2012 FORD EXPLORER seats

•High back booster seats
If, with a backless booster seat,
you cannot find a seating position
that adequately supports your
child’s head, a high back booster
seat would be a better choice.
Children and booster seats vary in size and shape. Choose a booster that
keeps the lap belt low and snug across the hips, never up across the
stomach, and lets you adjust the shoulder belt to cross the chest and
rest snugly near the center of the shoulder. The drawings below compare
the ideal fit (center) to a shoulder belt uncomfortably close to the neck
and a shoulder belt that could slip off the shoulder. The drawings below
also show how the lap belt should be low and snug across the child’s
hips.
Seating and Safety Restraints
226
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem provides the following stability
enhancement features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides.
•Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), which functions to help avoid a
vehicle roll-over.
•Curve Control, which functions to help maintain the desired turn by
reducing speed.
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
activates, SLOW DOWN.
Driving
275
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
18 40A** Front blower motor
19 30A** Starter motor
20 20A** Power point #1/cigar lighter
21 20A** Power point #3 (cargo area)
22 30A** 3rd row seat module
23 30A** Driver power seat, Memory module
24 30A** Trailer tow (TT) battery charge
25 — Not used
26 40A** Rear window defroster, Heated
mirrors
27 20A** Power point (console)
28 30A** Climate controlled seats
29 — Not used
30 — Not used
31 — Not used
32 — Auxiliary blower motor relay
33 — Not used
34 — Blower motor relay
35 — Not used
36 — Not used
37 — TT right stop/turn lamps relay
38 — TT back up relay
39 40A** Auxiliary blower motor
40 — Not used
41 — Not used
42 30A** Passenger seat
43 40A** ABS valves
44 — Rear washer relay
45 5A* Rain sensor
46 — Not used
47 — Not used
Roadside Emergencies
331
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled
area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with MotorcraftProfessional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with MotorcraftSpot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use
MotorcraftMulti-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
WARNING:Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt
webbing.
Cleaning
361
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products
could contaminate the side-airbag system and affect performance of
the side airbag in a collision.
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Clean spills and stains as quickly as possible.
•For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For
more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water
solution. In Canada, use MotorcraftVinyl Cleaner (CXC-93). Dry the
area with a soft cloth.
•If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and
water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially
available leather cleaning product designed for automotive interiors.
•To check for compatibility, first test any cleaner or stain remover on
an inconspicuous part of the leather.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing or
damage to the leather.
UNDERBODY
Flush the complete underside of your vehicle frequently. Keep body and
door drain holes free from packed dirt.
Cleaning
362
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. 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 to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
Battery management system
The battery management system (BMS) monitors battery conditions and
takes actions to extend battery life. If excessive battery drain is
detected, the system may temporarily disable certain electrical features
to protect the battery. Those electrical accessories affected include rear
defrost, heated /cooled seats, climate control fan, heated steering wheel,
audio and navigation system. A message may be displayed on the
instrument cluster or center stack display to alert the driver that battery
protection actions are active. See theMessage centerin theInstrument
ClusterandEntertainment systemschapters for more information.
These messages are only for notification that an action is taking place,
and do not necessarily indicate that an electrical problem exists or that
the battery requires replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the BMS, any electrical devices that are
added to the vehicle should not have their ground connection made
directly at the negative battery post. A connection at the negative
battery post can cause inaccurate measurements of the battery condition
and potential incorrect system operation.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
375
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ..........................94
Active Park Assist .....................300
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........100
AdvanceTrac ..............................275
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................193, 201, 204
and child safety seats ............195
description ..............193, 201, 204
disposal ....................................207
driver airbag ............195, 202, 205
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 205
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 205
side airbag ...............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............398, 401
Air conditioning ..............60, 63, 65
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................60
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................313
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................376
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................272
Anti-theft system ..............148, 152
arming the system ..........148, 152
disarming a triggered
system .....................................152
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................286
fluid, adding ....................395, 397
fluid, checking ................395, 397
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specification ..................402Selectshift (SST) ....................289
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....57
Auxiliary powerpoint ..................90
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........402
refill capacities ........................402
B
Battery .......................................373
acid, treating emergencies .....373
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................373
replacement, specifications ...401
servicing ..................................373
Belt-Minder.............................188
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................307
Blind spot mirror ......................305
Booster seats .............................224
Brakes ........................................272
anti-lock ...................................272
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................273
fluid, checking and adding ....395
fluid, refill capacities ..............402
fluid, specifications .................402
lubricant specifications ..........402
parking ....................................274
shift interlock ..........................284
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....402
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................111
Cargo net ...................................118
Cell phone use ..............................9
Index
433
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Changing a tire .........................334
Child safety seats ......................212
in front seat ............................212
in rear seat ..............................212
LATCH .....................................218
recommendations ...................210
tether anchorage hardware ...220
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................224
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............358
instrument panel ....................360
interior .....................................361
plastic parts ............................359
washing ....................................356
waxing .....................................357
wheels ......................................357
wiper blades ............................359
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................60, 63, 65
Clock ............................................49
Collision Warning System .........297
Console ........................................90
overhead ....................................89
rear ............................................90
Controls
power seat ...............................157
steering column ......................108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............376
refill capacities ................379, 402
specifications ..........................402
Cross Traffic Alert ....................307
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................98
Customer Assistance ................322Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................410, 413
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................352
Getting roadside assistance ...322
Getting the service you
need .........................................348
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................354
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................352
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................73
Defrost
rear window ..............................68
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................395, 397
engine oil .................................370
Driving under special
conditions ..................291, 314, 317
sand .........................................316
snow and ice ...........................318
through water .................316, 321
E
Electronic message center ...22, 26
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................343
running out of fuel .........342, 388
Emission control system ..........392
Engine ........................................405
cleaning ...................................358
coolant .....................................376
fail-safe cooling .......................381
Index
434
2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)