thetransmission selector to park (P).
Automatic Return to Park
What is Automatic Return to Park (P)
Your vehicle shifts in park (P) if youattempt to exit your vehicle without thetransmission in park (P).
How Does Automatic Return to Park (P)Work
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when yourvehicle is stationary and any of thefollowing occur:
•You switch the vehicle off.
•You open the driver door with yourseatbelt unlatched.
•You unlatch the driver seatbelt whenthe driver door is open.
Note:Do not use automatic return to park(P) when your vehicle is moving, except inan emergency. See Starting and Stoppingthe Engine (page 168).
Automatic Return to Park (P) Limitations
Automatic return to park (P) may not workif the door ajar switch is malfunctioning.
Have the system checked immediately ifany of the following occur:
•Door ajar indicator does not illuminatewith the driver door open.
•Door ajar indicator illuminates with thedriver door closed.
•Transmission not in park messageappears with the driver door closed,after you shift out of park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the transmission selector in reverse(R), your vehicle moves backward. Alwayscome to a complete stop before shiftinginto and out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission selector in neutral(N), you can start your vehicle and it is freeto roll. Hold the brake pedal down when inthis position.
Temporary Neutral Mode
What is Temporary Neutral Mode
This mode keeps your vehicle in neutral(N) when you switch your vehicle off. Usethis mode at an automatic car wash if youexit your vehicle or switch your vehicle off.
Note:Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note:Automatic return to park (P) delayswhen your vehicle is in this mode.
Temporary Neutral Mode Limitations
Your vehicle may shift to park (P) after 30minutes, or when the vehicle batterycharge level is low. Prolonged use of thismode can cause the vehicle battery to runout of charge.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.Failure to follow these instructions couldresult in vehicle damage not covered bythe vehicle warranty.
Entering Temporary Neutral Mode
1.Switch your vehicle on.
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2.Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
3.Press and hold the brake pedal.
4.Shift into neutral (N).
Note:A instructional message appears.
5.Press the manual (M), or low (L)button.
Note:A confirmation message appearswhen your vehicle enters the mode.
6.Release the brake pedal.
Note:Your vehicle is free to roll.
7.Switch your vehicle off.
Note:Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note:The neutral (N) indicator on thetransmission selector may flash in thismode.
Exiting Temporary Neutral Mode
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Shift into park (P), or switch yourvehicle on and shift into drive (D), orreverse (R).
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position forthe best fuel economy and smoothness.Shift the transmission selector to drive (D)to allow your vehicle to move forward andshift automatically through the forwardgears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriategear for optimum performance based onambient temperature, road slope, vehicleload and your input.
Manual Mode (M) - Vehicles withPaddle Shifters
With the transmission selector in manual(M), the driver can change gears up ordown. After selecting the Manual (M)button while the transmission rangeselector is in the Drive (D) position, younow have control of selecting the gear youdesire using shift buttons on the steeringwheel.
To exit manual mode, push the manual(M) button on your transmission selector.
Low (L) - Vehicles without PaddleShifters
With the transmission selector in low (L),your vehicle provides maximum enginebraking. You can shift the transmission intolow (L) at any vehicle speed. Do not useunder extended or normal drivingconditions as it results in lower fueleconomy.
Manually Shifting Gears
Shifting Using Paddle Shifters
The instrument cluster displays the currentgear. The current gear flashes when yourvehicle cannot shift into the requestedgear. Your vehicle will not shift if therequested gear raises or lowers the enginespeed beyond the limit.
Your vehicle may shift when you fully pressthe accelerator or brake pedal.
Note:Prolonged driving with high enginespeed could cause vehicle damage notcovered by vehicle warranty.
Note:When the vehicle shifts into therequested gear, it could affect drive modes.
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Manually Shifting Gears in Drive (D)
Use this feature when overtaking anothervehicle, or to temporarily change gear.
•Pull any paddle to switch the featureon.
•Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift.
•Pull the left (-) paddle to downshift.
•Hold the (+) paddle for a few secondsto switch the feature off.
