2012 FORD EXPLORER climate

Vehicles with automatic climate control can be configured to operate
when the vehicle is started. Refer toRemote start climate optionsin
theClimate Controlschapter for more information and also refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter to learn how to
enable different climate options. A manual climate control system will
run at the setting it was set to when the vehicle was last turned off.
To help make the vehicle as comfortable as possible, the engine idle can
be increased during a remote start. You can enable or disable engine idle
increase by selecting Remote Start Quiet in the message center. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Many states and provinces have restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding remote start systems.
Note:Do not use remote start if your vehicle is low on fuel.
WARNING:To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use remote start if
your vehicle is parked indoors or areas that are not well
ventilated.
The remote start system will not work if:
•The ignition is on.
•The alarm system is triggered.
•The feature has been disabled.
•The hood is not closed.
•Two remote vehicle starts have already been attempted within the last
hour.
•The vehicle is not in P (Park).
•The vehicle battery voltage is too low.
Starting the engine with remote start
The remote start label on your transmitter details the engine starting
procedure. To start the engine using remote start:
Note:Each button press must be done within three seconds of each
other. If this sequence is not followed, the vehicle will not remote start
and the horn will not chirp.
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Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
To operate the heated seats:
Press the heated seat symbol/button
to cycle through the various heat
settings and off. Warmer settings are
indicated by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the heated seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Cooled seats
The cooled seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats:
Press the cooled seat symbol/button
to cycle through the various cooling
settings and off. Cooler settings are
indicated by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Note:When the heated/cooled front seat is active, you will be able to
hear the fan operating inside the seat. This is normal.
Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)
The heated and cooled seat system includes air filters that must be
replaced periodically. Refer toScheduled maintenance information.
A/C
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Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING:The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 139. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING:The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
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Damage
Periodically inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for damage (such as
bulges in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the tread groove and
separation in the tread or sidewall). If damage is observed or suspected
have the tire inspected by a tire professional. Tires can be damaged
during off-road use, so inspection after off-road use is also
recommended.
WARNING: Age
Tires degrade over time depending on many factors such as
weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed,
inflation pressure, etc.) the tires experience throughout their lives.
In general, tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread
wear. However, heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging process and may require tires to be
replaced more frequently.
You should replace your spare tire when you replace the road tires or
after six years due to aging even if it has not been used.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire replacement requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
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SNOW TIRES AND CABLES
WARNING:Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit
failure.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that only
cable chains are used with steel wheels (of the same size and
specifications) as chains may chip aluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and cable chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Install cable chains only on the front wheels.
•Use only cable chains on vehicles equipped with either P245/65R17
tires or P245/60R18 tires.
•Do not use tire chains, cables or optional traction devices on vehicles
equipped with P255/50R20 tires.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cable chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the cable chains. If this does not work,
remove the cable chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cable chains when they are no longer needed. Do not
use tire cable chains on dry roads.
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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.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
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
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)
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
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
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
WARNING:Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
WARNING:To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace
the cover to the power distribution box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
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