spare tire FORD EXPLORER 2023 Owners Manual

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
ActionMessage
One or more tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. See TirePressure Monitoring System (page 364).Tire Pressure Low
The tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. If the warningstays on or continues to come on, have the system checked as soonas possible. See Tire Pressure Monitoring System (page 364).
Tire PressureMonitor Fault
A tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use.For more information on how the system operates under theseconditions, See Tire Pressure Monitoring System (page 364). Ifthe warning stays on or continues to come on, have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
Tire PressureSensor Fault
Trailer
ActionMessage
A correct trailer connection is sensed duringa given ignition cycle.Trailer Connected
A trailer connection becomes disconnected,either intentionally or unintentionally, andhas been sensed during a given ignitioncycle.
Trailer Disconnected
The trailer sway control has detected trailersway.Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
There are certain faults in your vehiclewiring and trailer wiring/brake system. SeeTowing a Trailer (page 283).
Trailer Wiring Fault
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp.Check your lamp.Trailer Left Turn Lamps Fault Check Lamps
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp.Check your lamp.Trailer Right Turn Lamps Fault CheckLamps
There is a fault with your trailer battery.See Towing a Trailer (page 283).Trailer Battery Not Charging See Manual
There is a fault with your vehicle trailerlighting module. See Towing a Trailer(page 283).
Trailer Lighting Module Fault See Manual
133
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

4WD
ActionMessage
The four wheel drive system has automatically disabled itself dueto the system overheating.4WD TemporarilyDisabled
The four wheel drive system is locking up the torque transfer clutchto help reduce clutch temperature.4WD TemporarilyLocked
Displays when the system automatically disables to protect itself.This may be caused by operating the vehicle with a mini spare tireinstalled, if the system detects dissimilar size tires, or if there is anissue with another vehicle system preventing 4WD operation. Thesystem resumes normal operation and clears this message afteryou cycle the ignition on and off and drive a short distance with theroad tire re-installed or after the other vehicle system issues areresolved.
4WD Off
Displays after the system cools and the four wheel drive systemresumes normal function.4WD Restored
The four wheel drive system is not operating properly and thepowertrain fault indicator illuminates. If the warning stays illumin-ated or continues to illuminate, contact an authorized dealer assoon as possible.
4WD Fault ServiceRequired
Displayed when the transfer case fluid requires service.Change 4WDPower TransferUnit Lube
Displayed when the transfer case fluid has been changed and resetto new.4WD PowerTransfer Unit LubeSet to New
136
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It hasthe ability to anticipate wheel slip andtransfer torque to the front wheels beforeslip occurs. Even when wheel slip is notpresent, the system is continuouslyadjusting to the torque distribution, in anattempt to improve straight line andcornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on everytime you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,a message appears in the informationdisplay.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuouslymonitors vehicle conditions and adjuststhe power distribution between the frontand rear wheels. It combines transparentall-surface operation with highly capablefour-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active andrequires no driver input. It is capable ofhandling all road conditions includingstreet and highway driving as well asoff-road and winter driving. You canoptimize more 4WD control by selectingdifferent drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 273).
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display when a 4WD systemfault is present. See InformationMessages (page 119). A 4WD system faultcauses the 4WD system to default torear-wheel drive only mode. When thiswarning message is displayed, have yourvehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display if the 4WD systemoverheats. See Information Messages(page 119). This condition could occur if thevehicle is operated in extreme conditionswith excessive wheel slip, such as deepsand. To resume normal 4WD function assoon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safelocation and stop the engine for at least 10minutes. After the engine is restarted andthe 4WD system is adequately cooled, thewarning message turns off and normal 4WDfunction returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire otherthan the tire provided. If the mini-spare tireis installed, the 4WD system will disableand enter rear-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components. Somelimited 4WD traction could be provided ifthe mini-spare is installed on one of thefront wheels. If you are in driving conditionswhere limited 4WD traction is neededwhile the mini-spare is installed, it isrecommended the mini-spare be installedon the front axle. See InformationMessages (page 119).
If the mini-spare is installed, this conditionis indicated by a warning in the informationdisplay. If there is a warning message inthe information display from using thespare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling or replacing the normalroad tire and cycling the ignition off andon. We recommended reinstalling or
203
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

replacing the normal road tire as soon aspossible. Major dissimilar tire sizesbetween the front and rear axles couldcause the 4WD system to stop functioningand default to rear-wheel drive or damagethe 4WD system.
The slip response system could activate ifthe mini spare is installed on the frontwheels. If the mini spare was installed onthe rear wheels the slip response systemwill fully disable. In situations where thereis a wintery mix or an off road situation,and you need to use a mini spare, you mustinstall the mini spare in the front tireposition and move a full size tire to the reartire position for the slip response systemto function.
Operating Four-Wheel drive (4WD)Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacementtires and wheels that are the same size,load index, speed rating and type (suchas P-metric versus LT-metric orall-season versus all-terrain) as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Therecommended tire and wheel size maybe found on either the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixedto either the door hinge pillar, door-latchpost, or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driver'sseating position), or the Tire Label whichis located on the B-Pillar or edge of thedriver's door. If this information is notfound on these labels, then you shouldcontact your authorized dealer as soonas possible. Use of any tire or wheel notrecommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of your vehicle,which could result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the frontand rear axles (for example, 17 inch lowprofile tires on the front axle and 22 inchhigh profile tires on the rear axle) couldcause the 4WD system to stop functioningand default to rear-wheel drive or damagethe 4WD system.
For optimum 4WD Performance, it isrecommended to follow the tire rotationmaintenance schedule. To avoid potential4WD malfunction or 4WD system damage,it is recommended to replace all four tiresrather than mixing significantly worn tireswith new tires. For example, using 3 worntread tires and 1 new tread tire all of thesame original tire size/brand, can betolerated by the 4WD system as long asthe worn tires still have usable tread depth.
How Your Vehicle Differs fromOther Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle could behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in thearea. To maintain steering and brakingcontrol of your vehicle, you must have allfour wheels on the ground and they mustbe rolling, not sliding or spinning.
204
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Possible CauseSymptom
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver onthe opposite side of the parking space.
The parking space is more than 5 ft (1.5 m) or less than2 ft (0.5 m) away.
The vehicle speed is greater than 22 mph (35 km/h)for parallel parking or greater than 19 mph (30 km/h)for perpendicular parking.
You recently disconnected or replaced the battery. Afteryou reconnect the battery you must drive your vehicleon a straight road for a short period of time.
An irregular curb along the parking space prevents thesystem from correctly aligning your vehicle.The system does not correctlyposition your vehicle in aparking space.Vehicles or objects bordering the space may not becorrectly parked.
Your vehicle stopped too far past the parking space.
The tires may not be correctly installed or maintained.For example, not inflated correctly, improper size, or ofdifferent sizes.
A repair or alteration changes the detection capabilities.
A parked vehicle has a high attachment. For example,a salt sprayer, snowplow or moving truck bed.
The parking space length or position of parked objectschanges after your vehicle passes the space.
You are using a spare tire or a tire more significantlyworn than the other tires.
The temperature around your vehicle quickly changes.For example, driving from a heated garage into coldoutside temperature, or after leaving a car wash.
233
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingParking Aids

•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.
243
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingAdaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)E307893

GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Make sure that youproperly secure objects in the luggagecompartment. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryin the event of a sudden stop or crash.
WARNING: Do not place objectson the luggage cover. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death in the event of a suddenstop or crash.
WARNING: The appropriateloading capacity of your vehicle can belimited either by volume capacity (howmuch space is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight the vehicleshould carry). Once you have reachedthe maximum payload of your vehicle,do not add more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehicle cancontribute to loss of vehicle control andvehicle rollover.
WARNING: Make sure that you fullyclose the liftgate to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. If youare unable to fully close the liftgate,open the air vents or the windows toallow fresh air to enter your vehicle.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not exceed themaximum front and rear axle loads foryour vehicle.
Note:When loading long objects into yourvehicle, for example pipes, timber orfurniture be careful not to damage theinterior trim.
REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
Spare Tire Cover (If Equipped)
The system is in the floor of the cargo area.
Remove the additional cover to access thespare tire and fuel filler.
275
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLoad CarryingE326709 E298021

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.
276
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLoad CarryingE297641 E204323

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period supplied withyour vehicle.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare(except vehicles supplied with a tireinflation kit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.Roadside Assistance limits fuel deliveryservice to two no-charge occurrenceswithin a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearestauthorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
•Roadside Assistance includes up to$200 for a towed trailer if the disabledeligible vehicle requires service at thenearest authorized dealer. If the towingvehicle is operational but the trailer isnot, then the trailer does not qualify forany roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe Owner's Manual kit.
United States vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
291
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingRoadside Emergencies

GENERAL INFORMATION
The recommended tire inflation pressuresare found on the Tire Label which islocated on the B-pillar or the edge of thedriver door. This information can also befound on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label, affixed to either thedoor hinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets the door-latch post,next to the driver’s seating position.
We strongly recommend maintaining thesetire pressures at all times. Failure to followthe tire pressure recommendations cancause uneven treadwear patterns, reducedfuel economy, and adversely affect theway your vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at leastonce per month.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, set thepressure to the highest value given for yourvehicle and tire size combination.
Use only approved wheels and tire sizes;using other sizes could damage yourvehicle.
If you change the diameter of the factoryinstalled tires, the speedometer coulddisplay the incorrect speed. This couldeffect the functionality of the 4WD system(if equipped). Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer and have the enginemanagement system reprogrammed.
If you intend to change the size of thefactory installed tires, check the suitabilitywith an authorized dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found in the Wheels and Tiresection. See Tire Care (page 349).
Self-Sealing Tires (If Equipped)
Self-Sealing tires are a special type of tirethat have a material on the inside of thetire that can seal punctures up to 0.2 in(6 mm) in diameter in the tread area. Thismaterial does not protect from damage orpunctures in the sidewall of the tire.Self-sealing tires can be identified by thetire manufacturer with a special mark.
If your TPMS warning light comes on,inspect your tires for damage and re-inflateyour tires to the pressure indicated on thetire placard. See Tire PressureMonitoring System (page 364). If yourtires are damaged or continue to lose air,take your vehicle to the nearest authorizeddealer to have your tires inspected andrepaired/replaced as necessary.
Note:Replace self-sealing tires withself-sealing tires to maintain thefunctionality provided.
Note:Do not drive on a deflatedself-sealing tire. This damages the tirebeyond repair.
Notice to utility vehicle and truckowners
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, anunbelted person is significantly morelikely to die than a person wearing aseatbelt.
347
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires