battery FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Guide

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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Note:Note when in Sport mode it can beenabled by pressing the Auto-Start-Stopbutton.
The green Auto-Start-Stopindicator light on the instrumentcluster will illuminate to indicatewhen the automatic engine stop occurs.
If the instrument cluster isequipped with a greyAuto-Start-Stop indicator light,it illuminates when automatic engine stopis not available due to one of the abovenoted conditions not being met.
Automatic Engine Restart
Any of the following conditions will resultin an automatic restart of the engine:
•You have removed your foot from thebrake pedal.
•You press the accelerator pedal.
•You press the accelerator and thebrake pedal at the same time.
•The driver safety belt becomesunfastened or the driver door is ajar.
•Your vehicle is moving.
•The interior compartment does notmeet customer comfort when airconditioning or heat is on.
•Fogging of the windows could occurand the air conditioning is on.
•The battery is not within optimaloperating conditions.
•You have exceeded the maximumengine off time.
•When you press the Auto-Start-Stopbutton with the engine automaticallystopped.
•The front defroster is turned to the Maxsetting.
•When you shift into park (P), the enginewill restart.
Any of the following conditions may resultin an automatic restart of the engine:
•You have increased the blower fanspeed or changed the climate controltemperature.
•You have an electrical accessoryturned on or plugged in.
Note:You may notice that the climate seatfan fluctuates during an automatic restart.
Disabling Auto-Start-Stop
Press the Auto-Start-Stop button on thecenter console to switch the system off.The button will illuminate. Deactivatingusing the button lasts only 1 key cycle.Press the button again to restoreAuto-Start-Stop function.
Note:If the Shift to park (P), Restart Enginemessage appears and the amberAuto-Start-Stop indicator light flashes, thisindicates automatic restart is unavailable.You must restart the vehicle manually. SeeInformation Displays (page 110).
If your vehicle is in engine offAuto-Start-Stop, shifting from drive (D) toreverse (R) will not cause a restart if youdo not press the brake pedal. The messageAuto-Start-Stop Press Brake to StartEngine appears. You must press the brakepedal within 60 seconds or the systemrequires you to shift into park (P) andmanually restart your vehicle.
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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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Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test ifthe service engine soon indicator is on ornot working properly (bulb is burned out),or if the OBD-II system has determinedthat some of the emission control systemshave not been properly checked. In thiscase, the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing. Todetermine if the vehicle is ready for I/Mtesting, turn the ignition key to the onposition for 15 seconds without crankingthe engine. If the service engine soonindicator blinks eight times, it means thatthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; ifthe service engine soon indicator stays onsolid, it means that your vehicle is readyfor I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,you can perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highwaydriving:
1.15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2.Allow your vehicle to sit for at leasteight hours with the ignition off. Then,start the vehicle and complete theabove driving cycle. The vehicle mustwarm up to its normal operatingtemperature. Once started, do not turnoff the vehicle until the above drivingcycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/Mtesting, you need to repeat the abovedriving cycle.
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GENERAL INFORMATION -
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
WARNING: This battery packshould only be serviced by an authorizedelectric vehicle technician. Improperhandling can result in personal injury ordeath.
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: Do not touch theelectronic ignition system parts after youhave switched the ignition on or whenthe engine is running. The systemoperates at high voltage. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inserious personal injury or death.
WARNING: Keep your hands andclothing clear of the engine cooling fan.
Your vehicle consists of varioushigh-voltage components and wiring. Allof the high-voltage power flows throughspecific wiring assemblies labeled as suchor covered with a solid orange convolute,or orange striped tape, or both. Do notcome in contact with these components.
The high-voltage battery system is ahigh-voltage, lithium-ion battery system.The pack is located underneath the vehicle.The high voltage battery system uses anadvanced active liquid heating and coolingsystem to regulate high voltage batterytemperature and help maximize the life ofthe high voltage battery.
Note:The high-voltage battery does notrequire regular service maintenance.
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The electric parking brake could applywhen you shift to park (P) without thebrake pedal fully pressed. The electricparking brake applies when you shift topark (P) on large slopes. The electricparking brake releases with the drive awayrelease function or manually. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note:A warning tone sounds if you openthe driver door and you have not shifted thetransmission selector to park (P).
Automatic Return to Park
What is Automatic Return to Park (P)
Your vehicle shifts in park (P) if youattempt to exit your vehicle without thetransmission in park (P).
How Does Automatic Return to Park (P)Work
Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when yourvehicle is stationary and any of thefollowing occur:
•You switch the vehicle off.
•You open the driver door with yourseatbelt unlatched.
•You unlatch the driver seatbelt whenthe driver door is open.
Note:Do not use automatic return to park(P) when your vehicle is moving, except inan emergency. See Starting and Stoppingthe Engine (page 168).
Automatic Return to Park (P) Limitations
Automatic return to park (P) may not workif the door ajar switch is malfunctioning.
Have the system checked immediately ifany of the following occur:
•Door ajar indicator does not illuminatewith the driver door open.
•Door ajar indicator illuminates with thedriver door closed.
•Transmission not in park messageappears with the driver door closed,after you shift out of park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the transmission selector in reverse(R), your vehicle moves backward. Alwayscome to a complete stop before shiftinginto and out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission selector in neutral(N), you can start your vehicle and it is freeto roll. Hold the brake pedal down when inthis position.
Temporary Neutral Mode
What is Temporary Neutral Mode
This mode keeps your vehicle in neutral(N) when you switch your vehicle off. Usethis mode at an automatic car wash if youexit your vehicle or switch your vehicle off.
Note:Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note:Automatic return to park (P) delayswhen your vehicle is in this mode.
Temporary Neutral Mode Limitations
Your vehicle may shift to park (P) after 30minutes, or when the vehicle batterycharge level is low. Prolonged use of thismode can cause the vehicle battery to runout of charge.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.Failure to follow these instructions couldresult in vehicle damage not covered bythe vehicle warranty.
Entering Temporary Neutral Mode
1.Switch your vehicle on.
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WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not drive yourvehicle until you verify that thestoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move yourtransmission from the park (P) position inthe event of an electrical malfunction oremergency.
Activating the Manual Park ReleaseCable
1.Apply the parking brake. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note:If the vehicle battery is dead, forexample, no electrical power is available,you require an external power to apply theparking brake.
2.Using a flat head screwdriver,maximum length 5 in (120 mm), asshown in the picture, carefully open theaccess cover under the arm restconsole.
3.Switch the vehicle ignition on withoutstarting the vehicle by pressing theignition push to start without pressingthe brake.
4.Once in the driver seat, fully apply thebrake pedal and hold. Do not release.
Note:A: 2.0 in (50 mm) B: 0.1 in (3.3 mm)
5.Insert a screwdriver type tool into theManual Park Release (MPR) lever slot.Pull the manual park release levertoward the rear until the detent in theslot pops up, against the tool. Allowfull upward travel of detent,approximately 0.28 in (7 mm) in thepark override mode (Click). You canremove the tool. If done correctly, amessage on the instrument clusterdisplays Park Not Available,Transmission Not in Park, or ShiftSystem Fault.
6.With your foot still fully applied on thebrake pedal, disengage the parkingbrake. See Electric Parking Brake(page 211).
7.Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) foremergency towing purposes.
8.Switch off the ignition.
9.Once safe, and there is no risk of yourvehicle rolling, disconnect the negative(black) battery cable from the battery.
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Returning Your Vehicle to NormalMode
1.Reconnect the negative (black) batterycable to the battery.
2.Apply the parking brake. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, forexample, no electrical power is available,you require an external power to apply theparking brake.
3.Fully apply the brake pedal and hold,do not release.
4.Insert the screwdriver tool fully into themanual park release lever slot. Pushthe tool downwards. The systemdetent releases and the manual parkrelease lever moves forward, allowingthe vehicle to go back into park (P).Remove the tool.
5.Install the access cover.
6.With your foot fully applied on thebrake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirmthat your vehicle is in the park (P)position and that the instrumentcluster indicates park (P).
7.If the instrument cluster does notdisplay the park (P) position or thereis a message stating park (P) is notavailable, transmission not in park (P)or a shift system fault, apply theparking brake before exiting yourvehicle and have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mudor Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,rock it out by shifting between forward andreverse gears, stopping between shifts ina steady pattern. Press lightly on theaccelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine couldoverheat.
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