service indicator FORD EXPLORER 2023 User Guide

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test ifthe service engine soon indicator is on ornot working properly (bulb is burned out),or if the OBD-II system has determinedthat some of the emission control systemshave not been properly checked. In thiscase, the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing. Todetermine if the vehicle is ready for I/Mtesting, turn the ignition key to the onposition for 15 seconds without crankingthe engine. If the service engine soonindicator blinks eight times, it means thatthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; ifthe service engine soon indicator stays onsolid, it means that your vehicle is readyfor I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,you can perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highwaydriving:
1.15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2.Allow your vehicle to sit for at leasteight hours with the ignition off. Then,start the vehicle and complete theabove driving cycle. The vehicle mustwarm up to its normal operatingtemperature. Once started, do not turnoff the vehicle until the above drivingcycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/Mtesting, you need to repeat the abovedriving cycle.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingEngine Emission Control

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It hasthe ability to anticipate wheel slip andtransfer torque to the front wheels beforeslip occurs. Even when wheel slip is notpresent, the system is continuouslyadjusting to the torque distribution, in anattempt to improve straight line andcornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on everytime you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,a message appears in the informationdisplay.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuouslymonitors vehicle conditions and adjuststhe power distribution between the frontand rear wheels. It combines transparentall-surface operation with highly capablefour-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active andrequires no driver input. It is capable ofhandling all road conditions includingstreet and highway driving as well asoff-road and winter driving. You canoptimize more 4WD control by selectingdifferent drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 273).
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display when a 4WD systemfault is present. See InformationMessages (page 119). A 4WD system faultcauses the 4WD system to default torear-wheel drive only mode. When thiswarning message is displayed, have yourvehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display if the 4WD systemoverheats. See Information Messages(page 119). This condition could occur if thevehicle is operated in extreme conditionswith excessive wheel slip, such as deepsand. To resume normal 4WD function assoon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safelocation and stop the engine for at least 10minutes. After the engine is restarted andthe 4WD system is adequately cooled, thewarning message turns off and normal 4WDfunction returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire otherthan the tire provided. If the mini-spare tireis installed, the 4WD system will disableand enter rear-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components. Somelimited 4WD traction could be provided ifthe mini-spare is installed on one of thefront wheels. If you are in driving conditionswhere limited 4WD traction is neededwhile the mini-spare is installed, it isrecommended the mini-spare be installedon the front axle. See InformationMessages (page 119).
If the mini-spare is installed, this conditionis indicated by a warning in the informationdisplay. If there is a warning message inthe information display from using thespare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling or replacing the normalroad tire and cycling the ignition off andon. We recommended reinstalling or
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn. Have your vehiclechecked. If the vehicle has continuousvibration or shudder in the steering wheelwhile braking, have your vehicle checked.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. Wet brakes result in reducedbraking efficiency. Gently press the brakepedal a few times when driving from a carwash or standing water to dry the brakes.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 344).
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Switch the engine off, move thetransmission to park (P) and apply theparking brake. Inspect the acceleratorpedal and the area around it for any itemsor debris that may be obstructing itsmovement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehiclechecked. If your vehicle has to be towed,we recommend that you contact aprofessional towing service.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional.
If the warning lamp does not illuminateduring start up, remains on or flashes, thesystem may be disabled. Have the systemchecked. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still operational.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 105).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch theignition on, or if it begins to flashat any time except the time during applyingor releasing the parking brake, have thesystem checked.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature simulates the engine brakingof an internal combustion engine andassist the standard brake system whilerecovering some of the energy of motionand storing it in the battery to improve fueleconomy. The standard brake system isdesigned to fully stop the car ifregenerative braking is not available.During regenerative braking, the motor isspun as a generator to create electricalcurrent. This recharges the battery andslows the vehicle. Once the acceleratorpedal is released, the motor changes froman energy user to an energy producer.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingBrakesE67020 E270480 E67024

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 277).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
A weight distributing hitch is not requiredfor your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Safe control of towed vehicles requiresseparate functioning brake systems forvehicles and trailers weighing more than1,500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.Make sure all running lights, brake lights,direction indicators and hazard flashersare working.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle. Canadian roadsidecoverage and benefits may differ from theU.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate whenthe ignition is in any position, or if the key isnot in the ignition. If used when the vehicleis not running, the battery loses charge. Asa result, there may be insufficient power torestart your vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use yourhazard flashers when yourvehicle is creating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the flasher control and all frontand rear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch themoff.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING: If your vehicle has beeninvolved in a crash, have the fuel systemchecked. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury ordeath.
Note:When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart.Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle doesnot restart after your third attempt, contacta qualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow offuel to the engine in the event of amoderate to severe crash. Not everyimpact causes a shutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1.Switch off the ignition.
2.Switch to start position.
3.Switch off the ignition.
4.Switch on the ignition to re-enable thefuel pump.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeatsteps 1 through 4.
If your vehicle has a push button startsystem:
1.Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal andSTART/STOP to switch on yourvehicle.
3.Remove your foot from the brake pedaland press START/STOP to switch offyour vehicle.
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•As with any vehicle fire, do not inhalesmoke, vapors or gas from the vehicle,as they may be hazardous.
•Stay out of the roadway and stay outof the way of any oncoming trafficwhile awaiting the arrival of emergencyresponders.
Post-Incident
•Do not store a severely damagedvehicle with a lithium-ion battery insidea structure or within 49 ft (15 m) of anystructure or vehicle.
•Make sure that passenger and luggagecompartments remain ventilated.
•Call emergency assistance if youobserve leaking fluids, sparks, smokeor flames, or hear gurgling or bubblingfrom the high-voltage battery.
POST-CRASH ALERT SYSTEM
The system flashes the direction indicatorsand sounds the horn (intermittently) in theevent of a serious impact that deploys anairbag (front, side, side curtain or SafetyCanopy) or the seatbelt pretensioners.
The horn and indicators turn off when:
•You press the hazard control button.
•You press the panic button on theremote entry transmitter (if equipped).
•Your vehicle runs out of power.
•Sounding of the horn is only enabledin specific markets.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are amember of a roadside assistance program,your roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. We donot approve a slingbelt towing procedure.If you tow your vehicle incorrectly, or byany other means, vehicle damage mayoccur.
We produce a towing manual for allauthorized tow truck operators. Have yourtow truck operator refer to this manual forproper hook-up and towing procedures foryour vehicle.
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5.Gently pull the lamp assembly awayfrom the vehicle.
6.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
7.Remove the bulb by pulling it straightout.
Rear direction indicator.A
Reverse lamp.B
LED Lamps
LED lamps are not serviceable items. Seean authorized dealer if they fail.
The following lamps are LED:
•Headlamp low beam.
•Headlamp high beam.
•Front direction indicator.
•Side direction indicator.
•Daytime running lamps.
•Front fog lamps (if equipped).
•Brake and rear lamp.
•Rear side marker lamp.
•Rear fog lamps (if equipped).
•Front side marker lamps.
•Front signature lamps.
•Central high mounted brake lamp.
License Plate Lamp
1.Use a suitable tool, for example ascrewdriver, to carefully remove thelamp.
2.Turn the bulb holder counterclockwiseand remove it.
3.Remove the bulb by pulling it straightout.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE292171 ABA12203AAE292276

As an added safety feature, your vehiclehas been equipped with a Tire PressureMonitoring System (TPMS) thatilluminates a low tire pressure telltalewhen one or more of your tires issignificantly under-inflated. Accordingly,when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and checkyour tires as soon as possible, and inflatethem to the proper pressure. Driving on asignificantly under-inflated tire causes thetire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiencyand tire tread life, and may affect thevehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not asubstitute for proper tire maintenance, andit is the driver’s responsibility to maintaincorrect tire pressure, even if under-inflationhas not reached the level to triggerillumination of the TPMS low tire pressuretelltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped witha TPMS malfunction indicator to indicatewhen the system is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressuretelltale. When the system detects amalfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and then remaincontinuously illuminated. This sequencewill continue upon subsequent vehiclestart-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator isilluminated, the system may not be ableto detect or signal low tire pressure asintended. TPMS malfunctions may occurfor a variety of reasons, including theinstallation of replacement or alternatetires or wheels on the vehicle that preventthe TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunctiontelltale after replacing one or more tires orwheels on your vehicle to ensure that thereplacement or alternate tires and wheelsallow the TPMS to continue to functionproperly.
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC Rules and with License exempt RSSStandards of Industry Canada. Operationis subject to the following two conditions:
1.This device may not cause harmfulinterference, and
2.This device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
WARNING: Changes ormodifications not expressively approvedby the party responsible for compliancecould void the user's authority to operatethe equipment. The term "IC:" before theradio certification number only signifiesthat Industry Canada technicalspecifications were met.
Changing Tires With a TirePressure Monitoring System
Note:Each road tire is equipped with a tirepressure sensor located inside the wheeland tire assembly cavity. The pressuresensor is attached to the valve stem. Thepressure sensor is covered by the tire and isnot visible unless the tire is removed. Takecare when changing the tire to avoiddamaging the sensor.
You should always have your tires servicedby an authorized dealer.
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•To reduce the chances of interferencefrom another vehicle, perform thesystem reset procedure at least 3 ft(1 m) away from another Ford MotorCompany vehicle undergoing thesystem reset procedure at the sametime.
•Do not wait more than two minutesbetween resetting each tire sensor orthe system can time-out and you haveto repeat the entire procedure on allfour wheels.
•A double horn sounds indicating theneed to repeat the procedure.
Performing the System Reset Procedure
Read the entire procedure beforeattempting.
1.Drive the vehicle above 20 mph(32 km/h) for at least two minutes,then park in a safe location where youcan easily get to all four tires and haveaccess to an air pump.
2.Place the ignition in the off position andkeep the key in the ignition.
3.Cycle the ignition to the on positionwith the engine off.
4.Turn the hazard flashers on then offthree times. You must accomplish thiswithin 10 seconds. If you successfullyenter the reset mode, the horn soundsonce, the system indicator flashes anda message shows in the informationdisplay. If this does not occur, pleasetry again starting at step 2. If afterrepeated attempts to enter the resetmode, the horn does not sound, thesystem indicator does not flash and nomessage shows in the informationdisplay, seek service from yourauthorized dealer.
5.Train the tire pressure monitoringsystem sensors in the tires using thefollowing system reset sequencestarting with the left front tire in thefollowing clockwise order: Left front -driver side front tire, Right front -passenger side front tire, Right rear -passenger side rear tire, Left rear -driver side rear tire.
6.Remove the valve cap from the valvestem on the left front tire. Decrease theair pressure until the horn sounds.
Note:The single horn tone confirms thatthe sensor identification code has beenlearned by the module for this position. If adouble horn is heard, the reset procedurewas unsuccessful, and you must repeat it.
7.Remove the valve cap from the valvestem on the right front tire. Decreasethe air pressure until the horn sounds.
8.Remove the valve cap from the valvestem on the right rear tire. Decrease theair pressure until the horn sounds.
9.Remove the valve cap from the valvestem on the left rear tire. Decrease theair pressure until the horn sounds.Training is complete after the hornsounds for the last tire trained, driverside rear tire, the system indicatorstops flashing, and a message showsin the information display.
10.Turn the ignition off. If two short hornbeeps are heard, the reset procedurewas unsuccessful and you mustrepeat it. If after repeating theprocedure and two short beeps areheard when the ignition is turned tooff, seek assistance from yourauthorized dealer.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

11.Set all four tires to the recommendedair pressure as indicated on theSafety Compliance CertificationLabel, affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latch post,next to the driver seating position orTire Label located on the B-Pillar orthe edge of the driver door.
CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
WARNING: If the tire pressuremonitor sensor becomes damaged itmay not function.
Note:You should only use tire sealants inroadside emergencies as they may causedamage to the tire pressure monitoringsystem sensor.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring systemindicator light illuminates when the sparetire is in use. To restore the full function ofthe monitoring system, all road wheelsequipped with tire pressure monitoringsensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire when driving, do notapply the brake heavily. Instead, graduallydecrease your speed. Hold the steeringwheel firmly and slowly move to a safeplace on the side of the road.
Have a flat serviced by an authorizeddealer in order to prevent damage to thetire pressure monitoring system sensors.See Tire Pressure Monitoring System(page 364). Replace the spare tire with aroad tire as soon as possible. Duringrepairing or replacing of the flat tire, havethe authorized dealer inspect the tirepressure monitoring system sensor fordamage.
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and TireAssembly Information
WARNING: Failure to follow theseguidelines could result in an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, injury ordeath.
If you have a dissimilar spare wheel andtire, then it is intended for temporary useonly. This means that if you need to use it,you should replace it as soon as possiblewith a road wheel and tire assembly thatis the same size and type as the road tiresand wheels that were originally providedby us. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheelis damaged, you should replace it ratherthan repair it.
A dissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyis defined as a spare wheel and tireassembly that is different in brand, size orappearance from the road tires and wheelsand can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tirebegins with the letter T for tire size andmay have Temporary Use Only molded inthe sidewall.
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with labelon wheel: This spare tire has a label onthe wheel that states: THIS WHEEL ANDTIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USEONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilarspare tires listed above, do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Load the vehicle beyond maximumvehicle load rating listed on the SafetyCompliance Label.
•Tow a trailer.
•Use snow chains on the end of thevehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tireat a time.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires