towing 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

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
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ActionMessage
Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTDrive UnavailableSelect S for DriveService Required
Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTNeutral Unavail-able ServiceRequired
Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTSport UnavailableService Required
Displays when an invalid gear has been selected.Invalid Gear Selec-tion
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed to enablethe transmission to shift from park.Depress Brake toShift from Park
Reminder to switch off the ignition while in neutral tow.Neutral TowEngaged Turn Igni-tion Off for Towing
Displays when neutral hold is active and you want to exit neutraltow.Neutral TowEngaged DepressBrake and SelectPark to ExitNeutral Tow
Reminder to remove park brake while in neutral tow.Neutral TowRemove ParkBrake for Towing
Displays when the neutral tow is off.Neutral TowDisengaged
Displays when neutral tow is on.Neutral TowEnabled LeaveTransmission inNeutral
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2.Fold the head restraints by pulling thehead restraint release strap.
3.From the rear of the vehicle, fold theseat backrest by pulling and holdingthe strap while pushing the seatbackrest forward. Release the straponce the seat backrest starts rotatingforward.
Note:Do not use the seat anchors as cargotie downs.
Note:Make sure that the area under theseat is free of objects before stowing it.
Unfolding the Third Row Manual Seat
WARNING: Do not place cargo orany objects behind the seat backrestbefore returning it to the original position.Pull on the seat backrest to make surethat it has fully latched after returningthe seat backrest to its original position.An unlatched seat may becomedangerous if you stop suddenly or havea crash.
Note:Make sure that there are no objectssuch as books, purses or briefcases on theload floor before unstowing the seat. Failureto remove all objects from the top of theload floor prior to unstowing it may causedamage to the seat.
Note:Make sure the area under the loadfloor is free of objects before unstowing it.
1.To return the seat backrest to theupright position, pull the long strapuntil the seat backrest locks.
2.Pull the head restraints up to theirnormal positions.
Adjusting the Third Row PowerSeats
Note:The power rear seat functions disable10 minutes after you switch the ignition off.The transmission must be in park (P) andthe liftgate must be open to operate theseats.
The buttons are inside the liftgate area.
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HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
- HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric andgasoline propulsion to providebreakthrough performance and improvedefficiency. Familiarizing yourself with theseunique characteristics provides an optimaldriving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, agreen READY indicator lightappears in the instrument clusterletting you know that your vehicle is readyfor driving.
The engine may not start because yourvehicle has a silent key start feature. Thisfuel saving feature allows your vehicle tobe ready to drive without requiring the gasengine to be running. The indicator remainson when your vehicle is on, whether theengine is running or not, to indicate yourvehicle is capable of movement using theelectric motor, gas engine or both.Typically, the engine does not start unlessthe vehicle is cold, a climate controlchange is requested or you press theaccelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine automatically starts andstops to provide power when needed andto save fuel when not needed. Whencoasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,or standing, the gas engine normally shutsdown and your vehicle operates inelectric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine tostart up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration.
•Climbing a hill.
•Charge level of high voltage battery islow.
•High or low outside temperatures inorder to provide system heating orcooling.
•Engine not warm enough to providepassenger requested cabintemperature.
•Towing a trailer.
•Selectable drive modes: Certainselectable drive modes may cause theengine to run. See What Is Drive ModeControl (page 273).
•Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifterswhile in drive (D) may cause the engineto run. See Automatic Transmission(page 197).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conservefuel as you come to a stop. Restarting yourvehicle is not required. Simply step on theaccelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor togetherpropel the vehicle through the automatictransmission. This is normal hybridoperating and helps deliver fuel efficiencyand performance.
Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltagebattery. A cool battery maintains batterylife and provides the best possibleperformance. The high voltage battery iscooled by the vehicle's air conditioningsystem. When the air conditioning systemis on, you may notice a slight increase inair temperature coming from the climatecontrol vents while the battery is cooling.You may also notice cool air flowing fromthe vents when the air conditioning orblower is off.
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Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 orregular unleaded gasoline blended with amaximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. The use of these fuelscould result in engine damage that will notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather as wellas other conditions, for example whentowing a trailer. See Towing (page 283).
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
We recommend Top Tier detergentgasolines, where available to help minimizeengine deposits and maintain optimalvehicle and engine performance. Foradditional information, refer towww.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehiclewas not designed can impair the emissioncontrol system, cause loss of vehicleperformance, and cause damage to theengine which may not be covered by thevehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuels containing more than 85%ethanol or E100 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel isprohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Switching Between E85 andGasoline
We do not recommend repeatedlyalternating between E85 and gasoline. Ifyou switch from using E85 to gasoline, orfrom gasoline to E85, add as much fuel aspossible, at least half a tank. Drive yourvehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi(8 km) to allow it to adapt to the changein ethanol concentration. If you use E85exclusively, we recommend that you fillthe fuel tank with regular unleadedgasoline at each scheduled oil change.
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FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. The use of these fuelscould result in engine damage that will notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather as wellas other conditions, for example whentowing a trailer. See Towing (page 283).
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
We recommend Top Tier detergentgasolines, where available to help minimizeengine deposits and maintain optimalvehicle and engine performance. Foradditional information, refer towww.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehiclewas not designed can impair the emissioncontrol system, cause loss of vehicleperformance, and cause damage to theengine which may not be covered by thevehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuel containing more than 15% ethanolor E85 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel isprohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheelstorage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and RefuelingE161513

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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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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