check engine FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Guide

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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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss ofvehicle control, serious injury or death.Ford does not recommend disabling thisfeature except in situations where speedreduction may be detrimental (such ashill climbing), the driver has significanttrailer towing experience, and can controltrailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces enginetorque to aid vehicle stability. If the trailerbegins to sway, the stability controlwarning lamp flashes and a messageappears in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 119). Slowyour vehicle down, pull safely to the sideof the road and check for correct loaddistribution. See Load Carrying (page275).
You can switch this feature off in theinformation display. When you switch theignition on, the system automatically turnson.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/United States of America
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/Canada
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugeneedle moves to the upper limit position,the engine is overheating. See Gauges(page 104).
You must only drive your vehicle for a shortdistance if the engine overheats. Thedistance you can travel depends onambient temperature, vehicle load andterrain. The engine continues to operatewith limited power for a short period oftime.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,the fuel supply to the engine reduces. Theair conditioning switches off and the enginecooling fan operates continually.
1.Gradually reduce your speed and stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
2.Immediately switch the engine off toprevent severe engine damage.
3.Wait for the engine to cool down.
4.Check the coolant level. See EngineCoolant Check (page 324).
5.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. Forthe first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid drivingat high speeds, heavy braking, aggressiveshifting or using your vehicle to tow. Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuelconsumption:
•Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoidheavy braking.
•Regularly check your tire pressures andmake sure that they are inflated to thecorrect pressure.
•Follow the recommended maintenanceschedule and carry out therecommended checks.
•Plan your journey and check the trafficbefore you set off. It is more efficientto combine errands into a single tripwhenever possible.
•Avoid idling the engine in cold weatheror for extended periods. Start theengine only when you are ready to setoff.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight in yourvehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
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•Do not add unnecessary accessoriesto the exterior of your vehicle, forexample running boards. If you use aroof rack, remember to fold it down orremove it when not in use.
•Do not shift into neutral when you arebraking or when your vehicle is slowingdown.
•Shut all windows when driving at highspeeds.
•Switch off all electric systems whennot in use, for example air conditioning.Make sure that you unplug anyaccessories from the auxiliary powerpoints when not in use.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep or flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction couldbe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
•Horn
•Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Company ofCanada, Limited offers a complimentaryroadside assistance program. This programis eligible within Canada or the continentalUnited States.
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle. Canadian roadsidecoverage and benefits may differ from theU.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please callus in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visitour website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate whenthe ignition is in any position, or if the key isnot in the ignition. If used when the vehicleis not running, the battery loses charge. Asa result, there may be insufficient power torestart your vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use yourhazard flashers when yourvehicle is creating a safety hazard for othermotorists.
•Press the flasher control and all frontand rear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch themoff.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING: If your vehicle has beeninvolved in a crash, have the fuel systemchecked. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury ordeath.
Note:When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart.Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle doesnot restart after your third attempt, contacta qualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow offuel to the engine in the event of amoderate to severe crash. Not everyimpact causes a shutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1.Switch off the ignition.
2.Switch to start position.
3.Switch off the ignition.
4.Switch on the ignition to re-enable thefuel pump.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeatsteps 1 through 4.
If your vehicle has a push button startsystem:
1.Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal andSTART/STOP to switch on yourvehicle.
3.Remove your foot from the brake pedaland press START/STOP to switch offyour vehicle.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resalevalue. There is a large network ofauthorized dealers that are there to helpyou with their professional servicingexpertise. We believe that their speciallytrained technicians are best qualified toservice your vehicle properly and expertly.They are supported by a wide range ofhighly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
If your vehicle requires professional service,an authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out whichparts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with theengine running in an enclosed space,unless you are sure you have enoughventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) awayfrom the battery and all fuel relatedparts.
Working with the Engine Off
1.Set the parking brake and shift thetransmission to park (P).
2.Switch off the engine.
3.Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofvehicle damage and personal burninjuries, do not start your engine with theair cleaner removed and do not removeit while the engine is running.
1.Set the parking brake and shift thetransmission to park (P).
2.Block the wheels.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
Opening the Hood
1.Open the left-hand front door.
2.Fully pull the hood release lever andlet it completely retract.
Note:This action releases the hood latch.
3.Fully pull the hood release lever for asecond time.
Note:This action fully releases the hood.
4.Open the hood.
Note:There is no secondary latch under thehood.
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5.Support the hood with the prop rod.
Closing the Hood
WARNING: Make sure that you fullylatch the hood before driving. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
1.Remove the prop rod from the catchand secure it correctly in the clip.
2.Lower the hood and allow it to dropunder its own weight for the last10–14 in (25–35 cm).
Note:Make sure that the hood is correctlyclosed.
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B
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Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Changing a Fuse (page 313).E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 321).G
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.0L
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 305).E
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F
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Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 322).G
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).H
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.3L
Battery. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 329).A.
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine Oil Check (page 319).B.
Engine oil dipstick. See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 319).C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).D.
Engine compartment fuse box. See Fuses (page 305).E.
Engine coolant reservoir cap. See Engine Coolant Check (page 324).F.
Air filter assembly. See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 321).G.
Inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap- HEV only.H.
Washer fluid reservoir. See Washer Fluid Check (page 336).I.
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