child seat FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Manual

We recommend that all seatbeltassemblies in use in vehicles involved in acrash be replaced. However, if the crashwas minor and an authorized dealer findsthat the belts do not show damage andcontinue to operate properly, they do notneed to be replaced. Seatbelt assembliesnot in use during a crash should also beinspected and replaced if either damageor improper operation is noted.
Properly care for seatbelts. See VehicleCare (page 339).
SEATBELT EXTENSIONS
WARNING: Persons who fit intothe vehicle's seatbelt should not use anextension. Unnecessary use could resultin serious personal injury in the event ofa crash.
WARNING: Only use extensionsprovided free of charge by our dealers.The dealer will provide an extensiondesigned specifically for this vehicle,model year and seating position. The useof an extension intended for anothervehicle, model year or seating positionmay not offer you the full protection ofyour vehicle's seatbelt restraint system.
WARNING: Never use seatbeltextensions to install child restraints.
WARNING: Do not use extensionsto change the way the seatbelt fitsacross the torso, over the lap or to makethe seatbelt buckle easier to reach.
If, because of body size or driving position,it is not possible to properly fasten theseatbelt over your lap and shoulder, anextension that is compatible with theseatbelts is available free of charge fromour dealers. Only use our seatbeltextensions made by the original equipmentseatbelt manufacturer with our seatbelts.Ask your authorized dealer if your extensionis compatible with your vehicle restraintsystem.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSeatbelts

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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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints System

While the system is designed to helpreduce serious injuries, contact with adeploying airbag may also cause abrasionsor swelling. Temporary hearing loss is alsoa possibility as a result of the noiseassociated with a deploying airbag.Because airbags must inflate rapidly andwith considerable force, there is the risk ofdeath or serious injuries such as fractures,facial and eye injuries or internal injuries,particularly to occupants who are notproperly restrained or are otherwise out ofposition at the time of airbag deployment.Thus, it is extremely important thatoccupants be properly restrained as faraway from the airbag module as possiblewhile maintaining vehicle control.
Routine maintenance of the airbags is notrequired.
DRIVER AND PASSENGER
AIRBAGS
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.
The driver and front passenger airbags willdeploy during significant frontal and nearfrontal crashes.
The driver and passenger front airbagsystem consists of:
•Driver and passenger airbag modules.
•Front passenger sensing system.
· Crash sensors and monitoringsystem with readiness indicator.See Crash Sensors and AirbagIndicator (page 52).
Proper Driver and Front PassengerSeating Adjustment
WARNING: National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)recommends a minimum distance of atleast 10 in (25 cm) between anoccupant's chest and the driver airbagmodule.
To properly position yourself away fromthe airbag:
•Move your seat to the rear as far as youcan while still reaching the pedalscomfortably.
•Recline the seat slightly (one or twodegrees) from the upright position.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints SystemE151127 E67017

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 seatback, andcentered on the seat cushion, with theirfeet comfortably extended on the floor.Sitting improperly can increase the chanceof injury in a crash event. For example, ifan occupant slouches, lies down, turnssideways, sits forward, leans forward orsideways, or puts one or both feet up, thechance of injury during a crash is greatlyincreased.
Children and Airbags
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.
Children must always be properlyrestrained. Accident statistics suggest thatchildren are safer when properly restrainedin the rear seating positions than in thefront seating position. Failure to followthese instructions may increase the risk ofinjury in a crash.
FRONT PASSENGER SENSING
SYSTEM
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: Sitting improperly, outof position or with the seatback reclinedtoo far can take weight off the seatcushion and affect the decision of thepassenger sensing system, resulting inserious injury or death in the event of acrash. Always sit upright against yourseat back, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING: Any alteration ormodification to the front passenger seatmay affect the performance of the frontpassenger sensing system. This couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
This system works with sensors that arepart of the front passenger seat andseatbelt to detect the presence of aproperly-seated occupant and determineif the front passenger frontal airbag shouldbe enabled (may inflate) or not.
The front passenger sensing system usesa passenger airbag status indicator thatilluminates indicating that the frontpassenger frontal airbag is either on(enabled) or off (disabled).
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints SystemE142846 E181984

