2012 FORD EXPLORER Liftgate

WARNING:Make sure that the liftgate is closed to prevent
exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This will also
prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with
the liftgate door open, keep the vehicle well ventilated so outside air
comes into the vehicle.
Liftgate ajar signal
If the liftgate is not fully latched, you will receive a “LIFTGATE AJAR”
message on the instrument panel. If you see this message, check the
liftgate door to ensure it is fully latched.
Note:In the event of a power failure, the latch can be accessed and
released from the inside using the access panel on the liftgate trim.
POWER LIFTGATE (IF EQUIPPED)
You can power open or close the liftgate with the following controls:
•Instrument panel control button
•Transmitter button
•Outside liftgate control button
•Control button on the liftgate
Opening and closing the power liftgate:
WARNING:Make sure all persons are clear of the power liftgate
area before using the power liftgate control.
WARNING:Keep keys out of reach of children. Do not allow
children to play near an open or moving power liftgate.
The liftgate will only operate with the vehicle in P (Park).
When the liftgate is being power closed, a chime will sound three times
as the liftgate begins to power close. A single chime indicates a problem
with the close request, caused by:
•the ignition is on and the transmission is not in P (Park);
•or the battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage;
•or the vehicle speed is at or above 3 mph (5 km/h).
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If the liftgate reverses and starts to close after an open request, a fast
continuous chime indicates excessive load on the gate or a possible strut
failure. If any excessive load is removed and you still have a faster
chime, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Do not attempt to manually force the liftgate to travel faster than the
power system will permit. This will activate the obstacle detection
feature.
Note:Cycling the ignition prior to completely latching the liftgate could
result in damage to the liftgate and/or its power components. Make sure
the liftgate is fully latched before operating the vehicle.
Care should be exercised in starting the engine before the liftgate is fully
closed (latched). If the ignition is cycled during a liftgate power close
cycle and the liftgate is 6-10 inches (15–24 cm) from being latched, the
liftgate may reverse to the full open position. Verify that the gate is
closed before operating or moving the vehicle, especially in an enclosure,
like a garage or a parking structure. The liftgate or its components could
be damaged in an enclosure if the liftgate is open while the vehicle is
being operated.
When operating the power liftgate after a lower height than full-open has
been programmed, the liftgate can be fully opened by manually pushing
it upward to the maximum open position.
The power liftgate feature can be enabled or disabled using the message
center controls. With the setting turned off, power operation is disabled
from the liftgate handle button and from the control button on the
liftgate. The transmitter and instrument panel switch will still continue to
operate the liftgate regardless of the position state of the message
center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
To power open or close the
liftgate from the instrument
panel:
Press the button, located to the left
of the steering column, once to power open or close the liftgate.
To power open or close the liftgate with the transmitter:
Press
twice within three seconds to open the liftgate. Refer to
Remote entry systemin theLocks and Securitychapter.
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To power open the liftgate with
outside liftgate control button:
1. Unlock the liftgate with the
transmitter or power door unlock
control. If the intelligent access
transmitter (if equipped) is within
3 feet (1 meter) of the liftgate, the
liftgate will unlock when you press
the liftgate release button.
2. To open the liftgate, press the
control button located in the top of the liftgate pull-cup handle.
Note:For the best performance allow the power system to open the
liftgate after pressing the control. Manually pushing or pulling the liftgate
may activate the system’s obstacle detection feature and stops the power
operation.
To power close the liftgate with
the control button on the
liftgate:
Press and release the control on the
liftgate.
WARNING:Keep clear of the liftgate when activating the rear
switch.
Note:The liftgate movement direction can be reversed with a second
press of the instrument panel, or the control button on the liftgate, or a
second double press of the transmitter button.
To set the height of the open liftgate:
1. Open the liftgate.
2. Manually move the liftgate to the desired height.
3. Press and hold the control button on the liftgate until a chime is
heard, indicating the new height has been programmed.Note:If the
liftgate position is too low, the height cannot be programmed.
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The new open liftgate height will now be recalled when the power
liftgate is opened. To change the programmed height, repeat the above
procedure. Once the power liftgate is opened it can be manually moved
to a different height.
Note:Do not drive with the liftgate open without first disabling the
power function and securing the liftgate to the vehicle.
Note:The new liftgate height will be retained even if the battery is
disconnected.
To manually operate the liftgate:
1. Disable the liftgate power function. Refer to theMessage centerin the
Instrument Clusterchapter.
2. Open and close the liftgate as you would a standard liftgate. Refer to
Manual liftgatein this chapter.
Note:In case of operation in extreme cold -40°F (-40°C), or on extreme
inclines, manual operation of the liftgate is suggested.
Obstacle detection
The power liftgate system is equipped with an obstacle detection feature.
If the power liftgate is closing, the system will reverse to full open when
it detects an obstacle. A chime will sound three times when an obstacle
is detected as the liftgate begins to reopen. Once the obstacle is
removed, the liftgate can be closed under power.
If the power liftgate is opening, the system will stop and a chime will
sound three times when an obstacle is detected. Once the obstacle is
removed, the liftgate can again be operated normally.
Resetting the power liftgate:
The power liftgate may not operate properly and may need to be reset if
any of these conditions occur:
•a low voltage or dead battery
•disconnected battery
•the liftgate is manually closed and left ajar (unlatched)
To reset the power liftgate:
1. Disconnect the battery for 20 seconds then, reconnect the battery.
2. Manually close and fully latch the liftgate.
3. Power open the liftgate by using the transmitter, or the instrument
panel control button.
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Note:If the power liftgate system is turned off in the message center,
the system cannot be activated with the outside release handle or
control button on the liftgate. The system will need to be turned on to
resume operation with the outside release handle or control button on
the liftgate. The power liftgate is still operational through the use of the
transmitter and instrument panel button when the power liftgate is
turned off in the message center.
ROOF RACK SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Loads should never be placed directly on the roof panel. For proper
function of the roof rack system, loads must be placed directly on
crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your vehicle may be
equipped with factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine Accessory
crossbars, designed specifically for your vehicle, are also recommended
for use with your roof rack system.
The vehicle’s roof panel isNOTdesigned to directly carry a load.The
maximum recommended load is 100 lb (45 kg), evenly distributed
on the crossbars.Ensure that the load is securely fastened. When the
rail system is loaded, check the tightness of the load before driving and
at each fuel stop.
WARNING:When loading the roof rail crossbars, it is
recommended to evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a
low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with
factory or dealer-installed crossbars
that may be easily adjusted to
accommodate a wide range of roof
mounted accessories.
To adjust crossbar position (if
equipped):
1. Loosen the tie-down hooks at
both sides of the crossbar by
turning counterclockwise. (A small
screwdriver or similar tool can be used to break the torque by inserting
the shaft into the tie-down hook and twisting.)
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The transmitter allows you to:
•remotely unlock the vehicle doors
.
•remotely lock all the vehicle doors
.
•remotely open the power liftgate (if equipped)
.
•remotely start/stop the vehicle (if equipped)
. Refer toRemote
startlater in this section.
•activate the personal alarm
.
•arm and disarm the perimeter anti-theft system.
•operate the illuminated entry feature.
Refer toIntelligent accessin this section for more features.
The remote entry lock/unlock feature operates in any ignition position
except while the vehicle is in the start position. The panic feature
operates with the ignition off.
If there are problems with the remote entry system, make sure to take
ALL integrated keyhead transmitters or intelligent access keys
with you to the authorized dealer in order to aid in troubleshooting the
problem.
Intelligent access (if equipped)
Your intelligent access system uses a radio frequency (RF) signal to
communicate with your vehicle and authorize your vehicle to unlock
when commanded (either by touching the inside of the driver or front
passenger exterior door handle, by activating the exterior power liftgate
button, or a button on the transmitter itself). If excessive RF
interference is present in the area, or if your transmitter battery is low, it
may be necessary to mechanically unlock your door. The mechanical key
blade in your IA key can be used to open the driver’s door in this
situation (refer toIntelligent access keyin this chapter for more
information on the location and use of the mechanical key blade).
Your vehicle will allow you to unlock and enter your vehicle without
actively using a key or transmitter. You can use the intelligent access
feature at the front doors or at the liftgate. You can activate the
intelligent access feature as long as you have one of your IA keys within
range of the front doors or the liftgate.
Activating intelligent access at the front doors:If your IA key is
within 3 feet (1 meter) of the front doors you can activate your
intelligent access system by pulling a front exterior door handle. The
door(s) will automatically unlock and the door can be opened.
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To lock the doors, press and hold for half a second the lock area (black
button) on either front door handle.
Activating intelligent access at the liftgate:If your IA key is within
3 feet (1 meter) of the liftgate, you can activate your intelligent access
system by pressing the exterior liftgate release button, hidden in the
handle below the license plate. The liftgate will release and open.
Push button start:The push button start system allows you to start
your vehicle without using a key. Refer toPush button start systemin
theDrivingchapter.
Unlocking the doors/two-stage unlock
1. Pressand release to unlock the driver’s door.
Note:The interior lamps and turn signal lamps will illuminate.
2. Press
and release again within three seconds to unlock all the
doors. The turn signals will flash.
The remote entry system activates the illuminated entry feature; this
feature turns on the lamps for 25 seconds or until the ignition is turned
on.
The battery saver feature will turn off the lamps 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned off.
Two-stage unlocking may be disabled or enabled by simultaneously
pressing the
andcontrols on the transmitter for four seconds
(disabling two stage unlock allows all vehicle doors to unlock
simultaneously). The turn signal lamps will illuminate twice to indicate
that two-stage unlock was enabled or disabled. The unlocking mode will
be applied to remote entry, keyless entry and intelligent access (if
equipped).
Two-stage unlocking may also be disabled or enabled through the
message center if this is an available message center option or by your
authorized dealer. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
If equipped with an IA key, when two-stage unlocking is disabled,
intelligent access at the driver’s door results in an unlock of all doors
(not just the driver door).
Locking the doors
1. Pressand release to lock all the doors. The turn signal lamps will
illuminate.
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2. Pressand release again within three seconds to confirm that all
the doors are closed.Note:The doors will lock again, the horn will chirp
and the turn lamps will illuminate if all the doors and liftgate are closed.
Note:If any door or the liftgate is not closed, or if the hood is not
closed on vehicles equipped with a perimeter alarm or remote start, the
horn will chirp twice and the lamps will not flash.
Car finder
Press
twice within three seconds. The horn will chirp and the turn
lamps will flash. It is recommended that this method be used to locate
your vehicle, rather than using the panic alarm.
Sounding a panic alarm
Press
to activate the alarm. Press again or turn the ignition to on to
deactivate.
Note:The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is off.
Opening the power liftgate (if equipped)
Presstwice within three seconds to fully unlatch and open the
liftgate.
WARNING:Make sure all persons are clear of the liftgate area
before using power liftgate control.
In order to fully lower and latch the liftgate, press the control twice.
If the liftgate stops mid-travel, it may have detected an obstacle. Check
to ensure the liftgate swing zone is free from obstruction and reset the
power assist by manually closing the liftgate. Normal operation can then
be resumed. Liftgate open/close can be reversed by pressing
twice
within three seconds.
WARNING:Make sure the liftgate is closed to prevent exhaust
fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This will also prevent
passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with the
liftgate open, keep the vents open so outside air comes into the
vehicle.
Memory feature (if equipped)
The integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT) or intelligent access key (IA
key) allows you to recall the memory driver seat, power mirrors and
power adjustable foot pedals (if equipped) feature.
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