warning light FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owner's Guide

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
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the informationdisplay showing system status.
You can switch the system off by using theswitch.
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on thecenter console near the shifter to switchthe system off or on.
The traction control switch.
System Indicator Lights andMessages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminateson engine start-up and stays onwhen you switch the traction controlsystem off.
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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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WHAT IS HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
WARNING: Hill descent controlcannot control descent in all surfaceconditions and circumstances, such asice or extremely steep grades. Hilldescent control is a driver assist systemand cannot substitute for good judgmentby the driver. Failure to do so may resultin loss of vehicle control, crash or seriousinjury.
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
Note:The system does not function below3 mph (5 km/h).
Hill descent control allows the driver to setand maintain vehicle speed whiledescending steep slopes in various surfaceconditions.
The system can maintain vehicle speedson downhill slopes between 3–20 mph(5–32 km/h). Above 20 mph (32 km/h),the system remains on but the descentspeed cannot be set or maintained.
The system requires a cool down intervalafter a period of sustained use. Theamount of time that the system canremain active before cooling varies withconditions. The system provides a warningin the message center and a tone soundswhen the system is about to disengage forcooling. At this time, manually apply thebrakes as needed to maintain descentspeed.
SWITCHING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL ON AND OFF
Press the button on the centerconsole. A light illuminates in thecontrol and a tone sounds whenthe system is active.
SETTING THE HILL DESCENT
SPEED
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
To increase the descent speed, press theaccelerator pedal until you reach the speedyou prefer.
To decrease the descent speed, press thebrake pedal until you reach the speed youprefer.
When you reach the speed you prefer,either by accelerating or decelerating,remove your feet from the pedals. Thesystem maintains the chosen vehiclespeed.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL
INDICATOR
Illuminates when you switch hilldescent control on.
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The fixed and active guidelines fade in andout depending on the steering wheelposition. The active guidelines do notdisplay when the steering wheel positionis straight.
Always use caution while reversing.Objects in the red zone are closest to yourvehicle and objects in the green zone arefarther away. Objects are getting closer toyour vehicle as they move from the greenzone to the yellow or red zones. Use theside view mirrors and rear view mirror toget better coverage on both sides and rearof the vehicle.
Obstacle Distance Indicator (If
Equipped)
The system will provide an image of yourvehicle and the sensor zones. The zoneswill highlight green, yellow and red whenthe parking aid sensors detect an object inthe coverage area.
Manual Zoom
WARNING: When manual zoom ison, the full area behind your vehicle maynot show. Be aware of your surroundingswhen using the manual zoom feature.
Note:Manual zoom is only available whenthe transmission is in reverse (R).
Note:When you enable manual zoom, onlythe centerline is shown.
Selectable settings for this feature areZoom in (+) and Zoom out (-). Press thesymbol in the camera screen to change theview. The default setting is Zoom OFF.
This allows you to get a closer view of anobject behind your vehicle. The zoomedimage keeps the bumper in the image toprovide a reference. The zoom is onlyactive while the transmission is in reverse(R).
Rear Camera Delay
Selectable settings for this feature are ONand OFF.
The default setting for the rear cameradelay is OFF.
When shifting the transmission out ofreverse (R) and into any gear other thanpark (P), the camera image remains in thedisplay until:
•Your vehicle speed reachesapproximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
•You shift your vehicle into park (P).
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•Areas under construction or newinfrastructure.
•When modifications to the steeringsystem have been made.
•When using a spare tire.
Note:The driving assistance torque islimited and may not be sufficient for alldriving situations such as driving throughtight curves or driving through curves at highspeeds.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the systemmay deviate from the center line.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES
WITH: STOP AND GO
Sensor Limitations
WARNING: On rare occasions,detection issues can occur due to theroad infrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In thesecases, the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening,if required.
WARNING: If the systemmalfunctions, have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
WARNING: Large contrasts inoutside lighting can limit sensorperformance.
WARNING: The system only warnsof vehicles detected by the radar sensor.In some cases there may be no warningor a delayed warning. Apply the brakeswhen necessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: The system may notdetect stationary or slow movingvehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
WARNING: The system does notdetect pedestrians or objects in the road.
WARNING: The system does notdetect oncoming vehicles in the samelane.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free fromobstruction.
WARNING: The sensor mayincorrectly track lane markings as otherstructures or objects. This can result ina false or missed warning.
The camera is mounted on the windshieldbehind the interior mirror.
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Use the touchscreen to select thefollowing:
1.Select Settings.
2.Select Driver Assist.
3.Select Cruise Control.
4.Select Normal.
The cruise control indicatorreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator if you selectnormal cruise control. The gap settingdoes not display, and the system does notrespond to lead vehicles. Automaticbraking remains active to maintain setspeed. The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
SWITCHING LANE CENTERING
ON AND OFF
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel. See Cruise Control (page 81).
Press the button.
The indicator appears in the informationdisplay. When the system is on, the colorof the indicator changes to indicate thesystem status. See Adaptive CruiseControl Indicators (page 248).
Note:Adaptive cruise control must be onbefore you can switch lane centering on.
Activating Lane Centering
The system only activates when all of thefollowing occur:
•You have adaptive cruise control withstop-and-go on.
•Your hands are on the steering wheel.
•The system detects both lanemarkings.
Note:If it does not detect valid lanemarkings, the system stays inactive untilvalid markings are available.
You can override the system at any timeby steering your vehicle.
System Alerts and AutomaticCancellation
You must keep your hands on the steeringwheel at all times.
When the system is active and detects nosteering activity for a certain period of time,the system alerts you to put your hands onthe steering wheel. If you do not react tothe warnings the system cancels and slowsyour vehicle down to idle speeds whilemaintaining steering control.
The system also alerts you if your vehiclecrosses lane markings without detectedsteering activity.
Note:The system may detect a light gripor touch on the steering wheel as hands-offdriving.
When an external condition cancels thesystem, for example, no lane markingsavailable, a tone sounds and a messageappears in the information display.
If your vehicle starts to slowdown, you must provide steeringinput to the wheel and press andrelease the button to regain full systemperformance.
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The lane becomes too wide or toonarrow.
•The system cannot detect valid lanemarkings.
•Lane markings are crossed.
Note:The system disables until the nextkey cycle if your vehicle slows down due todriver inactivity twice within a key cycle.
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Note:If you receive a warning you shouldconsider resting, even if the currentassessment is within the typical range.
The warning system has two stages. Atfirst, the system issues a temporarywarning that you need to take a rest. Thismessage only appears for a short time. Ifthe system detects further reduction indriving alertness, it may issue anotherwarning that remains in the informationdisplay for a longer time. You can press OKon the steering wheel control to clear thewarning.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•Switching the ignition off and on.
•Stopping the vehicle and then openingand closing the driver’s door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM
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: Always drive with duecare and attention when using andoperating the controls and features onyour vehicle.
WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can alllimit sensor performance.
WARNING: Large contrasts inoutside lighting can limit sensorperformance.
WARNING: The system will notoperate if the sensor cannot track theroad lane markings.
WARNING: The sensor mayincorrectly track lane markings as otherstructures or objects. This can result ina false or missed warning.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free fromobstruction.
WARNING: If damage occurs in theimmediate area surrounding the sensor,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
WARNING: The system may notcorrectly operate if your vehicle is fittedwith a suspension kit not approved byus.
Note:The system works above 40 mph(64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as thecamera can detect one lane marking.
Note:When you select aid or alert and aidmode and the system detects no steeringactivity for a short period, the system alertsyou to put your hands on the steering wheel.The system may detect a light grip ortouch on the steering wheel as hands offdriving.
Note:The system may not function if thecamera is blocked, or if the windshield isdamaged or dirty.
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•Your vehicle is under the activationspeed.
•The direction indicator is active.
•Your vehicle is in a dynamic maneuver.
•The road has no or poor lane markingsin the camera field-of-view.
•The camera is obscured or unable todetect the lane markings due toenvironmental, traffic or vehicleconditions. For example, significant sunangles, shadows, snow, heavy rain orfog, following a large vehicle that isblocking or shadowing the lane or poorheadlamp illumination.
See Troubleshooting for additionalinformation.
White: Indicates that the system isavailable or ready to provide a warning orintervention on the indicated side.
Note:If your vehicle has lane centeringassist and the system is active, the wallsappear green instead of white.
Yellow: Indicates that the system isproviding or has just provided a lanekeeping aid intervention.
Red: Indicates that the system is providingor has just provided a lane keeping alertwarning.
The system can be temporarily suppressedat any time by the following:
•Quick braking.
•Fast acceleration.
•Using the direction indicator.
•Evasive steering maneuver.
•Driving too close to the lane markings.
Troubleshooting
Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markingson the road?
Your vehicle speed is outside the operational range of the feature.
The sun is shining directly into the camera lens.
A quick intentional lane change has occurred.
Your vehicle stays too close to the lane markings.
Driving at high speeds in curves.
The last alert warning or aid intervention occurred a short time ago.
Ambiguous lane markings, for example in construction zones.
Rapid transition from light to dark, or from dark to light.
Sudden offset in lane markings.
ABS or AdvanceTrac™ is active.
There is a camera blockage due to dirt, grime, fog, frost or water on the windshield.
You are driving too close to the vehicle in front of you.
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The design of the system is to detectvehicles that enter the blind spot zone. Thedetection area is on both sides of yourvehicle, extending rearward from theexterior mirrors to approximately 13 ft(4 m) beyond the rear bumper. Thedetection area extends to approximately59 ft (18 m) beyond the rear bumper whenthe vehicle speed is greater than 30 mph(48 km/h) to alert you of fasterapproaching vehicles.
Note:The system does not prevent contactwith other vehicles. It does not detectparked vehicles, pedestrians, animals orother infrastructures.
Using the Blind Spot InformationSystem
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when all of thefollowing occur:
•You start your vehicle.
•You shift into drive (D).
•The vehicle speed is greater than6 mph (10 km/h).
Note:The system does not operate in park(P) or reverse (R).
System Lights and Messages
When the system detects a vehicle, analert indicator illuminates in the exteriormirror on the side the approaching vehicleis coming from. If you switch the directionindicator on for that side of your vehicle,the alert indicator flashes.
Note:The system may not alert you if avehicle quickly passes through the detectionzone.
Blocked Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumperon both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumperstickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
Note:Bike and cargo racks could causefalse alerts due to obstruction of the sensor.We recommend switching the feature offwhen using a bike or cargo rack.
If the sensors become blocked, a messagecould appear in the information display.See Information Messages (page 119).The alert indicators remain illuminated,but the system does not alert you.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warninglamp illuminates and a message displays.See Information Messages (page 119).
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