Following a vehicle
WARNING:When following a vehicle in front of you, the vehicle
will not decelerate automatically to a stop, nor will the vehicle
always decelerate quickly enough to avoid a collision without driver
intervention. Always apply the brakes when necessary. Failing to do so
may result in a collision, serious injury or death.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the same lane or a slower vehicle is
ahead in the same lane, the vehicle speed will adjust automatically to
maintain a preset gap distance. The distance setting is adjustable, refer
toSetting the gap distancein this section.
The lead vehicle graphic will be illuminated.
The vehicle will maintain a constant distance between the vehicle ahead
until:
•The vehicle in front of you accelerates to a speed above the set speed.
•The vehicle in front of you moves out of your lane or out of view.
•The vehicle speed falls below 16 mph (26 km/h).
•A new gap distance is set.
The vehicle brakes will be automatically applied to slow the vehicle to
maintain a safe distance between the vehicle in front. The maximum
braking which is applied by the ACC system is limited and can be
overridden by the driver applying the brakes.
If the ACC system predicts that its
maximum braking level will not be
sufficient, an audible warning will
sound while the ACC continues to
brake. This is accompanied by a
heads-up display; a red warning bar
illuminating on the windshield. The driver should takeimmediate
action.
Note:The brakes may emit a sound when they are being modulated by
the adaptive cruise control system.
WARNING:Adaptive cruise control only warns of vehicles
detected by the radar sensor. In some cases there may be no
warning or the warning may be delayed. The driver should always
apply the brakes when necessary. Failing to do so may result in a
collision, serious injury or death.
Driver Controls
107
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•There may be issues with the detection of vehicles in front when
driving into and coming out of a bend or curve in the road.
In these cases ACC may brake late or unexpectedly. The driver should
stay alert and intervene when necessary.
ACC Not Available
Several conditions exist which can cause ACC to deactivate or prevent
ACC from activating when requested. These conditions include:
•The sensor is blocked, refer toBlocked sensorin this section.
•
Brake temperature is high, refer toHilly condition usagein this section.
•A failure has occurred in the ACC system or related system.
Blocked sensor
If a message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed, the radar signals
from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensor is located
behind a fascia cover near the driver
side of the lower grille. When the
radar signals are obstructed, a
vehicle ahead cannot be detected
and the ACC will not function. The
following table lists possible causes
and actions for this message being
displayed.
Driver Controls
111
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Using hill start assist
The hill start assist feature is activated automatically when the vehicle is
stopped on a slope greater than five degrees. The hill start assist feature
operates with the vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected. The
hill start assist feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
Activating hill start assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to two
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is
active, the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
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.
Driving
293
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Operation
The radar sensor detects vehicles
ahead that are moving in the same
direction as your vehicle.
If the radar detects that your
vehicle is rapidly closing on another
vehicle a red warning light will
illuminate and an audible warning
chime will sound.
After that, if the risk of collision
further increases after the warning
light, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking.
This may be apparent to the driver.
However, the system will not
automatically activate the brakes.
The vehicle will not stop unless the driver presses the brake pedal. If the
brake pedal is pressed then braking is implemented with full brake
function, even if the force on the brake pedal is light.
The collision warning system is active at speeds above approximately
5 mph (8 km/h).
Collision warning system limitations
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
where vehicles will not provide a collision warning. These include:
•Stationary or slow moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see also blocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see block sensor
section).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•
Steering wheel and pedal movements are large (very active driving style).
•High interior temperatures, which may deactivate the illumination or
the warning lamps until the interior temperature reduces (audible
warning will alert the driver).
In addition, sun load and sunglasses may reduce the visibility of the warning
lamps. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the audible warning on.
Driving
301
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like for any typical braking situation.
Blocked sensor
If a message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed, the radar signals
from the sensor, located behind a
fascia cover near the driver side of
the lower grille, have been
obstructed. When the radar signals
are obstructed, a vehicle ahead
cannot be detected and the collision
warning system will not function.
The following table lists possible
causes and actions for this message being displayed.
Cause Action
The surface of the radar in the
grille is dirty or obstructed in
some wayClean the grille surface in front of
the radar or remove the object
causing the obstruction
The surface of the radar in the
grille is clean but the message
remains in the displayWait a short time. It may take
several minutes for the radar to
detect that it is no longer
obstructed
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is
interfering with the radar signalsThe collision warning system is
temporarily disabled. Collision
warning should automatically
reactivate a short time after the
weather conditions improve.
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signalsThe collision warning system is
temporarily disabled. Collision
warning should automatically
reactivate a short time after the
weather conditions improve.
Driving
302
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
10 10A Run/accessory relay (wipers, rear
washer), Rain sensor
11 10A Instrument cluster, Heads-up display
12 15A Interior courtesy lamps (overhead
console, 2nd row, cargo), Puddle lamps,
Console bin LED, Backlighting
13 15A Right turn lamps, Right trailer tow (TT)
turn/stop lamps
14 15A Left turn lamps, Left TT turn/stop lamps
15 15A Reverse lamps, Stop lamps,
High-mounted stop lamp
16 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
17 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
18 10A Keypad illumination, Brake shift interlock
(BSI), Start button run indicator, Passive
anti-theft system (PATS), Powertrain
control module (PCM) wake-up, Rear
seat power enable
19 20A Memory seat power
20 20A Locks
21 10A Intelligent access (IA), Keypad
22 20A Horn relay
23 15A Steering wheel control module, IA,
Headlamp switch
24 15A Datalink connector, Steering wheel
control module
25 15A Liftgate release
26 5A Radio frequency module
27 20A IA module
28 15A Ignition switch, Push button start
29 20A Radio, 8” SYNCMulti-function display
screen, SYNCmodule, Global positioning
system module
Roadside Emergencies
330
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
30 15A Front park lamps
31 5A Trailer tow brake controller
32 15A 110V AC power point, Power folding
mirror, Power mirrors, One touch
up/down front windows, Door lock
illumination
33 10A Occupant classification sensor
34 10A Blind spot monitor, Rearview camera,
Reverse sensing system
35 5A Heads-up display, Climate control
humidity sensor, Terrain management
system, Hill descent switch, Headlamp
switch IGN sense
36 10A Not used (spare)
37 10A Restraints control module
38 10A Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Moon
roof
39 15A High beam headlamps
40 10A Rear park lamps, License plate lamps
41 7.5A Overdrive cancel, Tow/haul
42 5A Not used (spare)
43 10A Not used (spare)
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Not used (spare)
46 10A Climate control module
47 15A Fog lamps, left and right turn signal
mirror feed
48 30A Circuit
BreakerRear power windows, Passenger power
window, One touch down (driver side
only)
49 Delayed
accessory relayBody control module
Roadside Emergencies
331
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
37 — TT right stop/turn lamps relay
38 — TT back up relay
39 40A** Auxiliary blower motor
40 — Not used
41 — Not used
42 30A** Passenger seat
43 40A** ABS valves
44 — Rear washer relay
45 5A* Rain sensor
46 — Not used
47 — Not used
48 — Not used
49 — Not used
50 15A* Heated mirrors
51 — Not used
52 — Not used
53 — TT left stop/turn lamps relay
54 — Not used
55 — Wiper relay
56 — Not used
57 20A* Left high-intensity discharge (HID)
headlamps
58 10A* Alternator sensor
59 10A* Brake on/off (BOO) switch
60 10A* TT back-up lamps
61 20A* 2nd row seat release
62 10A* A/C clutch
63 15A* TT stop/turn lamps
64 15A* Rear wipers
65 30A* Fuel pump
66 — Powertrain control module (PCM) relay
Roadside Emergencies
334
2011 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)