steering FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Guide

replacing the normal road tire as soon aspossible. Major dissimilar tire sizesbetween the front and rear axles couldcause the 4WD system to stop functioningand default to rear-wheel drive or damagethe 4WD system.
The slip response system could activate ifthe mini spare is installed on the frontwheels. If the mini spare was installed onthe rear wheels the slip response systemwill fully disable. In situations where thereis a wintery mix or an off road situation,and you need to use a mini spare, you mustinstall the mini spare in the front tireposition and move a full size tire to the reartire position for the slip response systemto function.
Operating Four-Wheel drive (4WD)Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacementtires and wheels that are the same size,load index, speed rating and type (suchas P-metric versus LT-metric orall-season versus all-terrain) as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Therecommended tire and wheel size maybe found on either the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixedto either the door hinge pillar, door-latchpost, or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driver'sseating position), or the Tire Label whichis located on the B-Pillar or edge of thedriver's door. If this information is notfound on these labels, then you shouldcontact your authorized dealer as soonas possible. Use of any tire or wheel notrecommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of your vehicle,which could result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the frontand rear axles (for example, 17 inch lowprofile tires on the front axle and 22 inchhigh profile tires on the rear axle) couldcause the 4WD system to stop functioningand default to rear-wheel drive or damagethe 4WD system.
For optimum 4WD Performance, it isrecommended to follow the tire rotationmaintenance schedule. To avoid potential4WD malfunction or 4WD system damage,it is recommended to replace all four tiresrather than mixing significantly worn tireswith new tires. For example, using 3 worntread tires and 1 new tread tire all of thesame original tire size/brand, can betolerated by the 4WD system as long asthe worn tires still have usable tread depth.
How Your Vehicle Differs fromOther Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle could behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in thearea. To maintain steering and brakingcontrol of your vehicle, you must have allfour wheels on the ground and they mustbe rolling, not sliding or spinning.
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Driving in Special Conditions WithFour-Wheel drive (4WD)
Note:Use of the 4WD system in slippery,deep snow, and sand drive modes on drysurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, or excessive tire wear asthese drive modes are intended for slipperyand loose surfaces.
Note:The design of 4WD vehicles are fordriving on sand, snow, mud and rough roadsand have operating characteristics that aresomewhat different from conventionalvehicles, both on and off the highway.
Basic Operating Principles in SpecialConditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicleback onto the pavement only afterreducing your speed. Do not turn thesteering wheel too sharply whilereturning to the road surface.
•It could be safer to stay on the apronor shoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You could lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often could be less risky to strikesmall objects, such as highwayreflectors, with minor damage to yourvehicle rather than attempt a suddenreturn to the pavement which couldcause the vehicle to slide sideways outof control or rollover. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others shouldbe your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
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: 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 spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snowyou can rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle comes with AdvanceTrac®with Roll Stability Control™, it could bebeneficial to disengage the AdvanceTrac®with Roll Stability Control™ system whileattempting to rock the vehicle.
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 few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid"over-driving" your vehicle (forexample, turn the steering wheel onlyas rapidly and as far as required toavoid the emergency). Excessivesteering can result in less vehiclecontrol, not more. Additionally, smoothvariations of the accelerator and/orbrake pedal pressure should be utilizedif changes in vehicle speed are called
for. Avoid abrupt steering, accelerationor braking which could result in anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.Use all available road surface to returnthe vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop,avoid skidding the tires and do notattempt any sharp steering wheelmovements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e., from concreteto gravel) there is a change in the waythe vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking).Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance could be requiredfrom another vehicle. Remember, youcould be able to back out the way youcame if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability couldbe limited.
Note:Driving through deep water coulddamage your vehicle.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the hubs (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle could stall.
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Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a4WD vehicle could accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,it will not stop any faster, because as inother vehicles, braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident asto road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Since your vehicle comeswith a four wheel (ABS), do not “pump”the brakes. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 211).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, westrongly recommend that you do not makemodifications such as adding or removingparts (such as lowering kits or stabilizerbars) or by using replacement parts notequivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. We strongly recommend thatcaution be used with any vehicle equippedwith a high load or device (such as ladderor luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlycould void the warranty, increase yourrepair cost, reduce vehicle performanceand operational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn. Have your vehiclechecked. If the vehicle has continuousvibration or shudder in the steering wheelwhile braking, have your vehicle checked.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. Wet brakes result in reducedbraking efficiency. Gently press the brakepedal a few times when driving from a carwash or standing water to dry the brakes.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 344).
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Switch the engine off, move thetransmission to park (P) and apply theparking brake. Inspect the acceleratorpedal and the area around it for any itemsor debris that may be obstructing itsmovement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehiclechecked. If your vehicle has to be towed,we recommend that you contact aprofessional towing service.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional.
If the warning lamp does not illuminateduring start up, remains on or flashes, thesystem may be disabled. Have the systemchecked. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still operational.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 105).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch theignition on, or if it begins to flashat any time except the time during applyingor releasing the parking brake, have thesystem checked.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature simulates the engine brakingof an internal combustion engine andassist the standard brake system whilerecovering some of the energy of motionand storing it in the battery to improve fueleconomy. The standard brake system isdesigned to fully stop the car ifregenerative braking is not available.During regenerative braking, the motor isspun as a generator to create electricalcurrent. This recharges the battery andslows the vehicle. Once the acceleratorpedal is released, the motor changes froman energy user to an energy producer.
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When you release the accelerator pedal orpress the brake pedal, the brake controllerautomatically detects the amount ofdeceleration requested and optimizes howmuch of the deceleration will be producedby regenerative braking. The remainingportion is generated by standard frictionbraking. When the battery is almost fullycharged, the amount of regenerativebraking is limited to avoid overcharging,and the requested deceleration isproduced by standard friction brakingalone.
Regenerative braking does not take theplace of the standard friction brakes; it onlyassists them. Regenerative braking isdesigned to interact with the anti-lockbrake system. Regenerative brakingdisables when the anti-lock brake systemis activated or the battery is fully charged.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal could pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Apply the parking brakeand shift into park (P) before leavingyour vehicle.
WARNING: If you drive extendeddistances with the parking brake applied,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
WARNING: The electric parkingbrake does not operate if the vehiclebattery has run out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.You operate it with a switch instead of alever. The switch is on the center consoleor to the left-hand side of the steeringwheel, on the lower part of the instrumentpanel.
Note:The electric parking brake makesnoises during operation. This is normal.
Applying the Electric ParkingBrake
Pull the switch up.
The red warning lamp flashesduring operation and illuminateswhen the parking brake isapplied.
Note:It remains illuminated for a shortperiod of time after you switch the ignitionoff.
If it continues to flash or does notilluminate, the system has malfunctioned.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Note:You can apply the electric parkingbrake when the ignition is off.
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WHAT IS REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST
Reverse braking assist is designed toreduce impact damage or assist in avoidinga collision while in reverse (R). Usingsensors on the rear of the vehicle, it candetect a possible collision and apply thebrakes. If full braking occurs, the systemattempts to stop the vehicle a safedistance from the obstacle.
REVERSE BRAKING ASSIST
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
WARNING: Traffic control systems,fluorescent lamps, inclement weather,air brakes, external motors and fans mayaffect the correct operation of thesensing system. This may cause reducedperformance or false alerts.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection. Forexample low or direct sunlight, inclementweather, unconventional vehicle types,and pedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwith accessories that extend beyond thefront or rear of your vehicle, for examplea trailer hitch or bike rack. The system isnot able to make corrections for theadditional length of the accessories.
The system only applies the brakes for ashort period of time when an event occurs.Act as soon as you notice the brakes applyto remain in control of the vehicle. If youdo not intervene the vehicle may start tomove again.
Note:Certain add-on devices around thebumper or fascia may create false alerts.For example, large trailer hitches, bicycle orsurfboard racks, license plate brackets,bumper covers or any other device that mayblock the normal detection zone of thesystem. Remove the add-on device toprevent false alerts.
Note:The system does not react to smallor moving objects, particularly those closeto the ground.
Note:The system does not operate duringhard acceleration or steering.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It’s always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator’s ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the systemsapplies higher brake forces.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s roll motion and the rate at whichit changes by applying the brakes to oneor more wheels individually.
Curve Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto follow the road when cornering severelyor avoiding objects in the roadway. CurveControl operates by reducing engine powerand, if necessary, applying brakes to oneor more of the wheels individually.
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WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwith accessories that extend beyond thefront or rear of your vehicle, for examplea trailer hitch, bike rack or side mirrorextensions such as telescoping mirrorsor towing mirrors. The system is not ableto make corrections for the additionallength of the accessories.
The system assists parking into and out ofparking spaces. It uses sensors to detectparking spaces. The system then steers,accelerates, brakes and shifts gear asrequired to maneuver into or out of aparking space.
Using Active Park Assist
The active park assist button isnear the transmission selectoron the center console.
Press the active park assist button to bringup full screen notifications. Press either theactive park assist button or the soft keyson the display screen to switch betweenParallel Park In, Perpendicular Park In orParallel Park Out parking modes.
Driving into a Parking Space
Note:When parking perpendicularly, thesystem backs your vehicle into parkingspaces.
1.Press the active park assist button.
Note:The system does not recognizeparking space lines and centers your vehiclebetween objects.
Note:The system detects other vehiclesand curbs to find a parking space.
Note:The system searches for parallelparking spaces on the passenger side. Pressthe active park assist button again to makethe system search for perpendicular spaces.
2.Use the direction indicator lever tosearch for a parking space on the driveror passenger side of your vehicle.
3.Drive your vehicle approximately 3 ft(1 m) away from and parallel to theother parked vehicles when searchingfor a parking space.
Note: A tone sounds and a messageappears in the information display whenactive park assist finds a suitable parkingspace.
4.Press and hold the brake pedal.
5.Release the steering wheel and shiftinto neutral (N).
6.Press and hold the active park assistbutton.
7.Release the brake pedal to allow thevehicle to park.
Note:When parallel parking betweenobjects, the system parks closer to theobject in front of your vehicle to allow easieraccess to your luggage compartment.
Note:When perpendicular parking, thesystem aligns the front end of your vehiclewith the object next to it.
Note:When perpendicular parking, if thesystem detects only one object, it allowsenough distance to open the door on eitherside.
Note:You can slow down your vehicle atany time by pressing the brake pedal.
Note:When parking is complete the vehicleshifts into park (P).
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Leaving a Parking Space
The system assists leaving only parallelparking spaces.
1.Press the active park assist button.
2.Use the direction indicator lever tochoose the direction to leave.
3.Press and hold the brake pedal.
4.Release the steering wheel and shiftinto neutral (N).
5.Release the parking brake.
6.Press and hold the active park assistbutton.
7.Release the brake pedal to allow thevehicle to move.
Note: You can slow down your vehicle atany time by pressing the brake pedal.
Note:After the system drives your vehicleto a position where you can exit the parkingspace in a forward movement, a messageappears instructing you to take full controlof your vehicle.
Canceling Active Park Assist
To cancel parking assistance at any time,shift out of neutral (N).
Note:If you turn the steering wheel or openthe driver door the parking assistance alsocancels.
Pausing Active Park Assist
To pause parking assistance at any time,release the active park assist button.
The vehicle stops moving until you pressand hold the active park assist buttonagain.
Note:If you open the passenger or reardoors the parking assistance also pauses.
Active Park Assist Troubleshooting
Possible CauseSymptom
The system is unable to detect a vehicle, curb or objectto park next to, or in-between. This could occur becauseof sensors not operating correctly, not enough roomfor your vehicle, or the traction control is off.
The system does not correctlyoperate.
You may have switched traction control off.The system does not search fora parking space.The transmission is in reverse (R). Your vehicle mustbe moving forward to be able to detect a parking space.
There could be blockage on the sensors. For example,snow, ice or large accumulations of dirt. Blockedsensors can affect how the system functions.
The system does not offer aparking space.
The sensors in the front or rear bumper could bedamaged.
There is not enough room in the parking space for yourvehicle to safely park.
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