airbag off FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Thank you for choosing Ford. Werecommend that you take some time toget to know your vehicle by reading thismanual. The more that you know aboutyour vehicle, the greater the safety andpleasure you will get from driving it.
WARNING: Driving whiledistracted can result in loss of vehiclecontrol, crash and injury. We stronglyrecommend that you use extremecaution when using any device that maytake your focus off the road. Yourprimary responsibility is the safeoperation of your vehicle. Werecommend against the use of anyhand-held device while driving andencourage the use of voice-operatedsystems when possible. Make sure youare aware of all applicable local lawsthat may affect the use of electronicdevices while driving.
Note: This manual describes productfeatures and options available throughoutthe range of available models, sometimeseven before they are generally available. Itmay describe options not fitted to thevehicle you have purchased.
Note: Some of the illustrations in thismanual may show features as used indifferent models, so may appear differentto you on your vehicle.
Note: Always use and operate your vehiclein line with all applicable laws andregulations.
Note: Pass on this manual when sellingyour vehicle. It is an integral part of yourvehicle.
This manual may qualify the location of acomponent as left-hand side or right-handside. The side is determined when facingforward in the seat.
Right-hand side.A
Left-hand side.B
SYMBOLS GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you maysee on your vehicle.
Airbag
Air conditioning system
Air conditioning system lubricanttype
Anti-lock braking system
Avoid smoking, flames or sparks
Battery
Battery acid
Blower motor
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIntroductionE154903 E67017 E162384 E231157 E67020 E139220 E67021 E139227

Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low fuel level
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
Malfunction Indicator Lamp(MIL)
Note operating instructions
Panic alarm
Parking aid
Parking lamps
Passenger airbag activated
Passenger airbag deactivated
Power steering fluid
Power windows front/rear
Power window lockout
Requires registered technician
Safety alert
See Owner's Manual
See Service Manual
Side airbag
Shield the eyes
Stability control
Stability control off
Trail control
Turn Signal
Windshield defrosting system
Windshield wiping system
Windshield wash and wipe
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PERCHLORATE
Certain components in your vehicle suchas airbag modules, seatbelt pretensionersand remote control batteries may containperchlorate material. Special handlingmay apply for service or vehicle end of lifedisposal.
For more information visit:
Web Address
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard-ouswaste/perchlorate
FORD CREDIT
US Only
Ford Credit offers a full range of financingand lease plans to help you acquire yourvehicle. If you have financed or leased yourvehicle through Ford Credit, thank you foryour business.
For assistance call 1-800-727-7000, or formore information about Ford Credit andaccess to the online Account Manager tool,visit www.ford.com/finance.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
RECOMMENDATION
We have built your vehicle to the higheststandards using quality parts. Werecommend that you demand the use ofgenuine Ford and Motorcraft partswhenever your vehicle requires scheduledmaintenance or repair. You can clearlyidentify genuine Ford and Motorcraft partsby looking for the Ford, FoMoCo orMotorcraft branding on the parts or theirpackaging.
Scheduled Maintenance andMechanical Repairs
One of the best ways for you to make surethat your vehicle provides years of serviceis to have it maintained in line with ourrecommendations using parts thatconform to the specifications detailed inthis Owner’s Manual.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts meetor exceed these specifications.
Collision Repairs
We hope that you never experience acollision, but accidents happen sometimes.
Genuine Ford replacement collision partsmeet our stringent requirements for fit,finish, structural integrity, corrosionprotection and dent resistance. Duringvehicle development we validate thatthese parts deliver the intended level ofprotection as a whole system. A great wayto know for sure you are getting this levelof protection is to use genuine Fordreplacement collision parts.
Warranty on Replacement Parts
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft replacementparts are the only replacement parts thatbenefit from a Ford Warranty.
The Ford Warranty may not cover damagecaused to your vehicle as a result of failednon-Ford parts.
For additional information, refer to theterms and conditions of the Ford Warranty.
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SERVICE DATA
Service data recorders in your vehicle arecapable of collecting and storingdiagnostic information about your vehicle.This potentially includes information aboutthe performance or status of varioussystems and modules in the vehicle, suchas engine, throttle, steering or brakesystems. In order to properly diagnose andservice your vehicle, Ford Motor Company(Ford of Canada in Canada), and serviceand repair facilities may access or shareamong them vehicle diagnosticinformation received through a directconnection to your vehicle whendiagnosing or servicing your vehicle.Additionally, Ford Motor Company (Fordof Canada, in Canada) may, wherepermitted by law, use vehicle diagnosticinformation for vehicle improvement orwith other information we may have aboutyou, for example, your contact information,to offer you products or services that mayinterest you. Data may be provided to ourservice providers such as part suppliersthat may help diagnose malfunctions, andwho are similarly obligated to protect data.We retain this data only as long asnecessary to perform these functions or tocomply with law. We may provideinformation where required in response toofficial requests to law enforcement orother government authorities or thirdparties acting with lawful authority or courtorder, and such information may be usedin legal proceedings. For U.S. only (ifequipped), if you choose to use connectedapps and services, you consent that certaindiagnostic information may also beaccessed electronically by Ford MotorCompany and Ford authorized servicefacilities, and that the diagnosticinformation may be used to provideservices to you, personalizing yourexperience, troubleshoot, and to improveproducts and services and offer youproducts and services that may interest
you, where permitted by law. For Canadaonly, for more information, please reviewthe Ford of Canada privacy policy atwww.ford.ca, including our U.S. datastorage and use of service providers inother jurisdictions who may be subject tolegal requirements in Canada, the UnitedStates and other countries applicable tothem, for example, lawful requirements todisclose personal information togovernmental authorities in thosecountries.
EVENT DATA
This vehicle is equipped with an event datarecorder. The main purpose of an eventdata recorder is to record, in certain crashor near crash-like situations, such as anairbag deployment or hitting a roadobstacle; this data will assist inunderstanding how a vehicle’s systemsperformed. The event data recorder isdesigned to record data related to vehicledynamics and safety systems for a shortperiod of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The event data recorder in this vehicle isdesigned to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehiclewere operating.
•Whether or not the driver andpassenger seatbelts werebuckled/fastened.
•How far (if at all) the driver wasdepressing the accelerator and/or thebrake pedal.
•How fast the vehicle was traveling.
•Where the driver was positioning thesteering wheel.
This data can help provide a betterunderstanding of the circumstances inwhich crashes and injuries occur.
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MOBILE DEVICE DATA
If you connect a mobile device to yourvehicle, you can display data from yourdevice on the touchscreen for example,music and album art. You can share yourvehicle data with mobile apps on yourdevice through the system. See Apps(page 455).
The mobile apps function operates by yourconnected device sending data to us in theUnited States. The data is encrypted andincludes, for example, the vehicleidentification number of your vehicle, theSYNC module serial number, odometer,enabled apps, usage statistics anddebugging information. We retain it onlyas long as necessary to provide the service,to troubleshoot, for continuousimprovement and to offer you productsand services that may be of interest to youaccording to your preferences and whereallowed by law.
If you connect a cell phone to the system,the system creates a profile that links tothat cell phone. The cell phone profileenables more mobile features and efficientoperation. The profile contains, forexample data from your phonebook, readand unread text messages and call history,including history of calls when your cellphone was not connected to the system.
If you connect a media device, the systemcreates and retains a media device indexof supported media content. The systemalso records a short diagnostic log ofapproximately 10 minutes of all recentsystem activity.
The cell phone profile, media device indexand diagnostic log remain in your vehicleunless you delete them and are generallyaccessible only in your vehicle when youconnect your cell phone or media device.If you no longer plan to use the system oryour vehicle, we recommend you use themaster reset function to erase the storedinformation. See Settings (page 458).
System data cannot be accessed withoutspecial equipment and access to yourvehicle's module.
For additional information about ourprivacy policy, refer to the local Fordwebsite.
Note:To find out if your vehicle hasconnectivity technology, visitwww.FordConnected.com.
EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
DATA
When the emergency call system is active,it may disclose to emergency services thatyour vehicle has been in a crash involvingthe deployment of an airbag or activationof the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versionsor updates to the emergency call systemmay also be capable of electronically orverbally disclosing to emergency servicesoperators your vehicle location or otherdetails about your vehicle or crash to assistemergency services operators to providethe most appropriate emergency services.If you do not want to disclose thisinformation, do not activate the emergencycall system.
Note:You cannot deactivate emergencycall systems that are required by law.
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This system provides an improved overalllevel of frontal crash protection to frontseat occupants and is designed to helpfurther reduce the risk of airbag-relatedinjuries. The system analyzes differentoccupant conditions and crash severitybefore activating the appropriate safetydevices to help better protect occupantsin a variety of frontal crash situations.
Your vehicle's Personal Safety Systemconsists of:
•Driver and passenger dual-stage airbagsupplemental restraints.
•Front seat outermost seatbelts withpretensioners, energy managementretractors and seatbelt usage sensors.
•Front passenger sensing system.
•Passenger airbag off and on indicators.
•Front crash severity sensors.
•Restraints control module with impactand safing sensors.
•Restraint system warning light andtone.
•The electrical wiring for the airbags,crash sensors, seatbelt pretensioners,front seatbelt usage sensors, frontpassenger sensing system andindicator lights.
How Does the Personal SafetySystem Work?
The Personal Safety System can adapt thedeployment strategy of the safety devicesaccording to crash severity and occupantconditions. A collection of crash andoccupant sensors provides information tothe restraints control module. During acrash, the restraints control module maydeploy the seatbelt pretensioners, one orboth stages of the dual-stage airbagsbased on crash severity and occupantconditions.
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After all occupants have adjusted theirseats and put on seatbelts, it is veryimportant that they continue to sitproperly. A properly seated occupant sitsupright, leaning against the seatback, andcentered on the seat cushion, with theirfeet comfortably extended on the floor.Sitting improperly can increase the chanceof injury in a crash event. For example, ifan occupant slouches, lies down, turnssideways, sits forward, leans forward orsideways, or puts one or both feet up, thechance of injury during a crash is greatlyincreased.
Children and Airbags
WARNING: Airbags can kill or injurea child in a child restraint. Never place arear-facing child restraint in front of anactive airbag. If you must use aforward-facing child restraint in the frontseat, move the seat upon which the childrestraint is installed all the way back.
Children must always be properlyrestrained. Accident statistics suggest thatchildren are safer when properly restrainedin the rear seating positions than in thefront seating position. Failure to followthese instructions may increase the risk ofinjury in a crash.
FRONT PASSENGER SENSING
SYSTEM
WARNING: Even with advancedrestraints systems, properly restrainchildren 12 and under in a rear seatingposition. Failure to follow this couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
WARNING: Sitting improperly, outof position or with the seatback reclinedtoo far can take weight off the seatcushion and affect the decision of thepassenger sensing system, resulting inserious injury or death in the event of acrash. Always sit upright against yourseat back, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING: Any alteration ormodification to the front passenger seatmay affect the performance of the frontpassenger sensing system. This couldseriously increase the risk of injury ordeath.
This system works with sensors that arepart of the front passenger seat andseatbelt to detect the presence of aproperly-seated occupant and determineif the front passenger frontal airbag shouldbe enabled (may inflate) or not.
The front passenger sensing system usesa passenger airbag status indicator thatilluminates indicating that the frontpassenger frontal airbag is either on(enabled) or off (disabled).
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The indicators are on the overheadconsole.
Note:The indicators illuminate briefly whenyou first switch the ignition on to confirmthey are functional.
The front passenger sensing system isdesigned to disable (will not inflate) thefront passenger frontal airbag when thefront passenger seat is unoccupied, or arear facing infant seat, a forward-facingchild restraint, or a booster seat isdetected. Even with this technology,parents are strongly encouraged toalways properly restrain children in the rearseat.
•When the front passenger sensingsystem disables (will not inflate) thefront passenger frontal airbag, theairbag off indicator illuminates andstays lit to remind you that the frontpassenger frontal airbag is disabled.
•If you have installed the child restraintand the airbag on indicator illuminates,switch the vehicle off, remove the childrestraint from the vehicle and reinstallthe restraint according to the childrestraint manufacturer's instructions.
The front passenger sensing system isdesigned to enable (may inflate) the frontpassenger frontal airbag anytime thesystem senses that a person of adult sizeis sitting properly in the front passengerseat.
•When the front passenger sensingsystem enables the front passengerfrontal airbag (may inflate), the airbagon indicator illuminates and remainsilluminated.
If a person of adult size is sitting in the frontpassenger seat, but the airbag off indicatoris lit, it is possible that the person is notsitting properly in the seat. If this happens:
•Switch the vehicle off and ask theperson to place the seat backrest in anupright position.
•Have the person sit upright in the seat,centered on the seat cushion, with theperson’s legs comfortably extended.
•Restart the vehicle and have the personremain in this position for about twominutes. This allows the system todetect that person and enables thepassenger frontal airbag.
•If the airbag off indicator remains liteven after this, advise the person toride in the rear seat.
Passenger AirbagPassenger Airbag StatusIndicatorOccupant
DisabledOFF: LitEmpty
ON: Unlit
DisabledOFF: LitChild
ON: Unlit
EnabledOFF: UnlitAdult
ON: Lit
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints System

WHAT IS 911 ASSIST
911 Assist is a SYNC system feature thatcan call for help.
For more information, visitwww.owner.ford.com.
HOW DOES 911 ASSIST WORK
If a crash deploys an airbag, excluding kneeairbags and rear inflatable seatbelts, oractivates the fuel pump shut-off, yourvehicle may be able to contact emergencyservices by dialing 911 through a paired andconnected Bluetooth® enabled phone.
Not all crashes deploy an airbag or activatethe fuel pump shut-off. If a connected cellphone sustains damage or loses itsconnection to SYNC during a crash, SYNCsearches for and tries to connect to apreviously paired cell phone. SYNC thenattempts to call the emergency services.
Before making the call:
•SYNC provides about 10 seconds tocancel the call. If you fail to cancel thecall, SYNC attempts to dial 911.
•SYNC says the following, or a similarmessage: SYNC will attempt to call 911,to cancel the call, press Cancel on yourscreen or press and hold the phonebutton on your steering wheel.
If you do not cancel the call and SYNCmakes a successful call a pre-recordedmessage plays for the 911 operator. Theoccupants in your vehicle are able to talkwith the operator. Be prepared to provideyour name, phone number and locationimmediately because not all 911 systemsare capable of receiving this informationelectronically.
During an emergency call the systemtransmits vehicle data to the emergencyservice.
EMERGENCY CALL
REQUIREMENTS
WARNING: Do not wait for 911Assist to make an emergency call if youcan do it yourself. Dial emergencyservices immediately to avoid delayedresponse time which could increase therisk of serious injury or death after acrash. If you do not hear 911 Assist withinfive seconds of the crash, the system orphone may be damaged ornon-functional.
WARNING: Always place yourphone in a secure location in your vehicleso it does not become a projectile or getdamaged in a crash. Failure to do so maycause serious injury to someone ordamage the phone which could prevent911 Assist from working properly.
WARNING: Unless the 911 Assistsetting is set on before a crash, thesystem will not dial for help which coulddelay response time, potentiallyincreasing the risk of serious injury ordeath after a crash.
•SYNC must be powered and workingproperly at the time of the incident andthroughout feature activation and use.
•The 911 Assist feature must be set onbefore the incident.
•You must pair and connect aBluetooth® enabled and compatiblecell phone to SYNC.
•A connected Bluetooth® enabledphone must have the ability to makeand maintain an outgoing call at thetime of the incident.
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Cruise Control (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch thisfeature on.
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when you switch onthe left or right directionindicator or the hazard flasher. Ifthe indicators stay on or flash faster, checkfor a burned out bulb. See Changing aBulb (page 337).
Door Ajar
Illuminates when the ignition ison and any door is notcompletely closed.
Electric Park Brake
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
Illuminates or flashes when theelectric parking brake has asystem error. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Engine or Motor CoolantTemperature
Illuminates when your vehiclecoolant temperature is high.Stop your vehicle as soon aspossible, switch off your vehicle and let itcool. See Engine Coolant Check (page324).
Engine Oil
If it illuminates with the enginerunning or when you are driving,this indicates a system error.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so and switch the engine off. Check theengine oil level. See Engine Oil Check(page 319).
Note:Do not resume your journey if itilluminates despite the level being correct.Immediately have the system checked.
Fasten Seatbelt
Illuminates and a tone soundsto remind you to fasten yourseatbelt. See SeatbeltReminder (page 42).
Fasten Rear Seatbelt
Illuminates and a tone soundsto signal the rear seatbelts arenot fastened.
Front Airbag
If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, continuesto flash or remains on when theengine is running, this indicates amalfunction. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
Front Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch thefront fog lamps on.
High Beam
Illuminates when you switch thehigh beam headlamps on. Itflashes when you use theheadlamp flasher.
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