FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

Note:Speed sign data provided by thenavigation system contains informationintegrated to the data carrier release.
Note:The system may not detect orcorrectly read all speed signs.
Note:If your vehicle has a suspension kitnot approved by us, the system may notcorrectly function.
Note:Always replace headlamp bulbs withthose specifically designed for your vehicle.Other bulbs could reduce systemperformance.
The system turns on when you switch theignition on, and you cannot switch thesystem off.
Using Speed Sign Recognition
Setting the System Speed Warning
You can set the system speed warning toalert you when the vehicle speed exceedsthe speed limit recognized by the systemby a certain speed tolerance.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
System Display
When the system detects a speed limitsign, the speed limit appears in theinformation display.
Note:If your vehicle has a navigationsystem, stored speed sign data couldinfluence the indicated speed limit value.
To switch the system off or to adjust thesettings, use the touchscreen:
1.Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2.Press Driver Assistance.
3.Press Speed Sign Recognition.
4.Press Speed Warning.
5.Press Tolerance.
6.Use + and - to set the tolerance.
Information Messages
ActionMessage
The traffic sign data provided by the navig-ation system is unavailable due to a weaksignal, or no signal. Wait for a short periodof time for the signal to improve. If themessage continues to appear, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Traffic Sign Reduced Performance SeeManual
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem, there is no fluid reservoir, nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle, this increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates withthe brake system to help operateadvanced stability control and accidentavoidance systems. Additionally, wheneverthe battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, you must drive yourvehicle a short distance before the systemrelearns the strategy and reactivates allsystems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
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WARNING: The system does notdetect vehicles that are driving in adifferent direction, cyclists or animals.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notoperate during hard acceleration orsteering. Failure to take care may leadto a crash or personal injury.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection. Forexample low or direct sunlight, inclementweather, unconventional vehicle types,and pedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
WARNING: The system cannothelp prevent all crashes. Do not rely onthis system to replace driver judgmentand the need to maintain a safe distanceand speed.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Using the Pre-Collision AssistSystem
The system is active at speeds aboveapproximately 3 mph (5 km/h) andpedestrian detection is active at speedsup to 50 mph (80 km/h).
If your vehicle is rapidly approachinganother stationary vehicle, a vehicletraveling in the same direction as yours, ora pedestrian within your driving path, thesystem design provides three levels offunctionality:
1.Alert.
2.Brake Support.
3.Active Braking.
Alert: When active, a flashing visualwarning appears and an audible warningtone sounds.
Brake Support: The system design helpsreduce the impact speed by preparing thebrakes for rapid braking. Brake supportdoes not automatically apply the brakes.If you press the brake pedal, the systemcould apply additional braking up tomaximum braking force, even if you lightlypress the brake pedal.
Active Braking: Active braking mayactivate if the system determines that acollision is imminent. The system may helpthe driver reduce impact damage or avoidthe crash completely.
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Note:Brake support and active braking areactive at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h).If your vehicle has a radar sensor includedwith adaptive cruise control, then brakesupport and active braking are active up tothe maximum speed of the vehicle.
Note:If you perceive pre-collision assistalerts as being too frequent or disturbing,then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,though we recommend using the highestsensitivity setting where possible. Settinglower sensitivity would lead to fewer andlater system warnings.
Distance Indication and Alert (If
Equipped)
Distance indication and alert is a functionthat provides the driver with a graphicalindication of the time gap to otherpreceding vehicles traveling in the samedirection. Distance indication and alertshows one of the graphics that follow inthe information display.
If the time gap to a preceding vehicle issmall, a red visual indication displays tothe driver.
Note:Distance indication and alertdeactivates and the graphics do not displaywhen adaptive cruise control is active.
Time GapDistance GapGraphicsSensitivitySpeed
>0.9sec>82 ft (25 m)GreyNormal62 mph(100 km/h)
0.6sec —0.9sec56–82 ft(17–25 m)YellowNormal62 mph(100 km/h)
<0.6sec<56 ft (17 m)RedNormal62 mph(100 km/h)
Evasive Steering Assist (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is rapidly approaching astationary vehicle or a vehicle traveling inthe same direction as your vehicle, thesystem design helps you steer around thevehicle.
The system only activates when all of thefollowing occur:
•The system detects a vehicle aheadand starts to apply active braking.
•You turn the steering wheel in anattempt to steer around the vehicle.
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After you turn the steering wheel, thesystem applies additional steering torqueto help you steer around the vehicle. Afteryou pass the vehicle, the system appliessteering torque in the opposite direction toencourage you to steer back into the lane.The system deactivates after you fully passthe vehicle.
Note:The system does not automaticallysteer around a vehicle. If you do not turn thesteering wheel, the system does notactivate.
Note:The system does not activate if thedistance to the vehicle ahead is too smalland the system cannot avoid a crash.
Adjusting the Pre-Collision AssistSettings
You can adjust the following settings byusing the touchscreen.
•You can change Alert and DistanceAlert sensitivity to one of three possiblesettings.
•You can switch distance indication andalert on or off.
•If required, you can switch activebraking on or off.
•If required, you can switch evasivesteering assist on or off.
Note:Active braking and evasive steeringassist automatically turn on every time youswitch the ignition on.
Note:If you switch active braking off,evasive steering assist turns off.
Blocked Sensors
Camera.1.
Radar sensor (if equipped).2.
If a message regarding a blocked sensoror camera appears in the informationdisplay, you have obstructed radar signalsor camera images. If your vehicle has aradar sensor, it is behind the fascia coverin the center of the lower grille. With ablocked sensor or camera, the system maynot function, or performance may reduce.The following table lists possible causesand actions for when this messagedisplays.
Camera Troubleshooting
ActionCause
Clean the outside of the windshield in frontof the camera.The windshield in front of the camera isdirty or obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take severalminutes for the camera to detect that thereis no obstruction.
The windshield in front of the camera isclean but the message remains in thedisplay screen.
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Radar Troubleshooting (If Equipped)
ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc-tion.
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirtyor obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take severalminutes for the radar to detect that thereis no obstruction.
The surface of the radar in the grille is cleanbut the message remains in the displayscreen.
The system is temporarily disabled. Thesystem automatically reactivates a shorttime after the weather conditions improve.
Heavy rain, spray, snow or fog is interferingwith the radar signals.
The pre-collision assist system is tempor-arily disabled. The system automaticallyreactivates a short time after the weatherconditions improve.
Swirling water or snow or ice on the surfaceof the road may interfere with the radarsignals.
Have the radar checked for proper coverageand operation.Radar is out of alignment due to a front-end impact.
Note:Proper system operation requires aclear view of the road by the camera. Haveany windshield damage in the area of thecamera's field of view repaired.
Note:If something hits the front end of yourvehicle or damage occurs and your vehiclehas a radar sensor, the radar sensing zonemay change. This could cause missed orfalse detections. Contact an authorizeddealer to have the radar checked for propercoverage and operation.
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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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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Make sure that youproperly secure objects in the luggagecompartment. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryin the event of a sudden stop or crash.
WARNING: Do not place objectson the luggage cover. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death in the event of a suddenstop or crash.
WARNING: The appropriateloading capacity of your vehicle can belimited either by volume capacity (howmuch space is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight the vehicleshould carry). Once you have reachedthe maximum payload of your vehicle,do not add more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehicle cancontribute to loss of vehicle control andvehicle rollover.
WARNING: Make sure that you fullyclose the liftgate to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. If youare unable to fully close the liftgate,open the air vents or the windows toallow fresh air to enter your vehicle.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not exceed themaximum front and rear axle loads foryour vehicle.
Note:When loading long objects into yourvehicle, for example pipes, timber orfurniture be careful not to damage theinterior trim.
REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
Spare Tire Cover (If Equipped)
The system is in the floor of the cargo area.
Remove the additional cover to access thespare tire and fuel filler.
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Adjustable Load Floor (If Equipped)
Vehicles with the standard size spare tirecan adjust the load floor to two positions.At the high position, you can place the frontof the load floor on the ledge behind therear seat and on the ledge of the liftgatescuff trim. At the low position, you can tuckthe front of the load floor into the lowerforward area of the spare tire cover andrest the load floor on top of the spare tirecover, or spare tire cover weather mat.
CARGO NETS
WARNING: This net is not designedto restrain objects during a collision orheavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objectsin the cargo area. Attach the net to theanchors provided. Repeat the attachmenton both sides of the vehicle.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING: When loading the roofracks, we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well as maintaina low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,with higher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions, suchas slower speeds and increased stoppingdistance, when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
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