Note:If you do not pull either paddle, thefeature switches off after a short period oftime.
Manually Shifting Gears in Manual (M)
Use this feature for engine braking on hillyor mountainous roads, or to select aspecific gear.
•Shift to manual (M) to switch thefeature on.
•Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift.
•Pull the left (-) paddle to downshift.
•Shift to drive (D) to switch the featureoff.
Tow Mode (If Equipped)
To activate tow mode, use thedrive mode switch on the centerconsole. See Selecting a DriveMode (page 273).
The indicator light illuminates and amessage displays in the instrument clusterwhen the system becomes active. Selecta different mode to switch the system off.
The Tow Mode Feature:
•Moves upshifts to higher engine speedsto reduce the frequency oftransmission shifting.
•Provides engine braking in all forwardgears, which slows your vehicle andassists you in controlling your vehiclewhen descending a slope.
•Depending on driving conditions andload conditions, it may downshift thetransmission, slow your vehicle andcontrol your vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without pressing theaccelerator pedal. The amount ofdownshift braking provided variesbased upon the amount you press thebrake pedal.
The tow mode feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when using towmode.
Transmission Not in Park (P)Audible Warning
Sounds if you open the driver door beforeshifting into park (P).
Manual Park Release (MPR)
WARNING: When doing thisprocedure, you need to take thetransmission out of park (P) whichmeans your vehicle can roll freely. Toavoid unwanted vehicle movement,apply the parking brake prior to doingthis procedure. Use wheel chocks ifappropriate.
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WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not drive yourvehicle until you verify that thestoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move yourtransmission from the park (P) position inthe event of an electrical malfunction oremergency.
Activating the Manual Park ReleaseCable
1.Apply the parking brake. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note:If the vehicle battery is dead, forexample, no electrical power is available,you require an external power to apply theparking brake.
2.Using a flat head screwdriver,maximum length 5 in (120 mm), asshown in the picture, carefully open theaccess cover under the arm restconsole.
3.Switch the vehicle ignition on withoutstarting the vehicle by pressing theignition push to start without pressingthe brake.
4.Once in the driver seat, fully apply thebrake pedal and hold. Do not release.
Note:A: 2.0 in (50 mm) B: 0.1 in (3.3 mm)
5.Insert a screwdriver type tool into theManual Park Release (MPR) lever slot.Pull the manual park release levertoward the rear until the detent in theslot pops up, against the tool. Allowfull upward travel of detent,approximately 0.28 in (7 mm) in thepark override mode (Click). You canremove the tool. If done correctly, amessage on the instrument clusterdisplays Park Not Available,Transmission Not in Park, or ShiftSystem Fault.
6.With your foot still fully applied on thebrake pedal, disengage the parkingbrake. See Electric Parking Brake(page 211).
7.Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) foremergency towing purposes.
8.Switch off the ignition.
9.Once safe, and there is no risk of yourvehicle rolling, disconnect the negative(black) battery cable from the battery.
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Returning Your Vehicle to NormalMode
1.Reconnect the negative (black) batterycable to the battery.
2.Apply the parking brake. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, forexample, no electrical power is available,you require an external power to apply theparking brake.
3.Fully apply the brake pedal and hold,do not release.
4.Insert the screwdriver tool fully into themanual park release lever slot. Pushthe tool downwards. The systemdetent releases and the manual parkrelease lever moves forward, allowingthe vehicle to go back into park (P).Remove the tool.
5.Install the access cover.
6.With your foot fully applied on thebrake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirmthat your vehicle is in the park (P)position and that the instrumentcluster indicates park (P).
7.If the instrument cluster does notdisplay the park (P) position or thereis a message stating park (P) is notavailable, transmission not in park (P)or a shift system fault, apply theparking brake before exiting yourvehicle and have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mudor Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,rock it out by shifting between forward andreverse gears, stopping between shifts ina steady pattern. Press lightly on theaccelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine couldoverheat.
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Note:If you shift your vehicle into park (P)on a slope and the transmission cannotsecurely hold the vehicle, the electric parkingbrake automatically applies. SeeTransmission (page 197).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake inan Emergency
Note:Do not apply the electric parkingbrake when your vehicle is moving, exceptin an emergency. If you repeatedly use theelectric parking brake to slow or stop yourvehicle, you could cause damage to thebrake system.
You can use the electric parking brake toslow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
The red warning lampilluminates, a tone sounds andthe stoplamps turn on.
The electric parking brake continues toslow your vehicle down unless you releasethe switch.
Manually Releasing the ElectricParking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch down.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, thesystem has malfunctioned. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing aTrailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until the enginehas developed sufficient torque to preventyour vehicle from rolling down the hill.
Release the switch and pullaway in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing theElectric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull awayin a normal manner.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, theelectric parking brake has not released.Manually release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric ParkingBrake if the Vehicle Battery isRunning Out of Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehiclebattery to release the electric parking brakeif the vehicle battery is running out ofcharge. See Jump Starting the Vehicle(page 293).
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HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent or if yourev the engine excessively. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The system releases the brakesautomatically once the engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intofirst gear when facing uphill or reverse(R) when facing downhill.
2.If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system activatesautomatically.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains onthe slope without rolling away forabout two to three seconds. This holdtime automatically extends if you arein the process of driving off.
4.Drive off in the normal manner. Thesystem releases the brakesautomatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal and press the pedal again whenthe system is active, you will experiencesignificantly reduced brake pedal travel. Thisis normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in theinformation display. The systemremembers the last setting when you startyour vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off.When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on.
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The fixed and active guidelines fade in andout depending on the steering wheelposition. The active guidelines do notdisplay when the steering wheel positionis straight.
Always use caution while reversing.Objects in the red zone are closest to yourvehicle and objects in the green zone arefarther away. Objects are getting closer toyour vehicle as they move from the greenzone to the yellow or red zones. Use theside view mirrors and rear view mirror toget better coverage on both sides and rearof the vehicle.
Obstacle Distance Indicator (If
Equipped)
The system will provide an image of yourvehicle and the sensor zones. The zoneswill highlight green, yellow and red whenthe parking aid sensors detect an object inthe coverage area.
Manual Zoom
WARNING: When manual zoom ison, the full area behind your vehicle maynot show. Be aware of your surroundingswhen using the manual zoom feature.
Note:Manual zoom is only available whenthe transmission is in reverse (R).
Note:When you enable manual zoom, onlythe centerline is shown.
Selectable settings for this feature areZoom in (+) and Zoom out (-). Press thesymbol in the camera screen to change theview. The default setting is Zoom OFF.
This allows you to get a closer view of anobject behind your vehicle. The zoomedimage keeps the bumper in the image toprovide a reference. The zoom is onlyactive while the transmission is in reverse(R).
Rear Camera Delay
Selectable settings for this feature are ONand OFF.
The default setting for the rear cameradelay is OFF.
When shifting the transmission out ofreverse (R) and into any gear other thanpark (P), the camera image remains in thedisplay until:
•Your vehicle speed reachesapproximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
•You shift your vehicle into park (P).
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
Note: See RecommendedTowing Weights (page 284).
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 305).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop and loadcapacity. When both theloaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page277).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable withoutaccess to wheel dollies or a vehicletransport trailer, it can be flat-towed withall wheels on the ground, regardless of thepowertrain and transmission configuration,under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Refer to the Manual Park Releaseprocedure. See AutomaticTransmission (page 197). Failing todo so could result in damage to thetransmission.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Note:If you are unsure of the vehicle’sconfiguration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-WheelDrive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. Place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Recreational Towing - Rear-WheelDrive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. We recommend towing your vehiclewith all four wheels off the ground, suchas when using a car-hauling trailer.Otherwise, you cannot recreational towyour vehicle.
Recreational Towing - All-Wheeland Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles (If
Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. We recommend towing your vehiclewith all four wheels off the ground, suchas when using a car-hauling trailer.Otherwise, you cannot recreational towyour vehicle.
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