fuel FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Manual

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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ActionMessage
The fuel system has finished depressurizing and you can begin torefuel.Fuel Door Open
A reminder to close the fuel door. Failure to follow this instructioncan cause the check engine light to illuminate.Close Fuel Door toAvoid ""CheckEngine"" Light
There is an error in attempting to refill your vehicle.Refuel Error SeeManual
Hill Descent Control
ActionMessage
Displays when you deactivate hill descent control mode.Hill DescentControl OFF
Displays when hill descent speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h).For Hill DescentReduce Speed 20MPH or Less
Displays when hill descent speed exceeds 20 mph (32 km/h).For Hill DescentReduce Speed 32Km/h or Less
Displays when hill descent control mode requires you to shift thetransmission into gear.For Hill DescentSelect Gear
Displays when the hill control mode requires you to resume control.Hill Descent DriverResume Control
Displays when a hill descent system fault is present.Hill DescentControl Fault
Displays when you disable the hill descent control mode to coolthe brake system.Hill DescentControl OffSystem Cooling
Displays when hill descent control mode is ready.Hill DescentControl Ready
Displays when you activate the hill descent control mode.Hill DescentControl Active
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE
CONTROL
Note:Depending on your vehicle optionpackage, the controls may look differentfrom what you see here.
Note:You can switch temperature unitsbetween Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Note:You can control some of the climatefeatures through the touchscreen.
Note:For Hybrid Electric Vehicles andPlug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, the airconditioning compressor may run, and youmay feel airflow when the climate controlis off to provide cooling to the battery.
Accessing the Air DistributionControls
Press and release the button toactivate the selection screen.
From the screen, switch directed air fromthe windshield, instrument panel orfootwell vents on or off. You can direct airthrough any combination of these vents.See Climate (page 445).
Accessing the Menu
Press and release the button toaccess different climatefeatures.
Smart Zone - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle(PHEV)
If there is not an occupant in the frontpassenger seat, the climate control systemmay default to single zone to improve fueleconomy, if you were previously in dualzone operation. When this occurs, dualzone turns off and the passenger set pointchanges to match the driver set point.
Press the dual zone button on thetouchscreen or adjust the passenger setpoint to use dual zone operation withouta passenger present. The system remainsin dual zone operation until you switch thevehicle off.
You can disable or re-enable the SmartZone feature by pressing and holding thedual zone button on the touchscreen. Bothset point displays begin flashing to signifywhen the feature disables. The systemreturns to previous state after you releasethe dual zone button.
Accessing Rear Climate Controls
Press and release the button toaccess additional controls forthe rear climate system.
Setting the Blower Motor Speed
Press and release + or - to adjustthe volume of air circulated inthe vehicle.
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HEATED REAR WINDOW
Press the button to clear the rearwindow of thin ice and fog. Theheated rear window turns offafter a short period of time.
Note:Do not use harsh chemicals, razorblades or other sharp objects to clean orremove decals from the inside of the heatedrear window. The vehicle warranty may notcover damage to the heated rear windowgrid lines.
HEATED EXTERIOR MIRRORS
(IF EQUIPPED)
When you switch the heated rear windowon, the heated exterior mirrors turn on.
Note:Do not remove ice from the mirrorswith a scraper or adjust the mirror glasswhen it is frozen in place.
Note:Do not clean the mirror housing orglass with harsh abrasives, fuel or otherpetroleum-based cleaning products. Thevehicle warranty may not cover damagecaused to the mirror housing or glass.
REMOTE START (IF EQUIPPED)
The climate control system adjusts theinterior temperature during remote start.
You can switch this feature on or off andadjust the settings using the touchscreen.See Settings (page 458).
You cannot adjust the climate controlsetting during remote start operation.Switch the ignition on to makeadjustments.
Based on your remote start settings, thefollowing vehicle-dependent features mayor may not remain on after remote startingyour vehicle:
•Climate controlled seats.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Heated mirrors.
•Heated rear window.
•Windshield wiper de-icer.
Note:For dual zone climate controlledseats, the passenger seat setting defaultsto match the driver seat during remote start.
Automatic Settings
If Auto is on, the system sets the interiortemperature to 72°F (22°C) and heats orcools the vehicle interior as required toachieve comfort.
Note:In cold weather, the heated rearwindow and heated mirrors turn on.
Last Settings
If Last Settings is on, the system uses thesettings last selected before you turnedoff the vehicle.
Heated and Cooled Features
In Auto mode, certain heated features mayswitch on during cold weather, and cooledfeatures during hot weather.
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Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, thisfeature shuts down the engine if it hasbeen idling for an extended period. Theignition also turns off in order to savebattery power. Before your vehicle shutsdown, a message appears in theinformation display showing a timercounting down from 30 seconds. If you donot intervene within 30 seconds, yourvehicle shuts down. Another messageappears in the information display toinform you that your vehicle has shut downto save fuel. Start your vehicle as younormally do.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
You can stop the shutdown, or reset thetimer, at any point before the 30-secondcountdown has expired by doing any of thefollowing:
•You can reset the timer by interactingwith your vehicle, for example pressingthe brake or accelerator pedal.
•You can temporarily switch off theshutdown feature any time the ignitionis on. Use the vehicle settings on yourtouchscreen to switch the 30min MaxIdle on or off. The feature only remainsoff for the current ignition cycle.
•During the 30-second countdown, thesystem prompts you to press OK orRESET to temporarily switch thefeature off for the current ignition cycleonly.
Note:You cannot permanently switch offthe automatic shutdown feature. When youtemporarily switch it off, it turns on at thenext ignition cycle.
Stopping the Engine When YourVehicle is Stationary
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1.Shift into park (P).
2.Switch the ignition off.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1.Shift into park (P).
2.Press the push button ignition switch.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Note:The ignition, all electrical circuits andall warning lamps and indicators will beturned off.
Note:If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,the ignition and engine automatically shutdown.
Stopping the Engine When YourVehicle is Moving
WARNING: Switching off theengine when your vehicle is still movingresults in a significant decrease inbraking assistance. Higher effort isrequired to apply the brakes and to stopyour vehicle. A significant decrease insteering assistance could also occur. Thesteering does not lock, but higher effortcould be required to steer your vehicle.When you switch the ignition off, someelectrical circuits, for example airbags,also turn off. If you unintentionally switchthe ignition off, shift into neutral (N) andrestart the engine.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1.Switch the ignition off.
2.Shift into neutral and use the brakes tobring your vehicle to a safe stop.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1.Press and hold the push button ignitionswitch, or press it three times withintwo seconds.
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Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you torestart your vehicle within 20 seconds ofswitching it off, even if it does not detecta valid passive key.
Within 20 seconds of switching yourvehicle off, press the brake pedal and pressthe push button ignition switch. After 20seconds, you can no longer start yourvehicle if it does not detect a valid passivekey.
Once your vehicle starts, it remains runninguntil you press the push button ignitionswitch, even if your vehicle does not detecta valid passive key. You cannot start yourvehicle if the system does not detect avalid passive key within 20 seconds.
Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, thisfeature shuts down the engine if it hasbeen idling for an extended period. Theignition also turns off in order to savebattery power. Before your vehicle shutsdown, a message appears in theinformation display showing a timercounting down from 30 seconds. If you donot intervene within 30 seconds, yourvehicle shuts down. Another messageappears in the information display toinform you that your vehicle has shut downto save fuel. Start your vehicle as younormally do.
Note:Automatic Engine Shutdown may bemore frequent for hybrid vehicles.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
Note: You cannot permanently switch offthe automatic shutdown feature. When youswitch it off temporarily, it turns on at thenext ignition cycle.
You can stop the shutdown, or reset thetimer, at any point before the 30-secondcountdown expires by doing any of thefollowing:
•You can reset the timer by interactingwith your vehicle, for example pressingthe brake or accelerator pedal.
•You can temporarily switch off theshutdown feature any time the ignitionis on using the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 110). Thefeature only remains off for the currentignition cycle.
•During the 30-second countdown, thesystem prompts you to press OK orRESET to temporarily switch thefeature off for the current ignition cycleonly.
Switching Off Your Vehicle WhenIt Is Stationary
1.Put the transmission in park (P).
2.Press the push button ignition switchonce.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Note:This switches off the ignition, warninglamps and indicators.
Switching Off Your Vehicle WhenIt Is Moving
WARNING: Switching off theengine when your vehicle is still movingresults in a significant decrease inbraking assistance. Higher effort isrequired to apply the brakes and to stopyour vehicle. A significant decrease insteering assistance could also occur. Thesteering does not lock, but higher effort
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AUTO-START-STOP (IF EQUIPPED)
The system helps reduce fuel consumptionby automatically stopping and restartingthe engine when your vehicle has stopped.The engine restarts automatically whenyou release the brake pedal.
In some situations, your vehicle may restartautomatically, for example:
•To maintain interior comfort.
•To recharge the battery.
Note:Power assist steering turns off whenthe engine is off.
Note:If your vehicle is flex fuel capable,Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a shorttime after a refuel event while the systemis verifying the fuel type being used.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou leave your vehicle. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou open the hood or have any serviceor repair work completed. If you do notswitch the ignition off, the engine couldrestart at any time. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: The system mayrequire the engine to automaticallyrestart when the auto-start-stopindicator illuminates green or flashesamber. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
The Auto-Start-Stop system status isavailable at a glance within the informationdisplay. See Information Displays (page110).
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop
The system automatically enables everytime you start your vehicle if:
•You do not press the Auto-Start-Stopbutton (not illuminated).
•Your vehicle exceeds an initial speedof 3 mph (5 km/h) after you haveinitially started your vehicle.
•You have stopped your vehicle.
•Your foot is on the brake pedal.
•The driver door is closed.
•The interior compartment has cooledor warmed to an acceptable level.
•The front windshield defroster is off.
•You have not turned the steering wheelrapidly or you do not have it at a sharpangle.
•The vehicle is not on a steep roadgrade.
•The battery is within optimal operatingconditions (battery state of charge andtemperature in range).
•The engine coolant is near operatingtemperature.
•Elevation is below about 12,000 ft(3,650 m).
•Ambient temperature is moderate.
•The trailer is not connected.
•If you select Normal, Eco, Snow/Wetor Grass/Gravel/Snow modes.
•You are not in 4H or 4L.
•You have not selected Manual shiftmode.
•Hill descent control is not active.
•You have not selected Tow haul, Sport,Sand or Mud/Rut modes.
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HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
- HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric andgasoline propulsion to providebreakthrough performance and improvedefficiency. Familiarizing yourself with theseunique characteristics provides an optimaldriving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, agreen READY indicator lightappears in the instrument clusterletting you know that your vehicle is readyfor driving.
The engine may not start because yourvehicle has a silent key start feature. Thisfuel saving feature allows your vehicle tobe ready to drive without requiring the gasengine to be running. The indicator remainson when your vehicle is on, whether theengine is running or not, to indicate yourvehicle is capable of movement using theelectric motor, gas engine or both.Typically, the engine does not start unlessthe vehicle is cold, a climate controlchange is requested or you press theaccelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine automatically starts andstops to provide power when needed andto save fuel when not needed. Whencoasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,or standing, the gas engine normally shutsdown and your vehicle operates inelectric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine tostart up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration.
•Climbing a hill.
•Charge level of high voltage battery islow.
•High or low outside temperatures inorder to provide system heating orcooling.
•Engine not warm enough to providepassenger requested cabintemperature.
•Towing a trailer.
•Selectable drive modes: Certainselectable drive modes may cause theengine to run. See What Is Drive ModeControl (page 273).
•Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifterswhile in drive (D) may cause the engineto run. See Automatic Transmission(page 197).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conservefuel as you come to a stop. Restarting yourvehicle is not required. Simply step on theaccelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor togetherpropel the vehicle through the automatictransmission. This is normal hybridoperating and helps deliver fuel efficiencyand performance.
Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltagebattery. A cool battery maintains batterylife and provides the best possibleperformance. The high voltage battery iscooled by the vehicle's air conditioningsystem. When the air conditioning systemis on, you may notice a slight increase inair temperature coming from the climatecontrol vents while the battery is cooling.You may also notice cool air flowing fromthe vents when the air conditioning orblower is off.
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Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standardhydraulic braking and regenerative braking.Regenerative braking is performed by yourtransmission and it captures brake energyand stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extendingdownhill driving that your engine continuesto run instead of shutting off. During thisengine braking, the engine stays on, but itis not using any fuel. You may also hear aslight whine or whistle when operating yourvehicle. This is the normal operation of theelectric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is notalways an indication of inefficiency. In somecases, it is actually more efficient thandriving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improvethroughout your hybrid's break-in period.As with any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keepthese tips in mind:
•Keep the tires properly inflated andonly use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases theamount of energy required to moveyour vehicle. In general, you canachieve better fuel economy with mildto moderate acceleration anddeceleration. Moderate braking isparticularly important since it allowsyou to maximize the energy capturedby the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready todrive immediately after starting.
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HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
AnswerQuestion
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when theignition is off. When you switch the ignitionon, the high voltage contacts inside thebattery are closed. This makes the electri-city available to the motor and generatorand allows your vehicle to proceed. Theclicks are the sound of these contacts asthey close and open during start up andshut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargoarea when I switch the ignition on?
The vehicle's computer determines if anengine start is required at key-on. Silent keystarts the engine if it is necessary for cabinheating, windshield defrost, or if the outsidetemperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start atkey-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time whenyou first start it. One common reason is tomake sure that the emission's componentsare warm enough to minimize tailpipeemissions. As the climate gets cooler, thisengine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before theengine shuts down?
In order to make sure that the climatecontrol system can begin heating the cabinor defrosting the windshield as soon as yourequest it, the engine coolant temperaturehas to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping theengine on is required to maintain the correctcoolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it isextremely cold outside?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline), but you couldnotice slightly reduced fuel economybecause ethanol contains less energy pergallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle isnot designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and howwill it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requiresno maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?Does it need maintenance?
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics