warning light FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Manual

SITTING IN THE CORRECT
POSITION
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: Do not recline the seatbackrest too far as this can cause theoccupant to slide under the seatbelt,resulting in personal injury in the eventof a crash.
WARNING: Do not place objectshigher than the top of the seat backrest.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death in theevent of a sudden stop or crash.
When you use them properly, the seat,head restraint, seatbelt and airbags willprovide optimum protection in the eventof a crash.
We recommend that you follow theseguidelines:
•Sit in an upright position with the baseof your spine as far back as possible.
•Do not recline the seat backrest so thatyour torso is more than 30 degreesfrom the upright position.
•Adjust the head restraint so that thetop of it is level with the top of yourhead and as far forward as possible.Make sure that you remaincomfortable.
•Keep sufficient distance betweenyourself and the steering wheel. Werecommend a minimum of 10 in(25 cm) between your breastbone andthe airbag cover.
•Hold the steering wheel with your armsslightly bent.
•Bend your legs slightly so that you canpress the pedals fully.
•Position the shoulder strap of theseatbelt over the center of yourshoulder and position the lap straptightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position iscomfortable and that you can maintain fullcontrol of your vehicle.
HEAD RESTRAINTS
WARNING: Fully adjust the headrestraint before you sit in or operate yourvehicle. This will help minimize the riskof neck injury in the event of a crash. Donot adjust the head restraint when yourvehicle is moving.
144
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSeatsE68595

WHAT IS THE GARAGE DOOR
OPENER
HomeLink Wireless ControlSystem
The universal garage door opener replacesthe common hand-held garage dooropener with a three-button transmitterintegrated into the driver’s sun visor.
HOW DOES THE GARAGE
DOOR OPENER WORK
The system includes two primary features,a garage door opener and a platform forremote activation of devices within thehome. You can program garage doors aswell as entry gate operators, securitysystems, entry door locks and home oroffice lighting.
Additional system information can befound online at www.homelink.com or bycalling the toll-free help line at1-800-355-3515.
Note:You can program a maximum ofthree devices. To change or replace any ofthe three devices after it has been initiallyprogrammed, you must first erase thecurrent settings. See Clearing the GarageDoor Opener (page 162).
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not use the systemwith any garage door opener that doesnot have the safety stop and reversefeature as required by U.S. FederalSafety Standards (this includes anygarage door opener manufacturedbefore April 1, 1982). A garage dooropener which cannot detect an object,signaling the door to stop and reverse,does not meet current federal safetystandards. Using a garage door openerwithout these features increases the riskof serious injury or death.
Note:Make sure that the garage door andsecurity device are free from obstructionwhen you are programming. Do not programthe system with your vehicle in the garage.
Note:Make sure you keep the originalremote control transmitter for use in othervehicles as well as for future systemprogramming.
Note:We recommend that upon the saleor lease termination of your vehicle, youerase the programmed function buttons forsecurity reasons. See Clearing the GarageDoor Opener (page 162).
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
LIMITATIONS
Canadian radio-frequency laws requiretransmitter signals to time-out (or quit)after several seconds – which may not belong enough for HomeLink to pick up thesignal.
U.S. gate operators time-out in the samemanner.
160
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingGarage Door Opener (If Equipped)E188211

2.When the indicator light flashes,release the buttons.
Note:You cannot erase individual buttons.
REPROGRAMMING THE
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
To program a device to a previously trainedbutton, follow these steps:
1.Press and hold the desired button. DoNOT release the button.
2.The indicator light begins to flash after20 seconds. Without releasing thebutton, follow programming steps.
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
RADIO FREQUENCIES
FCC and RSS-210 Industry CanadaCompliance
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.
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC Rules and with RSS-210 of IndustryCanada. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) this devicemay not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that could cause undesiredoperation.
This equipment complies with FCCradiation exposure limits set forth for anuncontrolled environment. End Users mustfollow the specific operating instructionsfor satisfying RF exposure compliance. Thistransmitter must be at least 8 in (20 cm)from the user and must not be co-locatedor operating in conjunction with any otherantenna or transmitter.
163
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingGarage Door Opener (If Equipped)

12 Volt DC Power Point
WARNING: Do not plug optionalelectrical accessories into the cigarlighter socket. Incorrect use of the cigarlighter can cause damage not coveredby the vehicle warranty, and can resultin fire or serious injury.
Note:When you switch the ignition on, youcan use the socket to power 12 voltappliances with a maximum current ratingof 15 amps.
Note:If the power supply does not workafter you switch the ignition off, switch theignition on.
Note:Do not hang any accessory from theaccessory plug.
Note:Do not use the power point over thevehicle capacity of 12 volt DC 180 watts ora fuse may blow.
Note:Always keep the power point capsclosed when not in use.
Do not insert objects other than anaccessory plug into the power point. Thisdamages the power point and may blowthe fuse.
Run the vehicle for full capacity use of thepower point.
To prevent the battery from running out ofcharge:
•Do not use the power point longer thannecessary when the vehicle is notrunning.
•Do not leave devices plugged inovernight or when you park your vehiclefor extended periods.
USB Port and Power PointLocations
USB Ports and Power Points may be in thefollowing locations:
•On the lower instrument panel.
•Inside the center console.
•On the front of the center console.
•On the rear of the center console.
•In the cargo area.
•On the passenger side floor panel.
•3rd row on the quarter trim panels.
Note:Some of the USB ports may not havedata transfer capabilities.
Note:Incorrect use of the USB ports cancause damage not covered by the vehiclewarranty.
110 Volt AC Power Point
WARNING: Do not keep electricaldevices plugged into the power outletwhenever the device is not in use. Theoutlet provides power when the vehicleis on. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not use anextension cord or connect multipledevices to the power outlet. Doing socould result in overloading the poweroutlet. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury orproperty damage.
Note:The power point turns off when youswitch off the ignition, when the vehicle isnot in accessory mode or when the batteryvoltage drops below 11 volts.
You can use the power point for electricdevices that require up to 150 watts. It ison the rear of the center console.
164
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingAuxiliary Power Points

3.Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to thefirst notch on the nozzle A. Keep thefuel pump nozzle resting on the fueltank filler pipe.
4.Hold the fuel pump nozzle in positionB when refueling. Holding the fuelpump nozzle in position A can affectthe flow of fuel and shut off the fuelpump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.
5.Operate the fuel pump nozzle withinthe area shown.
6.When the nozzle shuts off, wait at least5 seconds, then slightly raise the fuelpump nozzle and slowly remove it.
7.Fully close the fuel filler door.
Do not attempt to start the engine if youhave filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel.Incorrect fuel use could cause damage thatthe vehicle Warranty may not cover. Seeyour authorized dealer immediately.
Refueling System Warning (If Equipped)
If the fuel tank filler valve does not fullyclose, a message could appear in theinformation display.
Message
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
If the message appears, do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so and switch the engine off.
2.Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
187
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and RefuelingE139202 E139203AB E337395 E119081

ActionMessage
Your vehicle has a sealedfuel system that may beunder pressure. This inform-ation message appearswhile the fuel system isdepressurizing with the fuelfiller door closed. Wait forthe fuel system to depres-surize and for the fuel fillerdoor to unlatch.
Pleasewait forfuel doorto open
This information messageappears when the fuelsystem depressurizes andthe fuel filler door opens.Fully open the fuel filler doorto refuel and fully close thefuel filler door whenrefueling is complete.
Fuel DoorOpen
Your vehicle has a sealedfuel system that requires thefuel filler door to be fullyclosed after refueling. Thiswarning message appearswhen the fuel filler door isajar. Please fully close thefuel filler door to avoid a"Check Engine" Light.
Fuel doorajar Closefully toavoid""CheckEngine""light
ActionMessage
If you see this message anda "Check Engine" lamp illu-minates, please fully closethe fuel filler door. The"Check Engine" Light shouldclear within five seconds. Ifthe "Check Engine" lightpersists, please see yourdealer.
A warning message appearsin the information displaywhen the fuel system failsto depressurize or the fuelfiller door fails to open. Youmay have to use the fuelfiller door manual overridelever.
RefuelError SeeManual
If the Refuel Error information messageappears, do the following:
1.Check the fuel filler door for anythingthat may be obstructing its movement,for example ice or snow.
2.Remove any obstruction from the fuelfiller door.
3.Press the button on the left side of theinstrument panel to open the fuel fillerdoor.
4.If the fuel filler door fails to open andthe Refuel Error message remains inthe information display, use the fuelfiller door manual override lever.
Fuel Filler Door Manual OverrideLever
WARNING: The fuel system maybe under pressure. If you hear a hissingsound near the fuel filler inlet, do notrefuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,fuel may spray out, which could causeserious personal injury.
190
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and Refueling

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alterthe original equipment floor covering orinsulation between it and the metal floorof the vehicle. The floor covering andinsulation protect occupants of thevehicle from the engine and exhaustsystem heat and noise. On vehicles withno original equipment floor coveringinsulation, do not carry passengers in amanner that permits prolonged skincontact with the metal floor. Failure tofollow these instructions may result infire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state lawsprohibit removing or rendering inoperativeemission control system components.Similar federal or provincial laws mayapply in Canada. We do not approve of anyvehicle modification without firstdetermining applicable laws.
Tampering with emissionscontrol systems includingrelated sensors or the DieselExhaust Fluid system can result in reducedengine power and the illumination of theservice engine soon light.
Tampering With a Noise ControlSystem
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•Removal or rendering inoperative byany person other than for purposes ofmaintenance.
•Repair or replacement of any device orelement of the design incorporated intoa new vehicle for the purpose of noisecontrol prior to its sale or delivery tothe ultimate purchaser or while it is inuse.
•The use of the vehicle after any personremoves or renders inoperative anydevice or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencymay presume to constitute tampering asfollows:
•Removal of hood blanket, fender apronabsorbers, fender apron barriers,underbody noise shields or acousticallyabsorptive material.
•Tampering or rendering inoperative theengine speed governor, to allow enginespeed to exceed manufacturerspecifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,experiences a decrease in engineperformance, experiences excess fuelconsumption or produces excessiveexhaust smoke, check for the following:
•A plugged or disconnected air inletsystem hose.
•A plugged engine air filter element.
•Water in the fuel filter and waterseparator.
•A clogged fuel filter.
•Contaminated fuel.
•Air in the fuel system, due to looseconnections.
•An open or pinched sensor hose.
•Incorrect engine oil level.
192
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingEngine Emission ControlE67028

Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damagedexhaust system may allow exhaust toenter the vehicle. Have a damaged orimproperly operating exhaust systeminspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehiclesare not permitted to intentionally removean emission control device or prevent itfrom working. Information about yourvehicle’s emission system is on the VehicleEmission Control Information Decallocated on or near the engine. This decalalso lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty informationfor complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as theon-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) thatmonitors the engine’s emission controlsystem. The system protects theenvironment by making sure that yourvehicle continues to meet governmentemission standards. The OBD-II systemalso assists a service technician in properlyservicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected amalfunction. Temporary malfunctions maycause the service engine soon indicator toilluminate. Examples are:
1.Your vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
2.Poor fuel quality or water in thefuel—the engine may misfire or runpoorly.
3.The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 185).
4.Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank withgood quality fuel, properly closing the fuelfill inlet or letting the electrical system dryout. After three driving cycles without theseor any other temporary malfunctionspresent, the service engine soon indicatorshould stay off the next time you start theengine. A driving cycle consists of a coldengine startup followed by mixed city andhighway driving. No additional vehicleservice is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II maynot have symptoms that are apparent,continued driving with the service enginesoon indicator on can result in increasedemissions, lower fuel economy, reducedengine and transmission smoothness andlead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programsto inspect the emission control equipmenton your vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent you from gettinga vehicle registration.
If the service engine soonindicator is on or the bulb doesnot work, your vehicle may needservice. See On-Board Diagnostics.
194
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingEngine Emission ControlE67028 E67028

Manually Shifting Gears in Drive (D)
Use this feature when overtaking anothervehicle, or to temporarily change gear.
•Pull any paddle to switch the featureon.
•Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift.
•Pull the left (-) paddle to downshift.
•Hold the (+) paddle for a few secondsto switch the feature off.
Note:If you do not pull either paddle, thefeature switches off after a short period oftime.
Manually Shifting Gears in Manual (M)
Use this feature for engine braking on hillyor mountainous roads, or to select aspecific gear.
•Shift to manual (M) to switch thefeature on.
•Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift.
•Pull the left (-) paddle to downshift.
•Shift to drive (D) to switch the featureoff.
Tow Mode (If Equipped)
To activate tow mode, use thedrive mode switch on the centerconsole. See Selecting a DriveMode (page 273).
The indicator light illuminates and amessage displays in the instrument clusterwhen the system becomes active. Selecta different mode to switch the system off.
The Tow Mode Feature:
•Moves upshifts to higher engine speedsto reduce the frequency oftransmission shifting.
•Provides engine braking in all forwardgears, which slows your vehicle andassists you in controlling your vehiclewhen descending a slope.
•Depending on driving conditions andload conditions, it may downshift thetransmission, slow your vehicle andcontrol your vehicle speed whendescending a hill, without pressing theaccelerator pedal. The amount ofdownshift braking provided variesbased upon the amount you press thebrake pedal.
The tow mode feature improvestransmission operation when towing atrailer or a heavy load. All transmissiongear ranges are available when using towmode.
Transmission Not in Park (P)Audible Warning
Sounds if you open the driver door beforeshifting into park (P).
Manual Park Release (MPR)
WARNING: When doing thisprocedure, you need to take thetransmission out of park (P) whichmeans your vehicle can roll freely. Toavoid unwanted vehicle movement,apply the parking brake prior to doingthis procedure. Use wheel chocks ifappropriate.
200
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTransmissionE144821 E161509

HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent or if yourev the engine excessively. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The system releases the brakesautomatically once the engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intofirst gear when facing uphill or reverse(R) when facing downhill.
2.If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system activatesautomatically.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains onthe slope without rolling away forabout two to three seconds. This holdtime automatically extends if you arein the process of driving off.
4.Drive off in the normal manner. Thesystem releases the brakesautomatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal and press the pedal again whenthe system is active, you will experiencesignificantly reduced brake pedal travel. Thisis normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in theinformation display. The systemremembers the last setting when you startyour vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off.When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on.
213
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingBrakes