service FORD EXPLORER 2023 User Guide

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Airbags do not inflateslowly or gently, and the risk of injuryfrom a deploying airbag is the greatestclose to the trim covering the airbagmodule.
WARNING: All occupants of yourvehicle, including the driver, shouldalways properly wear their seatbelts,even when an airbag supplementalrestraint system is provided. Failure toproperly wear your seatbelt couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
WARNING: Even with advancedrestraints systems, properly restrainchildren 12 and under in a rear seatingposition. Failure to follow this couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not place your armson the airbag cover or through thesteering wheel. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Keep the areas in frontof the airbags free from obstruction. Donot affix anything to or over the airbagcovers. Objects could become projectilesduring airbag deployment or in a suddenstop. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Airbags can kill or injurea child in a child restraint. Never place arear-facing child restraint in front of anactive airbag. If you must use aforward-facing child restraint in the frontseat, move the seat upon which the childrestraint is installed all the way back.
WARNING: Do not attempt toservice, repair, or modify thesupplementary restraint system orassociated components. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: Several airbag systemcomponents get hot after inflation. Toreduce the risk of injury, do not touchthem after inflation.
WARNING: If a supplementaryrestraint system component hasdeployed, it will not function again. Havethe system and associated componentsinspected as soon as possible. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
The airbags are a supplemental restraintsystem and are designed to work with theseatbelts to help protect the driver andright front passenger from certain upperbody injuries. Airbags do not inflate slowly;there is a risk of injury from a deployingairbag.
Note:You will hear a loud bang and see acloud of harmless powdery residue if anairbag deploys. This is normal.
The airbags inflate and deflate rapidlyupon activation. After airbag deployment,it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powderyresidue or smell the burnt propellant. Thismay consist of cornstarch, talcum powder(to lubricate the bag) or sodiumcompounds (for example, baking soda)that result from the combustion processthat inflates the airbag. Small amounts ofsodium hydroxide may be present whichmay irritate the skin and eyes, but none ofthe residue is toxic.
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After all occupants have adjusted theirseats and put on seatbelts, it is veryimportant that they continue to sitproperly. A properly seated occupant sitsupright, leaning against the seat backrest,and centered on the seat cushion, withtheir feet comfortably extended on thefloor. Sitting improperly can increase thechance of injury in a crash event. Forexample, if an occupant slouches, liesdown, turns sideways, sits forward, leansforward or sideways, or puts one or bothfeet up, the chance of injury during a crashgreatly increases.
Make sure the front passengersensing system is operatingproperly. See Crash Sensorsand Airbag Indicator (page 52).
Do not attempt to repair or service thesystem. Take your vehicle immediately toan authorized dealer.
If it is necessary to modify an advancedfront airbag system to accommodate aperson with disabilities, contact ourCustomer Relationship Center. SeeGetting the Services You Need (page298).
SIDE AIRBAGS
WARNING: Do not place objectsor mount equipment on or near theairbag cover, on the side of the front orrear seatbacks, or in areas that maycome into contact with a deployingairbag. Failure to follow theseinstructions may increase the risk ofpersonal injury in the event of a crash.
WARNING: Accessory seat coversnot released by Ford Motor Companycould prevent the deployment of theairbags and increase the risk of injuriesin a crash.
WARNING: Do not lean your headon the door. The side airbag could injureyou as it deploys from the side of theseatback.
WARNING: Do not attempt toservice, repair, or modify thesupplementary restraint system orassociated components. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: If a supplementaryrestraint system component hasdeployed, it will not function again. Havethe system and associated componentsinspected as soon as possible. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
The side airbags are on the outermost sideof the front seat backrests. In certainsideways crashes or rollover events, theside airbags will be inflated. The airbagwas designed to inflate between the doorpanel and occupant to further enhance theprotection provided to occupants in sideimpact crashes.
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The system consists of the following:
•A label or embossed side panelindicating that your vehicle has sideairbags.
•Side airbags inside the driver and frontpassenger seat backrests.
Crash sensors and monitoringsystem with readiness indicator.See Crash Sensors and AirbagIndicator (page 52).
The design and development of the sideairbag system included recommendedtesting procedures that were developedby a group of automotive safety expertsknown as the Side Airbag TechnicalWorking Group. These recommendedtesting procedures help reduce the risk ofinjuries related to the deployment of sideairbags.
DRIVER AND PASSENGER
KNEE AIRBAGS
Driver and passenger knee airbags arelocated under or within the instrumentpanel. During a crash, the restraints controlmodule may activate the driver andpassenger knee airbags (individually orboth) based on crash severity andrespective occupant conditions. Undercertain crash and occupant conditions, thedriver and passenger knee airbags maydeploy (individually or both) but thecorresponding front airbag may notactivate. As with front and side airbags, itis important to be properly seated andrestrained to reduce the risk of death orserious injury.
Make sure the knee airbags areoperating properly. See CrashSensors and Airbag Indicator(page 52).
SAFETY CANOPY™
WARNING: Do not place objectsor mount equipment on or near theheadliner at the siderail that may comeinto contact with a deploying curtainairbag. Failure to follow theseinstructions may increase the risk ofpersonal injury in the event of a crash.
WARNING: Do not lean your headon the door. The curtain airbag couldinjure you as it deploys from theheadliner.
WARNING: Do not attempt toservice, repair, or modify thesupplementary restraint system orassociated components. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: All occupants of yourvehicle, including the driver, shouldalways properly wear their seatbelts,even when an airbag supplementalrestraint system is provided. Failure toproperly wear your seatbelt couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
WARNING: To reduce risk of injury,do not obstruct or place objects in thedeployment path of the airbag.
WARNING: If a supplementaryrestraint system component hasdeployed, it will not function again. Havethe system and associated componentsinspected as soon as possible. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
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The restraints control module alsomonitors the readiness of the above safetydevices plus the crash and occupantsensors. The readiness of the safetysystem is indicated by a warning indicatorlight in the instrument cluster or by abackup tone if the warning light is notworking. Routine maintenance of theairbag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated byone or more of the following:
•The readiness light will not illuminateimmediately after you switch theignition on.
•The readiness light either flashes orstays lit.
•A series of five beeps is heard. The tonepattern repeats periodically until theproblem, the light or both are repaired.
If any of these things happen, evenintermittently, have the supplementalrestraint system serviced at an authorizeddealer immediately. Unless serviced, thesystem may not function properly in theevent of a crash.
The restraint system is designed toactivate when the vehicle sustainsconditions sufficient to cause the restraintcontrol module to deploy a safety device.
The fact that not all the safety devicesactivate for all occupants in a crash doesnot mean something is wrong with thesystem. Rather, it means the restraintscontrol module determined the accidentconditions (crash severity, type of crash,belt usage) were not appropriate toactivate these safety devices.
•The front airbags are designed toactivate only in frontal and near-frontalcrashes (not rollovers, side impacts orrear impacts) unless the crash causessufficient frontal deceleration.
•The seatbelt pretensioners aredesigned to activate in frontal,near-frontal and side crashes, and inrollovers.
•The knee airbag(s) may deploy basedon crash severity and occupantconditions.
•The side airbags are designed to inflatein certain side impact crashes orrollover events. Side airbags mayactivate in other types of crashes if yourvehicle experiences sufficient sidewaysmotion or deformation, or a certainlikelihood of rollover.
•The Safety Canopy is designed toinflate in certain side impact crashesor rollover events. The Safety Canopymay activate in other types of crashesif your vehicle experiences sufficientsideways motion or deformation, or acertain likelihood of rollover.
AIRBAG DISPOSAL
Contact your authorized dealer as soon aspossible. Airbags must be disposed of byqualified personnel.
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WHAT IS 911 ASSIST
911 Assist is a SYNC system feature thatcan call for help.
For more information, visitwww.owner.ford.com.
HOW DOES 911 ASSIST WORK
If a crash deploys an airbag, excluding kneeairbags and rear inflatable seatbelts, oractivates the fuel pump shut-off, yourvehicle may be able to contact emergencyservices by dialing 911 through a paired andconnected Bluetooth® enabled phone.
Not all crashes deploy an airbag or activatethe fuel pump shut-off. If a connected cellphone sustains damage or loses itsconnection to SYNC during a crash, SYNCsearches for and tries to connect to apreviously paired cell phone. SYNC thenattempts to call the emergency services.
Before making the call:
•SYNC provides about 10 seconds tocancel the call. If you fail to cancel thecall, SYNC attempts to dial 911.
•SYNC says the following, or a similarmessage: SYNC will attempt to call 911,to cancel the call, press Cancel on yourscreen or press and hold the phonebutton on your steering wheel.
If you do not cancel the call and SYNCmakes a successful call a pre-recordedmessage plays for the 911 operator. Theoccupants in your vehicle are able to talkwith the operator. Be prepared to provideyour name, phone number and locationimmediately because not all 911 systemsare capable of receiving this informationelectronically.
During an emergency call the systemtransmits vehicle data to the emergencyservice.
EMERGENCY CALL
REQUIREMENTS
WARNING: Do not wait for 911Assist to make an emergency call if youcan do it yourself. Dial emergencyservices immediately to avoid delayedresponse time which could increase therisk of serious injury or death after acrash. If you do not hear 911 Assist withinfive seconds of the crash, the system orphone may be damaged ornon-functional.
WARNING: Always place yourphone in a secure location in your vehicleso it does not become a projectile or getdamaged in a crash. Failure to do so maycause serious injury to someone ordamage the phone which could prevent911 Assist from working properly.
WARNING: Unless the 911 Assistsetting is set on before a crash, thesystem will not dial for help which coulddelay response time, potentiallyincreasing the risk of serious injury ordeath after a crash.
•SYNC must be powered and workingproperly at the time of the incident andthroughout feature activation and use.
•The 911 Assist feature must be set onbefore the incident.
•You must pair and connect aBluetooth® enabled and compatiblecell phone to SYNC.
•A connected Bluetooth® enabledphone must have the ability to makeand maintain an outgoing call at thetime of the incident.
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Car Finder
Press the button twice withinthree seconds. The horn soundsand the direction indicatorsflash. We recommend you use this methodto locate your vehicle, rather than usingthe panic alarm.
Sounding the Panic Alarm
Press the button to sound thepanic alarm. Press the buttonagain or switch the ignition on toturn it off.
Note:The panic alarm only operates whenthe ignition is off.
Remote Start (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not start the enginein a closed garage or in other enclosedareas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Alwaysopen the garage door before you startthe engine. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
The remote start button is on theremote control.
This feature allows you to start yourvehicle from the outside. Your remotecontrol has an extended operating range.
If your vehicle has automatic climatecontrol, you can configure it to operatewhen you remote start your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 137).A manualclimate control system runs at the settingit was set to when you switched yourvehicle off.
Many states and provinces haverestrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provinciallaws for specific requirements regardingremote 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 theminimum operating voltage.
•The service engine soon light is on.
Note: Do not use remote start if your fuellevel is low.
Remote Control Feedback (IfEquipped)
An LED on the remote control providesstatus feedback of remote start or stopcommands.
StatusLED
Remote startsuccessfulSolid green
Remote stopsuccessfulSolid red
Request failed orstatus not receivedBlinking red
Status incompleteBlinking green
Remote Starting Your Vehicle
Note: You must press each button withinthree seconds of each other. If you do notfollow this sequence, your vehicle does notstart remotely, the direction indicators donot flash twice and the horn does not sound.
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High Voltage Electric SystemFailure (If Equipped)
It illuminates if your hybridelectric vehicle has an electricalcomponent fault or failure thatcauses your vehicle to shutdown or entera limited operating mode. A message mayappear in the instrument cluster display.
Hill Descent (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch hilldescent on.
Hood Ajar
Illuminates when the ignition ison and the hood is notcompletely closed.
Lamps On
Illuminates when you switch thelow beam headlamps or theparking lamps on.
Liftgate Ajar
Illuminates when the liftgate isnot completely closed.
Low Beam Warning
Illuminates when the low beamheadlamp bulb is not properlyfunctioning.
Low Fuel Level
Illuminates when the fuel levelis low or the fuel tank is nearlyempty. Refuel as soon aspossible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Illuminates when the tirepressure is low. If the lampremains on with the enginerunning or when driving, check the tirepressure as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lampis functional. If it does not illuminate whenyou switch the ignition on, or begins toflash at any time, have the systemchecked.
Low Washer Fluid
Illuminates when the windshieldwasher fluid is low.
Powertrain Fault
Illuminates when the systemdetects a powertrain or a4WD/AWD fault. Contact anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
Ready to Drive (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you haveswitched on your hybrid electricvehicle and it is ready to drive. Acorresponding message may appearstating ready to drive.
Service Engine Soon
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on prior to enginestart to check the bulb and toindicate whether your vehicle is ready forInspection and Maintenance testing.
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Active Park
ActionMessage
The system requires service. Have the system checked as soon aspossible.Active Park Fault
Adaptive Cruise Control
ActionMessage
A radar concern is preventing the adaptive cruise from engaging.See How Does Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go Work(page 241).
Adaptive CruiseMalfunction
Front Sensor NotAligned
Conditions exist such that the adaptive cruise cannot functionproperly. See How Does Adaptive Cruise Control With Stopand Go Work (page 241).
Adaptive CruiseNot Available
The radar is blocked because of poor radar visibility due to inclementweather, ice, mud or water in front of radar. You can typically cleanthe sensor to resolve. See How Does Adaptive Cruise ControlWith Stop and Go Work (page 241).
Adaptive CruiseNot AvailableSensor BlockedSee Manual
Displays when the system disables automatic braking.Normal CruiseActive AdaptiveBraking Off
Displays when the system reinstates adaptive cruise control to you.Adaptive Cruise -Driver ResumeControl
Displays when the vehicle speed is too slow to activate the adaptivecruise.Adaptive CruiseSpeed Too Low toActivate
Adaptive Headlamps
ActionMessage
Displays when the system detects a concern. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.Check HeadlampSystem SeeManual
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AdvanceTrac™ and Traction Control
ActionMessage
The system detects a condition that requires service. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible.Service Advan-ceTrac
The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switch it off.AdvanceTrac Off
The status of the AdvanceTrac system after you switch it on.AdvanceTrac On
The system is off while the vehicle is in 4x4 low.AdvanceTrac OFFin 4x4 LOW
The status of the AdvanceTrac sport mode after you switch it on.AdvanceTracSPORT MODE
The status of the traction control system after you switch it off.Traction ControlOff
The status of the traction control system after you switch it on.Traction ControlOn
Alarm
ActionMessage
Alarm triggered due to unauthorized entry. See Anti-Theft Alarm(page 77).Vehicle Alarm ToStop Alarm, StartVehicle.
Battery and Charging System (12 volt)
ActionMessage
The charging system needs servicing. If the warning stays on orcontinues to come on, have the system checked as soon as possible.Check ChargingSystem
The charging system needs servicing. If the warning stays on orcontinues to come on have the system checked as soon as possible.Charging SystemService Soon
The charging system needs servicing. Have the system checked assoon as possible.Charging SystemService Now
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ActionMessage
The battery management system determines that the 12V batteryis at a low state of charge. Start the engine to charge the batteryor charge the battery using an aftermarket battery charger. Thismessage clears once you restart your vehicle and the battery stateof charge has recovered.
Battery State ofCharge Low
The battery management system determines that the battery is ata low state of charge. Turn the ignition off as soon as possible toprotect the battery. This message will clear once the vehicle hasbeen started and the battery state of charge has recovered. Turningoff unnecessary electrical loads will allow faster battery state-of-charge recovery.
Turn Power Off ToSave Battery
Displays when the battery management system detects anextended low-voltage condition. Various vehicle features will bedisabled to help preserve the battery. Turn off as many of theelectrical loads as soon as possible to improve system voltage. Ifthe system voltage has recovered, the disabled features will operateagain as normal.
Low BatteryFeatures Tempor-arily Turned Off
Battery and Charging System (High Voltage)
ActionMessage
Displays when the stop safety hazard warning lamp is illuminated.This indicates an electrical component that requires service. Thiscauses the vehicle to shut down or enter into limited operatingmode.
Stop Safely Now
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System
ActionMessage
A system error has occurred. Have the system checked as soon aspossible.Blind Spot SystemFault
The system sensors are blocked. See Blind Spot InformationSystem (page 259).Blind Spot NotAvailable SensorBlocked SeeManual
The system detects a vehicle and automatically applied the brakes.Cross Traffic AlertApplying Brakes
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