2011 FORD EXPLORER automatic transmission

REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF— Displayed when the traction control
has been disabled by the driver. Refer to theDrivingchapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC BRAKING TURNED OFF (if equipped)— Displayed
when adaptive cruise control automatic braking is turned off.
AWD OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the 4WD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is caused by operating the
vehicle with the compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The 4WD system will resume normal function and clear this
message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
CHECK AWD (if equipped)— Displayed in conjunction with the
throttle control/transmission/4WD
light when the 4WD system is
not operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT— The power steering system has
disabled power steering assist due to a system error, service is required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING— The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW— The power steering system
has detected a condition within the power steering system that requires
service immediately.
ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed when the
vehicle is in the accessory ignition state on keyless vehicles.
COULD NOT PROGRAM INTEGRATED KEY— Displayed when an
attempt is made to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys.
Refer toMyKey™in theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
KEY PROGRAMMED 3 KEYS TOTAL— Displayed during spare key
programming, when a third Intelligent Access Key is programmed to the
system.
KEY PROGRAMMED 4 KEYS TOTAL— Displayed during spare key
programming, when a fourth Intelligent Access Key is programmed to
the system.
Instrument Cluster
30
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AWD OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the 4WD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is caused by operating the
vehicle with the compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The 4WD system will resume normal function and clear this
message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
CHECK AWD (if equipped)— Displayed in conjunction with the
throttle control/transmission/4WD
light when the 4WD system is
not operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
EXITING OFF ROAD MODE (if equipped)— Displayed when off
road mode becomes inactive.
FOR HILL DESCENT REDUCE SPEED 20 MPH OR LESS (if
equipped)— Displayed when hill descent speed exceeds 20 MPH.
FOR HILL DESCENT REDUCE SPEED 32 KM/H OR LESS (if
equipped)— Displayed when hill descent speed exceeds 32 KM/H.
FOR HILL DESCENT SELECT GEAR (if equipped)— Displayed
when hill descent control mode requires driver shift transmission into
gear.
FOR OFF ROAD SLOW TO 5 MPH (if equipped)— Displayed when
the vehicle speed requirement for off road mode entry has not been met.
DRIVER RESUME CONTROL (if equipped)— Displayed when the
hill control and off road mode require the driver to resume control.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL ACTIVE (if equipped)— Displayed
when hill descent control mode becomes active.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT (if equipped)— Displayed when
a hill descent system fault is present.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when hill
descent control mode becomes inactive.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF SYSTEM COOLING (if equipped)
— Displayed when hill descent control mode is disabled to cool the
brake system.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped)— Displayed
when hill descent control mode is ready.
Instrument Cluster
46
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Changing the set speed
There are three ways to change the set speed:
•Accelerate or brake to the desired speed and press SET upward and
release.
•Increase or decrease the speed by holding SET upward or downward
until the desired set speed is shown on the message center. The
vehicle speed will gradually change to the selected speed.
•Increase or decrease the speed in increments of 1 mph (2 km/h) by
briefly pressing the SET upward or downward.
The ACC may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to the new set
speed. The set speed will display continuously in the message center
while ACC is active.
Resuming the set speed
Press and release RES/CNCL. This will automatically return the vehicle
to the previously set speed. The set speed will display continuously in
the message center while ACC is active.
Note:Resume should only be used if the driver is aware of the set speed
and intends to return to it.
Low speed automatic cancellation
ACC is not functional at vehicle speeds below 16 mph (26 km/h). Once
the vehicle speed drops below 16 mph (26 km/h), an audible alarm will
sound and the automatic braking will be released.
Hilly condition usage
It is recommended that the driver select a lower gear position when ACC
is active in situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades
(i.e., driving in mountainous areas). In these situations, additional engine
braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake
system to prevent them from overheating. For more information,
referenceAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
Note:If ACC is applying brakes for an extended period of time, an
audible alarm will sound and ACC will shut down. This is to allow the
brakes to cool down. When the brakes have cooled down, the ACC will
again function normally.
Turning off cruise control
Press OFF to turn off the cruise control.
Note:When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition, your cruise
control set speed memory is erased.
Driver Controls
109
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The memory positions are also recalled when you press your remote
entry transmitter
(unlock) control (if the transmitter is programmed
to a memory position) or, when you enter a valid personal entry code
that is programmed to a memory position. The mirrors will move to the
programmed position and the seat will move to the easy entry position.
The seat will move to the final position when the ignition is activated (if
easy entry feature is enabled).
Memory profiles
The memory feature also coordinates with user-created profile settings
utilizing the infotainment touchscreen system (if equipped). See the
Creating a user profilesection in theMyFord Touchsupplement for
more information.
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)
This feature automatically moves the driver’s seat rearward 2 in. (5 cm)
when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the key is removed from the ignition cylinder or the push button start
system (if equipped) is switched off (refer toPush button start
systemin theDrivingchapter).
The seat will move to the original position when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the key is placed in the ignition cylinder or when the push button
start system (if equipped) is put in accessory mode (refer toPush
button start systemin theDrivingchapter).
The easy entry feature can be turned off or on through the vehicle
message center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Seating and Safety Restraints
169
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s
tail lamp circuits, because it may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Activate the tow/haul feature or the grade assist feature on your
transmission to eliminate excessive transmission shifting and assist in
transmission cooling. For additional information, refer toAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
264
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition off.
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
Automatic transmission adaptive learning
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
Driving
288
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•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 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.
The automatic transmission shift strategy has the ability to detect hilly
terrain or mountainous areas and will provide a limited amount of grade
assist features automatically. Refer to D (Drive) with Grade assist or
SelectShift for more information.
D (Drive) with Tow on
The tow feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer
or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using
tow.
Tow can be activated by pressing theTOWswitch located on the
instrument panel by the headlamp control. TheTOW/HAULmessage
will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
PRNDL
Driving
289
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The tow feature delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission
shifting. Tow also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position. This engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the tow feature and return to normal driving mode, press
theTOWbutton. The tow light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (tow off).
WARNING:Do not use the tow feature when driving in icy or
slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause
the rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the
possible loss of vehicle control.
D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates grade assist and cancels overdrive.
Grade assist:
•Provides additional grade
(engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill
climbs for hilly terrain or
mountainous areas.
•Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
PRNDL
Driving
290
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)