2010 FORD EXPLORER transmission

WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with an Adaptive Transmission Control Strategy.
This Adaptive Transmission Control Strategy offers the optimal
transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has
been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will
need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to
reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been
disconnected. The Adaptive Transmission Control Strategy allows the
transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process
could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this
learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning
process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Press the gearshift release button
on the front of the lever and
move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
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R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever.
•This position allows for all
forward gears (1-4) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: heavy
city traffic where continuous
shifting in and out of overdrive
occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads,
trailer towing and when engine
braking is required.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive
mode), press the transmission
control switch. The O/D OFF
lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
O/D
OFF
Driving
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2010 Explorer(exp)
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3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Overdrive) or Drive.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with an Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. The adaptive information will be stored
automatically in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and Transmission
Control Module (TCM). When the vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need
to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset
your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected.
The Adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy allows the transmission to
relearn these operating parameters. This learning process could take
several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning
process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process,
normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.
Driving
288
2010 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Press the gearshift lever release
button (on the front of the lever)
and shift into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
Driving
289
2010 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)

D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the shift lever.
•This position allows for all
forward gears (1-5) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: heavy
city traffic where continuous
shifting in and out of overdrive
occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads,
trailer towing and when engine
braking is required.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive
mode), press the transmission
control switch. The O/D OFF
lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
O/D
OFF
Driving
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•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) only.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The reverse sensing system sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles
near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) gear is selected.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. The park assist is only an aid for some
(generally large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat
surface at “parking speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the
function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the reverse sensing system.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting objects to avoid damaging the
vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly those
close to the ground.
Driving
291
2010 Explorer(exp)
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USA(fus)

4X4 HIGH (4WD High)- Provides locked four-wheel drive power to all
four wheels. This mode is not intended for use on dry pavement. This
mode is appropriate for severe winter and off-road conditions, such as
deep snow, ice or shallow sand.
4X4 LOW (4WD Low)- Provides locked four-wheel drive power when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. This mode is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this mode for off-road,
low-speed operation or when extra power is required, such as climbing
steep grades, going through deep sand, or pulling a boat out of the
water.
Shifting between 4X4 AUTO (4WD Auto) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
•Select 4X4 AUTO (4WD Auto) or 4X4 HIGH (4WD High) at any
forward speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Press the desired 4WD position.
•If shifting into 4x4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in
the instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the 4X4 LOW light in
the instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
If any of the above shift conditions are not met, the shift will not occur
and the message center will display the appropriate information.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
For the lubricant specification and refill capacity of the AWD transfer
case refer toMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WARNING:If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of
a different size than the road tires should never be used. Such a
tire could make the vehicle difficult to control as well as result in
damage to driveline components.
WARNING:Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles.
Driving
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2010 Explorer(exp)
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USA(fus)

WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving
298
2010 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide(own2002), 1st Printing
USA(fus)