The indicators are on the overheadconsole.
Note:The indicators illuminate briefly whenyou first switch the ignition on to confirmthey are functional.
The front passenger sensing system isdesigned to disable (will not inflate) thefront passenger frontal airbag when thefront passenger seat is unoccupied, or arear facing infant seat, a forward-facingchild restraint, or a booster seat isdetected. Even with this technology,parents are strongly encouraged toalways properly restrain children in the rearseat.
•When the front passenger sensingsystem disables (will not inflate) thefront passenger frontal airbag, theairbag off indicator illuminates andstays lit to remind you that the frontpassenger frontal airbag is disabled.
•If you have installed the child restraintand the airbag on indicator illuminates,switch the vehicle off, remove the childrestraint from the vehicle and reinstallthe restraint according to the childrestraint manufacturer's instructions.
The front passenger sensing system isdesigned to enable (may inflate) the frontpassenger frontal airbag anytime thesystem senses that a person of adult sizeis sitting properly in the front passengerseat.
•When the front passenger sensingsystem enables the front passengerfrontal airbag (may inflate), the airbagon indicator illuminates and remainsilluminated.
If a person of adult size is sitting in the frontpassenger seat, but the airbag off indicatoris lit, it is possible that the person is notsitting properly in the seat. If this happens:
•Switch the vehicle off and ask theperson to place the seat backrest in anupright position.
•Have the person sit upright in the seat,centered on the seat cushion, with theperson’s legs comfortably extended.
•Restart the vehicle and have the personremain in this position for about twominutes. This allows the system todetect that person and enables thepassenger frontal airbag.
•If the airbag off indicator remains liteven after this, advise the person toride in the rear seat.
Passenger AirbagPassenger Airbag StatusIndicatorOccupant
DisabledOFF: LitEmpty
ON: Unlit
DisabledOFF: LitChild
ON: Unlit
EnabledOFF: UnlitAdult
ON: Lit
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints System

The Safety Canopy will deploy duringsignificant side crashes or when a certainlikelihood of a rollover event is detectedby the rollover sensor. The Safety Canopyis mounted to the roof side-rail sheetmetal, behind the headliner, above eachrow of seats. In certain sideways crashesor rollover events, the Safety Canopy willbe activated, regardless of which seats areoccupied. The Safety Canopy is designedto inflate between the side window areaand occupants to further enhanceprotection provided in side impact crashesand rollover events.
The system consists of the following:
•Safety canopy curtain airbags abovethe trim panels over the front and rearside windows identified by a label orwording on the headliner or roof-pillartrim.
•A flexible headliner which opens abovethe side doors to allow air curtaindeployment
· Crash sensors and monitoringsystem with readiness indicator.See Crash Sensors and AirbagIndicator (page 52).
Always properly restrain children 12 yearsold and under in the rear seats. The SafetyCanopy will not interfere with childrenrestrained using a properly installed childor booster seat because it is designed toinflate downward from the headliner abovethe doors along the side window opening.
The design and development of the SafetyCanopy included recommended testingprocedures that were developed by agroup of automotive safety experts knownas the Side Airbag Technical WorkingGroup. These recommended testingprocedures help reduce the risk of injuriesrelated to the deployment of side airbags(including the Safety Canopy).
CRASH SENSORS AND
AIRBAG INDICATOR
WARNING: Modifying or addingequipment to the front of your vehiclecould affect the performance of theairbag system, increasing the risk ofinjury. This includes the hood, bumpersystem, frame, front body structure, towhooks, hood pins, push bar andsnowplows.
Your vehicle has a collection of crash andoccupant sensors which provideinformation to the restraints controlmodule. The restraints control moduledeploys (activates) the seatbeltpretensioners, driver airbag, passengerairbag, knee airbag(s), seat mounted sideairbags and the Safety Canopy. Based onthe type of crash, the restraints controlmodule deploys the appropriate safetydevices.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints System E75004 E67017

POWER LIFTGATE
WARNING: It is extremelydangerous to ride in a cargo area, insideor outside of a vehicle. In a crash, peopleriding in these areas are more likely to beseriously injured or killed. Do not allowpeople to ride in any area of your vehiclethat is not equipped with seats andseatbelts. Make sure everyone in yourvehicle is in a seat and properly using aseatbelt. Failure to follow this warningcould result in serious personal injury ordeath.
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: Keep keys out of reachof children. Do not allow children tooperate or play near an open or movingpower liftgate. You should supervise theoperation of the power liftgate at alltimes.
Note: Make sure that you close the liftgatebefore operating or moving your vehicle,especially in an enclosure, like a garage ora parking structure. This could damage theliftgate and its components.
Note: Do not hang anything, for examplea bike rack, from the glass or liftgate. Thiscould damage the liftgate and itscomponents.
Note:Make sure that you fully close theliftgate to prevent cargo from falling out.
The liftgate only operates with thetransmission in park (P).
If there is a problem with the open or closerequest, a tone sounds for one of thefollowing reasons:
•The ignition is on and the transmissionis not in park (P).
•The battery voltage is below theminimum operating voltage.
•The liftgate is not fully closed and yourvehicle speed is at or above 3 mph(5 km/h).
If the liftgate starts to close after it hasfully opened, this indicates there may beexcessive weight on the liftgate or apossible strut failure. A repetitive tonesounds and the liftgate closes undercontrol. If the liftgate continues to closeafter opening, have the system checkedby an authorized dealer. Remove anyexcessive weight from the liftgate.
Opening and Closing the Liftgate
WARNING: Make sure all personsare clear of the power liftgate areabefore using the power liftgate control.
Note: Make sure the area behind yourvehicle is free from obstruction and thatthere is enough room for you to operate theliftgate. Objects too close to your vehicle,for example a wall, garage door or anothervehicle may come into contact with themoving liftgate. This could damage theliftgate and its components.
Note:Be careful when opening or closingthe liftgate in a garage or other enclosedarea to avoid damaging the liftgate.
Note: Do not leave the liftgate open whenyou are driving. This could damage theliftgate and its components.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLiftgate

ActionMessage
Indicates a driver door fault that requires manually opening thedoor by the override lever. Have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Driver Door FaultUse Inside Over-ride Lever In MapPocket
Indicates a fault with the electronic door system. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.Door Fault ServiceRequired
There is a system malfunction with the child locks. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.Child LockMalfunctionService Required
Indicates that the rear seat interior door release switches and powerwindows are switched off, preventing rear seat occupants fromopening the doors or windows.
Child Lock ON
Indicates that the rear seat interior door release switches and powerwindows are switched on, allowing the rear seat occupants to openthe doors and windows.
Child Lock OFF
The factory keypad code displays in the information display afterthe system resets the keypad. See Passive Anti-Theft System(page 77).
Factory KeypadCode {X X X X X}
Driver Alert
ActionMessage
Stop and rest as soon as it is safe to do so.Driver AlertWarning Rest Now
Take a rest soon.Driver AlertWarning RestSuggested
Fuel
ActionMessage
An early reminder of a low fuel condition.Fuel Level Low
The fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed.Check Fuel FillInlet
Wait for up to 15 seconds while the fuel system depressurizes.Fuel Door Opening
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

WHAT IS THE REAR
OCCUPANT ALERT SYSTEM
The rear occupant alert system monitorsvehicle conditions and notifies you to checkfor rear seat occupants when you switchthe ignition off.
HOW DOES THE REAR
OCCUPANT ALERT SYSTEM
WORK
The system monitors when rear doors havebeen opened and closed to indicate thepotential presence of an occupant in therear seat.
A message displays in the information andentertainment display screen and anaudible warning sounds when you switchthe ignition off after any of the followingconditions have been met:
•A rear door is opened or closed whilethe ignition is on.
•You switch the ignition on within 15minutes of a rear door opening andclosing.
•You switch the ignition on within 15minutes of the alert having displayedor sounded.
REAR OCCUPANT ALERT
SYSTEM PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: On hot days, thetemperature inside the vehicle can risevery quickly. Exposure of people oranimals to these high temperatures foreven a short time can cause death orserious heat related injuries, includingbrain damage. Small children areparticularly at risk.
WARNING: Do not leave childrenor pets unattended in your vehicle.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death.
REAR OCCUPANT ALERT
SYSTEM LIMITATIONS
The system does not detect the presenceof objects or passengers in the rear seat.It monitors when rear doors are openedand closed.
Note:It is possible to receive an alert whenthere is no rear seat occupant, but alertconditions are met.
Note:It is possible to receive no alert whenthere is an occupant in the rear seat, if alertconditions are not met. For example, if a rearseat occupant does not enter the vehiclethrough a rear door.
Note:The audible warning does not soundwhen the front door is opened before youswitch the ignition off.
SWITCHING REAR OCCUPANT
ALERT SYSTEM ON AND OFF
1.Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2.Press Vehicle.
3.Switch Rear Occupant Alert on or off.
Note:The default setting is on.
Note:Performing a master reset causes thesystem to switch on again.
Semiannual Reminder (If Equipped)
When you switch the system off, amessage appears every six months as areminder that the system is off. You canswitch the system back on or leave it off.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingRear Occupant Alert System

Automatic Transmission............................197Automatic Transmission FluidCheck............................................................328Auto-Start-Stop............................................176Autowipers.......................................................83Auxiliary Power Points................................164
B
BatterySee: Changing the 12V Battery - Excluding:Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)..................329See: Changing the 12V Battery - Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV).................................................332Blind Spot Information System.............259BLISSee: Blind Spot Information System..........259Body Styling Kits.........................................346Bonnet LockSee: Opening and Closing the Hood...........315Booster Seats..................................................33Brake Fluid Check........................................328Brakes...............................................................210General Information..........................................210Breaking-In....................................................288Bulb Specification Chart............................412
C
Canceling the Set Speed..........................240Capacities and Specifications - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................384Capacities and Specifications -3.0L.................................................................391Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L,Gasoline.......................................................398Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L,Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).............405Capacities and Specifications................378Cargo Nets......................................................276Car WashSee: Cleaning the Exterior..............................340Catalytic Converter......................................193Changing a Bulb...........................................337Changing a Fuse............................................313Changing a Road Wheel...........................370Changing the 12V Battery - Excluding:Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)..............329
Changing the 12V Battery - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV).............................332Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™..................................................321Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.0L.................................................................322Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.3L.................................................................323Changing the Front Wiper Blades.........336Changing the Rear Wiper Blades...........337Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi HotspotName or Password...................................418Charging a Wireless Device......................166Checking MyKey System Status..............66Checking the Wiper Blades.....................336Child Restraint and SeatbeltMaintenance.................................................43Child Restraint Positioning.........................35Child Safety......................................................23General Information............................................23Child Safety Locks.........................................36Cleaning Leather Seats.............................343Cleaning Products.......................................339Cleaning the Engine.....................................341Cleaning the Exterior.................................340Cleaning the Instrument Panel andInstrument Cluster Lens.........................343Cleaning the Interior...................................342Cleaning the Wheels..................................344Cleaning the Windows and WiperBlades...........................................................342Clearing All MyKeys.......................................66Clearing the Garage Door Opener..........162Climate............................................................445Climate Control..............................................137Cold Weather Precautions.......................288Collision, Damage or Fire Event.............295Connected Vehicle.......................................414Connecting the Vehicle to a MobileNetwork.............................................................414Connected Vehicle Data...............................17Connected Vehicle Limitations...............414Connected Vehicle Requirements.........414Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting -Vehicles With: Modem.............................415Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting -Vehicles With: SYNC 3.............................416
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIndex