traction control FORD EXPLORER 2023 User Guide

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It’s always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the systemsapplies higher brake forces.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at whichit changes by applying the brakes to oneor more wheels individually.
Curve Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto follow the road when cornering severelyor avoiding objects in the roadway. CurveControl operates by reducing engine powerand, if necessary, applying brakes to oneor more of the wheels individually.
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Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 220).
Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
Electronic Stability Control - BaseModel
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control androll stability control systems off, but whenyou shift into reverse (R), the systemsdeactivate.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on. See Using Traction Control(page 220).
Electronic Stability Control - STModel
The system turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on. Youcan switch off the tractioncontrol portion of the systemindependently. See Using TractionControl (page 220).
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ESC Features for ST model
Traction ControlSystemElectronicStability ControlStability ControlOff LightModeButton Func-tions
EnabledEnabledOn during bulbcheckDefault - Trac-tion Control Onand NormalAdvanceTrac
Default at start-up
DisabledEnabledOnTraction ControlOffButtonmomentarilypressed - singlepress
DisabledDisabledOnAdvanceTracOffButton pressedand held for fiveseconds
EnabledEnabledOffReturn toDefaultButton pressedwhen in Trac-tion Control Offor AdvanceTracOff
Note:Do not use the AdvanceTrac Offsetting on public roadways.
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WHAT IS HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
WARNING: Hill descent controlcannot control descent in all surfaceconditions and circumstances, such asice or extremely steep grades. Hilldescent control is a driver assist systemand cannot substitute for good judgmentby the driver. Failure to do so may resultin loss of vehicle control, crash or seriousinjury.
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
Note:The system does not function below3 mph (5 km/h).
Hill descent control allows the driver to setand maintain vehicle speed whiledescending steep slopes in various surfaceconditions.
The system can maintain vehicle speedson downhill slopes between 3–20 mph(5–32 km/h). Above 20 mph (32 km/h),the system remains on but the descentspeed cannot be set or maintained.
The system requires a cool down intervalafter a period of sustained use. Theamount of time that the system canremain active before cooling varies withconditions. The system provides a warningin the message center and a tone soundswhen the system is about to disengage forcooling. At this time, manually apply thebrakes as needed to maintain descentspeed.
SWITCHING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL ON AND OFF
Press the button on the centerconsole. A light illuminates in thecontrol and a tone sounds whenthe system is active.
SETTING THE HILL DESCENT
SPEED
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
To increase the descent speed, press theaccelerator pedal until you reach the speedyou prefer.
To decrease the descent speed, press thebrake pedal until you reach the speed youprefer.
When you reach the speed you prefer,either by accelerating or decelerating,remove your feet from the pedals. Thesystem maintains the chosen vehiclespeed.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL
INDICATOR
Illuminates when you switch hilldescent control on.
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When you shift into neutral (N), the systemonly provides visual indication if yourvehicle is moving at a speed ofapproximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or below,for example, your vehicle is moving on aslope, and the system detects an objectmoving toward your vehicle. When youstop your vehicle, visual indication stopsafter four seconds.
SIDE SENSING SYSTEM (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: The system may notdetect objects with surfaces that absorbreflection. Always drive with due careand attention. Failure to take care mayresult in a crash.
WARNING: The system may notdetect small or moving objects,particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
WARNING: The parking aid systemcan only assist you to detect objectswhen your vehicle is moving at parkingspeeds. To help avoid personal injury youmust take care when using the parkingaid system.
The system uses the front and rearoutermost parking aid sensors to detectobjects that are near to the sides of yourvehicle. The system displays them on avirtual map in the information display asyour vehicle moves past them.
The sensors are on the front and rearbumpers.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover up the sensors.
Note:Do not clean the sensors with sharpobjects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damageleaving the sensors misaligned, this maycause inaccurate measurements or falsealerts.
The system may not function if:
•You switch the ignition on, off and backon within a few seconds.
•Your vehicle remains stationary for overtwo minutes.
•The anti-lock brake system activates.
•The traction control system activates.
Note:If you switch traction control off, theside sensing system also turns off.
Note:Some accessories, for example largetrailer hitches or bike or surfboard racks cancause reduced performance or false alerts.
To reinitialize the system, you may have todrive your vehicle approximately 10 ft(3 m).
The sensor coverage area is up to 24 in(60 cm) from the side of your vehicle.
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Leaving a Parking Space
The system assists leaving only parallelparking spaces.
1.Press the active park assist button.
2.Use the direction indicator lever tochoose the direction to leave.
3.Press and hold the brake pedal.
4.Release the steering wheel and shiftinto neutral (N).
5.Release the parking brake.
6.Press and hold the active park assistbutton.
7.Release the brake pedal to allow thevehicle to move.
Note: You can slow down your vehicle atany time by pressing the brake pedal.
Note:After the system drives your vehicleto a position where you can exit the parkingspace in a forward movement, a messageappears instructing you to take full controlof your vehicle.
Canceling Active Park Assist
To cancel parking assistance at any time,shift out of neutral (N).
Note:If you turn the steering wheel or openthe driver door the parking assistance alsocancels.
Pausing Active Park Assist
To pause parking assistance at any time,release the active park assist button.
The vehicle stops moving until you pressand hold the active park assist buttonagain.
Note:If you open the passenger or reardoors the parking assistance also pauses.
Active Park Assist Troubleshooting
Possible CauseSymptom
The system is unable to detect a vehicle, curb or objectto park next to, or in-between. This could occur becauseof sensors not operating correctly, not enough roomfor your vehicle, or the traction control is off.
The system does not correctlyoperate.
You may have switched traction control off.The system does not search fora parking space.The transmission is in reverse (R). Your vehicle mustbe moving forward to be able to detect a parking space.
There could be blockage on the sensors. For example,snow, ice or large accumulations of dirt. Blockedsensors can affect how the system functions.
The system does not offer aparking space.
The sensors in the front or rear bumper could bedamaged.
There is not enough room in the parking space for yourvehicle to safely park.
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WARNING: Pay close attention tochanging road conditions such asentering or leaving a highway, on roadswith intersections or roundabouts, roadswithout visible lanes of travel, roads thatare winding, slippery, unpaved, or steepslopes.
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: The system is not acrash warning or avoidance system.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwhen towing a trailer that hasaftermarket electronic trailer brakecontrols. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not use tire sizesother than those recommended becausethis can affect the normal operation ofthe system. Failure to do so may resultin a loss of vehicle control, which couldresult in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwith a snow plow blade installed.
WARNING: Do not use the systemin poor visibility, for example fog, heavyrain, spray or snow.
When Following a Vehicle
WARNING: When following avehicle that is braking, your vehicle doesnot always decelerate quickly enough toavoid a crash without driver intervention.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when thesystem is active in situations such asprolonged downhill driving on steepgrades, for example in mountainous areas.The system needs additional enginebraking in these situations to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent it from overheating.
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes foran extended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES
WITH: LANE CENTERING
Adaptive cruise control limitations applyto lane centering unless stated otherwiseor contradicted by a lane centeringlimitation. See Adaptive Cruise ControlLimitations (page 243).
The system may not correctly operate inany of the following conditions:
•The lane is too narrow or wide.
•The system does not detect at leastone lane marking or when lanes mergeor split.
•Limited steering torque input is applied.
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Optimal system performance requires aclear view of the road by thewindshield-mounted camera.
Optimal performance may not occur if:
•The camera is blocked.
•There is poor visibility or lightingconditions.
•There are bad weather conditions.
SWITCHING ADAPTIVE
CRUISE CONTROL ON AND OFF
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel. See Cruise Control (page 82).
Switching Adaptive Cruise ControlOn
Press the button to set thesystem in standby mode.
The indicator, current gap setting and setspeed appear in the information display.
Switching Adaptive Cruise ControlOff
Press the button when thesystem is in standby mode, orswitch the ignition off.
Note:You erase the set speed when youswitch the system off.
Automatic Cancellation orDeactivation
The system may cancel if:
•The tires lose traction.
•You apply the parking brake.
The system may cancel and set the parkingbrake if:
•You unbuckle the seatbelt and openthe driver door after you stop yourvehicle.
•Your vehicle is at a stop continuouslyfor more than three minutes.
The system may turn off or preventactivating when requested if:
•The vehicle has a blocked sensor.
•The brake temperature is too high.
•There is a failure in the system or arelated system.
SETTING THE ADAPTIVE
CRUISE CONTROL SPEED
Drive to the speed you prefer.
Press the toggle button upwardor downward to set the currentspeed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator, current gap setting and setspeed appear in the information display.
A vehicle image illuminates if there is avehicle detected in front of you.
Note:When adaptive cruise control isactive, the speedometer may vary slightlyfrom the set speed displayed in theinformation display.
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WHAT IS DRIVE MODE
CONTROL
Your vehicle has various drive modes thatyou can select for different drivingconditions. Depending on the drive modethat you select, the system adjusts variousvehicle settings.
HOW DOES DRIVE MODE
CONTROL WORK
Selectable drive modes change variouselectronic and mechanical settings withinyour vehicle to tailor its performance anddriving characteristics to on-road oroff-road driving conditions. Steering feeland effort, traction control, stabilitycontrol, chassis control, powertrainresponse, transmission shift points andfour-wheel driveline settings alter to apre-determined setting depending uponthe drive mode that you select.
Note:Your vehicle has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor all systems forproper operation. If a drive mode isunavailable due to a system fault, yourvehicle defaults to normal mode.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE
Note:Drive mode changes may not beavailable when the ignition is off or whenthe engine is not running.
Note:Button icons shown may vary fromyour vehicle.
Rotate the drive mode dial on the centerconsole to select or change a drive mode.
To select drive modes for RWD vehiclesuse the console mounted control.
DRIVE MODES
DEEP SNOW/SAND
For off-road driving on soft drysand or deep snow. This modeoptimizes accelerator pedalresponse, traction settings, and stabilitycontrols to help maintain forwardmomentum when driving through deepsand or snow. If your vehicle becomesstuck in deep conditions, using this modemay help it become unstuck.
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Note:Using deep snow/sand mode on dry,hard surfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire wear.
ECO
For efficient driving. This modehelps deliver maximum fuelefficiency and helps to increasedriving range.
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This modeis a perfect balance ofexcitement, comfort andconvenience. This is the default mode aftereach ignition cycle.
SLIPPERY
For less than ideal roadconditions such as snow or icecovered roads. This mode lowersthrottle response, adjusts transmissionshift points, and optimizes vehicle stabilitycontrols to help mitigate wheel spin andmaintain vehicle control when driving inwinter conditions.
Note:Using slippery mode on dry, hardsurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire wear.
SPORT
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling andresponse. This mode increasesaccelerator pedal response, enhancessteering to provide a sportier feel, andadjusts transmission shift points for quickervehicle acceleration.
TOW/HAUL
For improved transmissionoperation when towing a traileror a heavy load. This modemoves upshifts to higher engine speeds toreduce the frequency of transmissionshifting. This mode also provides enginebraking in all forward gears, which slowsyour vehicle and assists you in controllingyour vehicle when descending a slope. Theamount of downshift braking providedvaries based on the amount you press thebrake pedal.
TRAIL
For off-road driving on muddy,rutted, soft, or uneven terrain.This mode lowers throttleresponse to enhance low speed vehiclecontrol when driving off road. Additionally,the mode optimizes traction and stabilitycontrol settings, helping the vehicle tomaintain forward momentum throughloose deformable surfaces.
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