roof rack FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control....................273
How Does Drive Mode Control Work.........................................................................273
Selecting a Drive Mode.............................273
Drive Modes...................................................273
Load Carrying
General Information...................................275
Rear Under Floor Storage........................275
Cargo Nets.....................................................276
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................276
Load Limit.......................................................277
Towing
Towing a Trailer...........................................283
Trailer Sway Control..................................284
Recommended Towing Weights..........284
Essential Towing Checks.........................285
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.....287
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance..............288
Cold Weather Precautions......................288
Breaking-In...................................................288
Driving Economically................................288
Driving Through Shallow Water............289
Floor Mats.....................................................289
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................291
Hazard Flashers...........................................292
Fuel Shutoff..................................................292
Jump Starting the Vehicle.......................293
Collision, Damage or Fire Event............295
Post-Crash Alert System.........................296
Transporting the Vehicle.........................296
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need.............298
In California (U.S. Only)...........................299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)....................300
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).......................301
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada........................................................301
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)........................................................................303
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart.........................305
Changing a Fuse...........................................313
Maintenance
General Information...................................315
Opening and Closing the Hood..............315
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................316
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................317
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................318
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................319
Engine Oil Check..........................................319
Oil Change Indicator Reset.....................320
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™................................................321
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L........................................................................322
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L....323
Engine Coolant Check..............................324
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check........................................................................328
Brake Fluid Check.......................................328
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

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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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStability Control

Adjustable Load Floor (If Equipped)
Vehicles with the standard size spare tirecan adjust the load floor to two positions.At the high position, you can place the frontof the load floor on the ledge behind therear seat and on the ledge of the liftgatescuff trim. At the low position, you can tuckthe front of the load floor into the lowerforward area of the spare tire cover andrest the load floor on top of the spare tirecover, or spare tire cover weather mat.
CARGO NETS
WARNING: This net is not designedto restrain objects during a collision orheavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objectsin the cargo area. Attach the net to theanchors provided. Repeat the attachmenton both sides of the vehicle.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING: When loading the roofracks, we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well as maintaina low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,with higher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions, suchas slower speeds and increased stoppingdistance, when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLoad CarryingE297641 E204323

For correct roof rack system function, youmust place loads directly on crossbarsaffixed to the roof rack side rails. Whenusing the roof rack system, we recommendyou use Ford Genuine Accessory crossbarsdesigned specifically for your vehicle.
Make sure that you securely fasten theload. Check the tightness of the loadbefore driving and at each fuel stop.
Note: Never place loads directly on the roofpanel. The roof panel is not designed todirectly carry a load.
Maximum Recommended LoadAmounts
Note:The maximum recommended loadis based on the load being evenly distributedon the crossbars.
Maximum Recommended LoadDescription
75 lb (35 kg)Vehicles with Moonroof
165 lb (75 kg)Vehicles without Moonroof
Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped)
1.Loosen the crossbar bolt by using thesupplied tool or similar tool.
2.Move the crossbar to the new position.
3.Tighten the bolt by using the suppliedtool or similar tool.
Note:For less wind noise and betteraerodynamics, only install the crossbarswhen you need them for carrying cargo.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with andwithout a Trailer
This section guides you in the
proper loading of your vehicle,trailer, or both. Keep your loadedvehicle weight within its designrating capability, with or withouta trailer. Properly loading yourvehicle provides maximum returnof vehicle design performance.Before you load your vehicle,become familiar with thefollowing terms for determiningyour vehicle’s weight rating, withor without a trailer, from thevehicle’s Tire and LoadingInformation label or SafetyCompliance Certification label.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLoad CarryingE291741

