2012 FORD EXPLORER warning lights

•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start).
If your vehicle is equipped with a push button start system, refer to
Push button start systemin this section for ignition modes.
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
P
Driving
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Ignition modes
1. Off — press and release the START/STOP button without applying the
brake pedal when your vehicle is in on mode or when the engine is
running and there is no vehicle speed.
Note:In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion,
press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second or press
the START/STOP button three times within two seconds. Then, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After the
vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park.
2. Accessory — press and release the START/STOP button without
applying the brake pedal. This allows electrical accessories such as the
radio to operate while the engine is not running. ACCESSORY POWER
ACTIVE and PRESS BRAKE TO START will be displayed in the message
center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for
more information.
3. On — press the START/STOP button two times without applying the
brake pedal. This will power your vehicle’s electrical system and the
warning lights in the instrument cluster will illuminate, but the engine
will remain off.Note:You can start the engine from any ignition mode.
4. Start — press the START/STOP button (for any length of time) while
applying the brake pedal.Note:The indicator light on the start button
will illuminate when the vehicle is in on mode and when the engine is
started.
There may be areas inside your vehicle where the IA key is not detected.
If the message NO KEY DETECTED appears on your message center
when you press the START/STOP button, it may be necessary to move
your IA key to another area within the vehicle. The IA key may not be
detected near the roof (between the driver or passenger sunvisor and
the roof, or in the overhead console area) or in the extreme corners of
the rear package tray, near your audio speakers. It is not recommended
that you stow the IA key in these locations. If you move the IA key to a
location where it has been detected before and you still see the NO KEY
DETECTED message, your IA key’s battery may be low or you may be in
an area with excessive radio frequency interference. If this occurs, you
can use the back-up method to start your vehicle (see below).
Back-up method of starting:Your IA key uses a radio frequency signal
to communicate with your vehicle and authorize your vehicle to start
when you press the START/STOP button and apply the brake pedal.
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How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
P!
BRAKE
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WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the stability control light and
stability control off light will illuminate steadily. Verify that the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is not manually disabled. Select
traction control off in the message center. If the stability control and
stability control off lights still illuminate steadily, have the system
serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. Operating your vehicle
with AdvanceTracwith RSCdisabled could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem automatically enables each time
the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
(TCS, ESC, RSCand Curve Control) are active and monitor the vehicle
from start-up. However, the system will only intervene if the driving
situation requires it.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC
system includes a traction control
off selection in the message center.
The stability control light and
stability control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check, or
during driving if a driving situation causes the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system to operate. If the stability control light and stability control off
light remain steadily illuminated, have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately. The message center will also indicate a
failure with the brake system.
When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
•Engine power may be reduced.
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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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Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The service engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on the service engine soon indicator, refer toWarning
lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Refilling with a portable fuel container
With the Easy Fuel“no cap” fuel system, use the following directions
when filling from a portable fuel container:
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuelsystem. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious
personal injury.
WARNING:Do not try to pry open or push open the Easy Fuel
system with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel system
and its seal and cause injury to you or others.
When filling the vehicle’s fuel tank from a portable fuel container, use the
included funnel.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oilAs indicated by the message center: do not
exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Engine coolant,
initial change6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Scheduled Maintenance
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Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................394
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................360
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................73
Intelligent Access Key ..............126
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................137
J
Jack ............................................334
positioning ...............................334
storage .....................................334
Jump-starting your vehicle ......343
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................134
keypad .....................................146
locking and unlocking doors ..147
programming entry code .......146
Keys ...................................126, 148
positions of the ignition .........264
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................71
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............78–79
daytime running light ...............73
fog lamps ...................................72
headlamps .................................71
headlamps, flash to pass ..........73
instrument panel, dimming .....73
interior lamps ...........................77
LATCH anchors .........................218Liftgate ......................119–120, 139
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........273
Loading instructions .................257
Load limits .................................251
Locks
autolock ...................................134
childproof ................................136
doors ........................................133
Lubricant specifications ...........402
Luggage rack .............................124
Lug nuts ....................................342
Lumbar support, seats .....157, 159
M
Message center .....................22, 26
warning messages ...............26, 36
Mirrors ...................................94–95
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................95
fold away ...................................96
heated ........................................96
programmable memory ..........139
side view mirrors (power) .......95
signal .........................................97
Moon roof ..................................110
Motorcraftparts ..............363, 401
MyFord Connect™ system ........59
MyFord Touch™ system ............59
MyFord™ system ..................48, 59
MyKey ........................................127
O
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................370
Overdrive ...................................285
Index
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