2012 FORD EXPLORER warning

•At speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h): When the HDC button is pressed,
the HDC system will be enabled, the light on the button will be
illuminated, and FOR HILL CNTRL, 20 MPH OR LESS will be
displayed in the message center for several seconds.
•For HDC to enable, the vehicle must be in a drive gear or (R)
Reverse. If the vehicle is in P (Park) or N (Neutral) and the HDC
button is pressed, FOR HILL CNTRL, SELECT GEAR will be displayed
in the message center for several seconds.
Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for hill
descent control messages.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS)
system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent
damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to
cool and steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center. Refer to theMessage centerin the
Instrument Clusterchapter for more information.
WARNING:The EPS system has diagnostics checks that
continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation
of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the
message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the
message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER
STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the
message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle
harder to steer.
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WARNING:If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is
displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a
problem with the system function. On the next ignition cycle, the
message SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and
steering assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced.
Have your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire.
•uneven tire wear.
•loose or worn suspension components.
•loose or worn steering components.
•improper steering alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks 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 or 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.
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WARNING:Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock (BSI) feature that
prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the
ignition is in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
1. Apply the parking brake and turn
the ignition off.
2. Open the small forward storage
compartment, and remove the
rubber protective cover.
3. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the BSI access cover.
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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.
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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
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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.
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.
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Hill start assist (HSA)
The hill start assist feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle
is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When the hill
start assist feature is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the
slope for up to two seconds after you release the brake pedal. During
this time, you have time to move your foot from the brake to the
accelerator pedal and pull away. The brakes are released automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle
from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope; for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing
uphill into a parking space.
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and select first or reverse gear.
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.
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If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The reverse sensing system (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) gear is selected
and the vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The
system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not
detect certain angular or moving objects.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Reverse sensing 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 RSS.
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 large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the
normal detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
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