Helpful examples for calculatingthe available amount of cargoand luggage load capacity
Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You decideto go golfing. Is there enough loadcapacity to carry you, four of yourfriends and all the golf bags? Youand four friends average 220pounds (99 kilograms) each andthe golf bags weigh approximately30 pounds (13.5 kilograms) each.The calculation would be: 1400 -(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100- 150 = 150 pounds. Yes, you haveenough load capacity in yourvehicle to transport four friendsand your golf bags. In metric units,the calculation would be: 635kilograms - (5 x 99 kilograms) -(5 x 13.5 kilograms) = 635 - 495 -67.5 = 72.5 kilograms.
Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You andone of your friends decide to pickup cement from the local homeimprovement store to finish thatpatio you have been planning forthe past two years. Measuring theinside of the vehicle with the rearseat folded down, you have roomfor twelve 100-pound(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Doyou have enough load capacity totransport the cement to yourhome? If you and your friend eachweigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),
the calculation would be: 1400 -(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440
- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you donot have enough cargo capacityto carry that much weight. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.You will need to reduce the loadweight by at least 240 pounds(104 kilograms). If you removethree 100-pound (45-kilogram)cement bags, then the loadcalculation would be:1400 - (2 x220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -900 = 60 pounds. Now you havethe load capacity to transport thecement and your friend home. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations alsoassume that the loads arepositioned in your vehicle in amanner that does not overloadthe front or the rear gross axleweight rating specified for yourvehicle on the Safety ComplianceCertification label.
Special Loading Instructionsfor Owners of Pick-up Trucksand Utility-type Vehicles
WARNING: When loadingthe roof racks, we recommendyou evenly distribute the load,as well as maintain a low centerof gravity. Loaded vehicles, withhigher centers of gravity, may
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLoad Carrying

•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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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingDriving Hints E266447

•Use a spray with a 40 degree widespray angle pattern.
•Keep the nozzle at a 12 in (305 mm)distance and 90 degree angle to yourvehicle's surface.
Note:Holding the pressure washer nozzleat an angle to the vehicle's surface maydamage graphics and cause the edges topeel away from the vehicle's surface.
Underbody
Regularly clean the entire underside of yourvehicle. This includes the chassis, bodyfloor sheet metal and wheel wells usingfresh water. Keep body and door drainholes free of debris or foreign material.
Under Hood
For removing black rubber marks fromunder the hood we recommend MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner or Motorcraft Bugand Tar Remover.
WAXING
Regular waxing is necessary to protect yourcar's paint from the elements. Werecommend that you wash and wax thepainted surface once or twice a year.
When washing and waxing, park yourvehicle in a shaded area out of directsunlight. Always wash your vehicle beforeapplying wax.
•Use a quality wax that does not containabrasives.
•Follow the manufacturer’s instructionsto apply and remove the wax.
•Apply a small amount of wax in aback-and-forth motion, not in circles.
•Do not allow wax to come in contactwith any non-body (low-gloss black)colored trim. The wax will discolor orstain the parts over time.
•Roof racks.
•Bumpers.
•Grained door handles.
•Side moldings.
•Mirror housings.
•Windshield cowl area.
•Do not apply wax to glass areas.
•After waxing, your car's paint shouldfeel smooth, and be free of streaks andsmudges.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they areclean because grease and dirt buildup keepthe engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•Take care when using a power washerto clean the engine. The high-pressurefluid could penetrate the sealed partsand cause damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with coldwater to avoid cracking the engineblock or other engine components.
•Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo andDegreaser on all parts that requirecleaning and pressure rinse clean. InCanada, use Motorcraft EngineShampoo.
Note:If your vehicle has an engine coverremove the cover before application ofMotorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser.Immediately rinse away any over spray.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingVehicle Care

Note:This receiver includes the eCosreal-time operating system. eCos ispublished under the eCos License.
Satellite Radio Reception Factors
Potential Satellite Radio Reception Issues
For optimal reception performance, keep the antennaclear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and othermaterial as far away from the antenna as possible.Factory-installed and aftermarket vehicle structuresincluding, but not limited to, roof racks and soft top roofsin a partially open position could reduce receptionperformance.
Antenna obstructions
Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freewayoverpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage andthunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
Terrain
When you pass a ground-based broadcast-repeatingtower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one andthe audio system could mute.
Station overload
Your display may show ACQUIRING . . . to indicate theinterference and the audio system could mute.Satellite radio signal interfer-ence
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
Note:SiriusXM reserves the unrestrictedright to change, rearrange, add or deleteprogramming including canceling, movingor adding particular channels, and its prices,at any time, with or without notice to you.Neither SiriusXM and its affiliates nor FordMotor Company and its affiliates will beliable to you or any third party for any suchmodification, suspension or termination.
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Hybrid Vehicle Frequently AskedQuestions - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV).............................................................180Hybrid Vehicle Operation - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV)..............................178
I
Ignition Switch...............................................168In California (U.S. Only)............................299Information Display Control.......................82Information Displays....................................110General Information - Vehicles With: 12.3Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................112General Information - Vehicles With: 4.2Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................115General Information - Vehicles With: 6.5Inch Instrument Cluster DisplayScreen.................................................................110Information Messages.................................119Installing Child Restraints...........................25Instrument Cluster........................................101Instrument Lighting Dimmer......................87Instrument Panel.............................................21Interior Air Quality.........................................143Interior Lamps.................................................90Interior Mirror...................................................98Introduction........................................................9
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle........................293
K
Keyless Entry.....................................................71Keyless Starting............................................169Keys and Remote Controls.........................57
L
Lane Keeping System................................255Liftgate...............................................................73Lighting Control..............................................86Lighting..............................................................86General Information...........................................86
Limited Slip Differential............................209Load CarriersSee: Roof Racks and Load Carriers.............276Load Carrying.................................................275General Information..........................................275Load Limit........................................................277Locating the Wireless AccessoryCharger..........................................................166Locking and Unlocking................................68Lug NutsSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370
M
Maintenance...................................................315General Information..........................................315Manual Seats.................................................146Memory Function.........................................150Message CenterSee: Information Displays................................110MirrorsSee: Windows and Mirrors................................94Mobile Communications Equipment......14Mobile Device Data........................................18Moonroof..........................................................99Motorcraft Parts - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................382Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L..............................382Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L..............................383MyKey – Troubleshooting...........................67MyKey™.............................................................64Principle of Operation........................................64
N
Navigation......................................................449Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........479
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset......................320Oil CheckSee: Engine Oil Check.......................................319Opening and Closing the Hood...............315Ordering Additional Owner'sLiterature.....................................................303Overhead Console........................................167
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIndex

Reverse Braking AssistPrecautions..................................................216Reverse Braking Assist................................216Reverse Braking Assist –Troubleshooting.............................................218Reverse Braking Assist –Troubleshooting.........................................218Reverse Braking Assist – Frequently AskedQuestions.........................................................219Reverse Braking Assist – InformationMessages..........................................................218Roadside Assistance...................................291Roadside Emergencies...............................291Rollover Warning.........................................485Roof Racks and Load Carriers.................276Running-InSee: Breaking-In.................................................288Running Out of Fuel....................................183
S
Safety Canopy™..............................................51Safety Precautions.......................................181Satellite Radio..............................................422Scheduled Maintenance...........................476Seatbelt Extensions......................................44Seatbelt Height Adjustment.......................41Seatbelt Reminder.........................................42Seatbelts...........................................................38Principle of Operation........................................38Seatbelt Warning Lamp and IndicatorChime...............................................................41Seats.................................................................144Security...............................................................77Selecting a Drive Mode..............................273Service Data......................................................16Settings Data.....................................................17Settings...........................................................458Setting the Adaptive Cruise ControlGap................................................................246Setting the Adaptive Cruise ControlSpeed............................................................245Setting the Cruise Control Speed..........239Setting the Hill Descent Speed..............224Side Airbags.....................................................50Side Sensing System..................................229Sitting in the Correct Position..................144
Snow ChainsSee: Using Snow Chains.................................363Spare WheelSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370Special Notices................................................13Special Operating Conditions ScheduledMaintenance..............................................482Speed ControlSee: Cruise Control...........................................239Speed Sign Recognition...........................266Stability Control............................................221Principle of Operation.......................................221Starter SwitchSee: Ignition Switch...........................................168Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................169Starting a Hybrid Electric VehicleSystem............................................................172Starting and Stopping the Engine.........168General Information..........................................168Steering...........................................................268Steering Wheel................................................79Storage Compartments.............................167SunroofSee: Moonroof......................................................99Sun Shades......................................................99Sun Visors.........................................................98Supplementary Restraints System.........46Principle of Operation........................................46Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Onand Off..........................................................245Switching Automatic High Beam ControlOn and Off.....................................................92Switching Cruise Control On andOff..................................................................239Switching From Adaptive Cruise Controlto Cruise Control.......................................248Switching Hill Descent Control On andOff...................................................................224Switching Intelligent Mode On andOff..................................................................250Switching Lane Centering On andOff..................................................................249Switching Rear Occupant Alert SystemOn and Off...................................................158Switching Reverse Braking Assist On andOff....................................................................217Symbols Glossary.............................................9
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIndex