2012 FORD EXPLORER automatic transmission

To change the Menu Control between Standard or Memory On, refer to
Vehicle and Menu Controlfound in the table under theSettingssection
later in this chapter.
Display Mode
Press the right arrow on the left steering wheel mounted button when
display mode is selected. The boxes in the upper right corner of the
screen indicate that there are multiple screens that you can navigate
through. Each press of the right arrow will navigate to the next screen
until the last screen is reached. The white highlighted box indicates
which of the screens you are currently viewing:
Note:Regardless of display mode chosen, when SST is activated, the
cluster will change to the tachometer if not already selected, and the M
will light up in the shift select indicator and also in the message center.
Refer toAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
Distance to empty (DTE) + Fuel
gauge + Bar tachometer
•Distance to empty (DTE): Shows approximate fuel level before the
fuel tank reaches empty. The value is dynamic and can change (raise
or lower) depending on driving style.
•Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion
or on a grade. When the fuel level becomes low (50 miles [80 km] to
empty), the level indicator will change to amber. When the fuel level
becomes critically low (0 miles [0 km] to empty), the level indicator
will change to red.
Note:When a MyKeyis in use, low fuel warnings will display earlier
.
•Bar tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the
scale may damage the engine.
F6
4
RPM
1000+
2
0
01234.5mi
E
Instrument Cluster
28
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
This feature allows you to manually shift gears. If your vehicle is
equipped with this feature it will be denoted by an M instead of an L
located in the shift selector indicator.
Regardless of display mode chosen, when SST is activated, the cluster
will change to the tachometer if not already selected, and the M will light
up in the shift select indicator and also in the message center. Refer to
Automatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
The selected gear will be displayed
at the bottom of the vertical bar
tachometer (if selected).
The selected gear will be displayed
within the full analog tachometer (if
selected).
Trip1&2
Press the right arrow on the left steering wheel mounted button when
trip1&2isselected.Theboxes in the upper right corner of the screen
indicate that there are multiple screens that you can navigate through.
Each press of the right arrow will navigate to the next screen until the
last screen is reached. The white highlighted box indicates which of the
screens you are currently viewing:
Choose the standard or enhanced display. See theSettingschart
following to reach the trip display settings.
6
4
RPM
1000
2
0
Instrument Cluster
30
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

4WD Messages Action / Description
4WD OFFDisplayed when the AWD 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 AWD 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 4WDDisplayed in conjunction with the Throttle
Control/Transmission/AWD
light when
the AWD system is not operating properly. If
the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Battery and
Charging System
MessagesAction / Description
CHECK CHARGING
SYSTEMDisplayed when the charging system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
TURN POWER OFF
TO SAVE BATTERYDisplayed when the battery management
system determines that:
•the battery is at a low state of charge or,
•the ignition has been in accessory position
or on position with the engine off for
approximately 45 minutes.
Turn the ignition off as soon as possible to
protect the battery. This message will clear
once the vehicle has been started and the
battery state of charge has recovered. Turning
off unnecessary electrical loads will allow
faster battery state-of-charge recovery.
Instrument Cluster
38
2012 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
104
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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/started (refer to
Push 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.
REAR SEATS
Second and third row head restraints
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint
while the vehicle is in motion.
Second row outboard seat head restraints–The outboard head
restraints are non-adjustable, but they can be folded and also removed.
The non-adjustable head restraints
consist of (shown folded from rear
position):
•a trimmed energy absorbing foam
and structure (1),
•a fold strap (2),
•guide sleeves with unlock/remove
buttons (3),
•and two steel stems (4),
To fold the outboard head restraint, pull the fold strap. To place the
head restraint back to the upright position, pull up on the head restraint.
1
4
2
3
Seating and Safety Restraints
164
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it
is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
262
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

4. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever in front of the shifter
assembly.
5. Apply the brake pedal. Gently
pull and hold the brake shift
interlock lever while pulling the
gearshift lever out of the P (Park)
position and into the N (Neutral)
position.
6. Install the BSI access cover.
7. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle, and release the parking
brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
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.
Driving
285
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
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.
PRNDL
Driving
286
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)