
any airflow mode except(defrost). Recirculated air may turn off
automatically in all airflow modes except MAX A/C to reduce fog
potential.
3.MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. Touch MAX A/C again for
normal A/C operation.
4.A/C control:Touch to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in MAX A/C,
(defrost) and(floor/defrost).
5.
/(Power/Fan control):Touch to activate/deactivate the
climate control system. When the system is off, outside air is prevented
from entering the vehicle through the vents. Turn to increase or
decrease fan speed.
6.AUTO:Touch to engage full automatic operation. Select the desired
temperature using the temperature control. The system will
automatically determine fan speed, airflow distribution, A/C on or off,
and outside or recirculated air, to heat or cool the vehicle in order to
reach the desired temperature.
7.
R(Rear defroster):Touch to activate/deactivate the rear defroster.
This button will also activate/deactivate the heated mirrors (if equipped).
Refer toRear window defrosterlater in this chapter for more
information.
8.
(Defrost):Distributes outside air through the windshield
defroster vents and demister vents. Can be used to clear the windshield
of fog and thin ice. The system will automatically provide outside air to
reduce window fogging. Touch this button again to return to the previous
air flow selection. To return to full automatic control, touch AUTO.
9.Driver temperature control:Touch to increase (+) or decrease (-)
the temperature on the driver side of the vehicle. If the passenger
temperature controls are not activated (dual zone), the driver’s settings
will determine the temperature setting for the entire vehicle cabin.
MyTemp:Touch and hold to save the desired temperature for MyTemp.
To access this setting again, simply touch the indicator.
The MyTemp feature can be used to store and recall a preset driver’s
temperature. This feature is provided so this temperature can be quickly
adjusted to a frequently used setting with a single button touch.
To save a new preset temperature for the active user, manually adjust
Climate Controls
66
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not use ACC when towing a trailer with brake
controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly
when ACC is activated because the brakes are electronically controlled.
Failing to do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result
in serious injury.
WARNING:Do not use tires sizes other than those
recommended because this can affect the normal operation of
ACC. Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control, which
could result in serious injury.
Switching to normal cruise control
You can manually change from adaptive cruise control (ACC) to normal
cruise control through the message center. Refer toMessage centerin
theInstrument Clusterchapter. If normal cruise control is selected, the
ACC indicator light will be replaced with a
cruise control indicator
light. The gap setting will not be displayed, the system will not
automatically respond to lead vehicles and automatic braking will not be
activated. The system will default to ACC when the engine is started.
WARNING:Normal cruise control will not brake due to slower
vehicles. Always be aware of which mode is selected and apply
the brakes when necessary.
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
Audio control features
SEEK:Press up or down to select
the next/previous radio station
preset, CD track or satellite radio (if
equipped) channel preset depending
on which media mode you are in.
MEDIA:Press repeatedly to scroll
through available audio modes.
MUTE:Press to silence the radio.
VOL (Volume):Press up or down
to increase or decrease the volume.
S
E
E
K
M
E
D
IA
M
U
T
E
VOL
Driver Controls
108
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Note:Accidentally entering the program mode may override previously
programmed buttons. This can happen by pressing and releasing the
outer two buttons, or all three buttons, simultaneously. If this happens,
do not press any button until the module times out after approximately
2.5 seconds and resets to normal mode. When time-out occurs, all three
LEDs will flash rapidly for a few seconds then turn off. Any settings
should remain as previously set.
Rolling code programming
Note:Programming the rolling code garage door opener involves
time-sensitive actions. Read the entire procedure prior to beginning so
you will know which actions are time-sensitive. If you do not follow the
time-sensitive actions, the device will time out and you will have to
repeat the procedure.
Note:Do not program the Car2Usystem with the vehicle in the garage.
Make sure that your key is on and engine off while programming the
transmitter.
1. Firmly press the two outer
Car2Usystem buttons for
1–2 seconds, then release.
2. Go to the garage to locate the
garage door opener motor and its
“learn” button. You may need a
ladder to reach the unit and you
may need to remove the unit’s cover
or light lens to locate the “learn”
button. Press the “learn” button,
after which you will have
10–30 seconds to return to your
vehicle and complete the following
steps. If you cannot locate the
“learn” button, refer to the Owner’s Guide of your garage door opener or
call the toll-free Car2Usystem help line at 1-866-57Car2U
(1-866-572-2728).
Driver Controls
113
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Theintegrated keyhead transmitter (IKT)functions as both a
programmed ignition key that operates all the locks and starts the
vehicle, as well as a remote keyless entry transmitter. A maximum of
eight coded keys can be programmed to your vehicle; only four of these
eight coded keys can be IKTs with remote entry functionality.
Theintelligent access keyfunctions as both a programmed key that
operates the driver door lock, activates intelligent access with push
button start systems as well as a remote keyless entry transmitter. A
maximum of four intelligent access keys can be programmed to your
vehicle.
If your programmed transmitters or standard SecuriLockcoded keys
(IKTs only) are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key, you
will need to have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer. The key
codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need
to be programmed.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key
away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any
inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional
spare or replacement keys.
Programming spare integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT) keys
If you have intelligent access keys, refer toProgramming spare
intelligent access keysin this section.
You can program your own integrated keyhead transmitters or standard
SecuriLockcoded keys to your vehicle. This procedure will program
both the engine immobilizer key code and the remote entry transmitter
portion of the IKT to your vehicle.Note:A maximum of eight coded
keys can be programmed to your vehicle; only four of these eight can be
IKTs with remote entry functionality.
Tips:
•Only use integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs) or standard
SecuriLockkeys.
•You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that
already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed
key(s) readily accessible.
•If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must
take your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare key(s)
programmed.
Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.
Locks and Security
149
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Note:A maximum of four intelligent access keys can be programmed to
your vehicle. If you would like to replace a previously programmed
access key with a new access key, or if you already have four access keys
programmed to your vehicle, you must take your vehicle and all access
keys to your authorized dealer to be erased and reprogrammed.
Ensure that the vehicle is off before beginning this procedure. Ensure
that all doors are closed before beginning this procedure and that all
doors remain closed throughout the procedure. Perform this procedure
exactly as described below, and perform all steps within 30 seconds of
starting the sequence. If any steps are performed out of sequence, stop
and wait for at least one minute before starting again.
Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.
1. Place the new unprogrammed
intelligent access key in the pocket
inside of the center console.
2. Press the driver or passenger
power door unlock control three
times.
3. Press and release the brake pedal
one time.
4. Press the driver or passenger
power door lock control three times.
5. Press and release the brake pedal one time. The indicator on the
Start/Stop button should begin to rapidly flash, indicating that
programming mode has been entered and two programmed intelligent
access keys have been detected in the vehicle.
6. Within one minute, press the start/stop button. A message will be
displayed on the message center indicating that the new intelligent
access key was programmed. If four intelligent access keys have already
been programmed to your vehicle, you cannot program anymore and the
message MAX # OF KEYS LEARNED will be displayed on the message
center.
7. Remove the intelligent access key from the center console pocket and
press the
control on the newly programmed intelligent access keys to
exit programming mode.
8. Verify that the remote entry functions operate (press lock then
unlock, making sure you end in unlock) and that the vehicle starts with
new intelligent access key.
Locks and Security
151
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to
slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal
injuries in the event of a collision.
WARNING:Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in
serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your
seatback, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of possible serious injury: Do not
hang objects off seat back or stow objects in the seatback map
pocket (if equipped) when a child is in the front passenger seat. Do
not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between the
seat and the center console (if equipped). Check the “passenger airbag
off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for proper airbag status. Refer
toFront passenger sensing systemin theAirbag supplemental
restraint system (SRS)section for additional details. Failure to follow
these instructions may interfere with the front passenger seat sensing
system.
•Move the front of the control up
or down to tilt the front of the
seat cushion.
•Move the rear of the control up
or down to raise or lower the
entire seat cushion.
Seating and Safety Restraints
158
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

How to use the automatic locking mode
Non-inflatable safety belts
•Buckle the combination lap and
shoulder belt.
•Grasp the shoulder portion of the
belt and pull downward until the
entire belt is pulled out. As the
belt retracts, you will hear a
clicking sound. This indicates the
safety belt is now in the
automatic locking mode.
Rear outboard inflatable safety belts (second row only—if
equipped)
•Buckle the combination lap and
shoulder belt.
•Grasp the lap portion of the belt
and pull upward until the entire
belt is pulled out.
•Allow the belt to retract. As the
belt retracts, you will hear a
clicking sound. This indicates the
safety belt is now in the
automatic locking mode.
How to disengage the automatic locking mode
WARNING:After any vehicle collision, the safety belt system at
all passenger seating positions must be checked by an authorized
dealer to verify that the “automatic locking retractor” feature for child
seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all safety belts should be
checked for proper function.
WARNING:BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE
REPLACED if the safety belt assembly “automatic locking
retractor” feature or any other safety belt function is not operating
properly when checked by an authorized dealer. Failure to replace the
belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in
collisions.
Seating and Safety Restraints
183
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks are not designed
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.
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Study your owner’s guide and any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with 4WD (when selected) has the ability to use all
four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may enable you
to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
229
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)