transmission FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Guide

2.Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
3.Press and hold the brake pedal.
4.Shift into neutral (N).
Note:A instructional message appears.
5.Press the manual (M), or low (L)button.
Note:A confirmation message appearswhen your vehicle enters the mode.
6.Release the brake pedal.
Note:Your vehicle is free to roll.
7.Switch your vehicle off.
Note:Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note:The neutral (N) indicator on thetransmission selector may flash in thismode.
Exiting Temporary Neutral Mode
1.Press the brake pedal.
2.Shift into park (P), or switch yourvehicle on and shift into drive (D), orreverse (R).
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position forthe best fuel economy and smoothness.Shift the transmission selector to drive (D)to allow your vehicle to move forward andshift automatically through the forwardgears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriategear for optimum performance based onambient temperature, road slope, vehicleload and your input.
Manual Mode (M) - Vehicles withPaddle Shifters
With the transmission selector in manual(M), the driver can change gears up ordown. After selecting the Manual (M)button while the transmission rangeselector is in the Drive (D) position, younow have control of selecting the gear youdesire using shift buttons on the steeringwheel.
To exit manual mode, push the manual(M) button on your transmission selector.
Low (L) - Vehicles without PaddleShifters
With the transmission selector in low (L),your vehicle provides maximum enginebraking. You can shift the transmission intolow (L) at any vehicle speed. Do not useunder extended or normal drivingconditions as it results in lower fueleconomy.
Manually Shifting Gears
Shifting Using Paddle Shifters
The instrument cluster displays the currentgear. The current gear flashes when yourvehicle cannot shift into the requestedgear. Your vehicle will not shift if therequested gear raises or lowers the enginespeed beyond the limit.
Your vehicle may shift when you fully pressthe accelerator or brake pedal.
Note:Prolonged driving with high enginespeed could cause vehicle damage notcovered by vehicle warranty.
Note:When the vehicle shifts into therequested gear, it could affect drive modes.
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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.
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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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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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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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Note:If you shift your vehicle into park (P)on a slope and the transmission cannotsecurely hold the vehicle, the electric parkingbrake automatically applies. SeeTransmission (page 197).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake inan Emergency
Note:Do not apply the electric parkingbrake when your vehicle is moving, exceptin an emergency. If you repeatedly use theelectric parking brake to slow or stop yourvehicle, you could cause damage to thebrake system.
You can use the electric parking brake toslow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
The red warning lampilluminates, a tone sounds andthe stoplamps turn on.
The electric parking brake continues toslow your vehicle down unless you releasethe switch.
Manually Releasing the ElectricParking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch down.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, thesystem has malfunctioned. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing aTrailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until the enginehas developed sufficient torque to preventyour vehicle from rolling down the hill.
Release the switch and pullaway in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing theElectric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull awayin a normal manner.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, theelectric parking brake has not released.Manually release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric ParkingBrake if the Vehicle Battery isRunning Out of Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehiclebattery to release the electric parking brakeif the vehicle battery is running out ofcharge. See Jump Starting the Vehicle(page 293).
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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.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
WARNING: The system may notdetect objects with surfaces that absorbreflection. Always drive with due careand attention. Failure to take care mayresult in a crash.
WARNING: Traffic control systems,inclement weather, air brakes, externalmotors and fans may affect the correctoperation of the sensing system. Thismay cause reduced performance or falsealerts.
WARNING: The system may notdetect small or moving objects,particularly those close to the ground.
Note:If your vehicle has MyKey™, thesensing system cannot be switched offwhen a MyKey™ is present. See Principleof Operation (page 64).
Note:Keep the sensors on the bumper orfascia free from snow, ice and largeaccumulations of dirt. If the sensors arecovered, the system’s accuracy can beaffected. Do not clean the sensors withsharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alerts.
Note:Certain add-on devices installedaround the bumper or fascia may createfalse alerts. For example, large trailerhitches, bike or surfboard racks, license platebrackets, bumper covers or any other devicethat may block the normal detection zoneof the system. Remove the add-on deviceto prevent false alerts.
Note:When you connect a trailer to yourvehicle, the rear parking aid may detect thetrailer and therefore provide an alert. Disablethe rear parking aid when you connect atrailer to prevent the alert.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system turns on automaticallywhenever you switch the ignition on.
You can switch the system off through thetouchscreen, information display or fromthe pop-up message that appears onceyou shift the transmission into reverse (R).If your vehicle has a parking aid button, youcan switch the system off by pressing thebutton.
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages(page 119).
REAR PARKING AID
WARNING: The system may notdetect objects with surfaces that absorbreflection. Always drive with due careand attention. Failure to take care mayresult in a crash.
WARNING: The system may notdetect small or moving objects,particularly those close to the ground.
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WARNING: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
WARNING: The parking aid systemcan only assist you to detect objectswhen your vehicle is moving at parkingspeeds. To help avoid personal injury youmust take care when using the parkingaid system.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover up the sensors.
Note:Do not clean the sensors with sharpobjects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damageleaving the sensors misaligned, this maycause inaccurate measurements or falsealerts.
Note:Some accessories, for example largetrailer hitches or bike or surfboard racks, cancause reduced performance or false alerts.
The sensors are on the rear bumper.
The sensors are active when thetransmission is in reverse (R) and thevehicle speed is less than 5 mph (8 km/h).When the parking aid system sounds atone, the audio system may reduce the setvolume.
A warning tone sounds when your vehicleapproaches an object. As your vehiclemoves closer to an object, the rate of thetone increases. The warning tonecontinuously sounds when an object is 12 in(30 cm) or less from the center of the rearbumper.
Note:There is a decreased coverage areaat the outer corners.
The sensor coverage area is up to 70 in(180 cm) from the rear bumper.
If the system detects a fault, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay.
The system detects large objects whenyou shift into reverse (R) and any of thefollowing occur:
•Your vehicle is moving backward at lowspeed.
•Your vehicle is stationary, but an objectis approaching the rear of your vehicleat low speed.
•Your vehicle is moving backward at lowspeed and an object is moving towardyour vehicle, for example anothervehicle, at low speed.
If your vehicle remains stationary for twoseconds, the audible warning turns off. Ifyour vehicle moves backward, the tonesounds again.
Note:If the detected object is 12 in (30 cm)or less from the rear bumper, the audiblewarning does not turn off.
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