2012 FORD EXPLORER warning lights

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 19
Message center 22
Entertainment Systems 48
MyFord™ system 48
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 57
USB port 58
SYNC59
Climate Controls 60
Manual heating and air conditioning 60
Automatic temperature control 63
Auxiliary passenger climate control 68
Rear window defroster 68
Lights 71
Headlamps 71
Turn signal control 76
Bulb replacement 78
Driver Controls 86
Windshield wiper/washer control 86
Steering wheel adjustment 88
Power windows 93
Mirrors 94
Speed control 98
Adaptive cruise control 100
Moon roof 110
Locks and Security 126
Keys 126
Locks 133
Anti-theft system 148
Table of Contents
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2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Base instrument cluster with standard measure shown; metric
similar
Optional instrument cluster with standard measure shown; metric
similar
Warning lights can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become
serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
km/h
80
60
40
20
0
20
0 40 60 80
100120140160180
200
220
100120
140
MPH
5
4
3
2
1
07
F
E
6
OFF
OFF
km/h20
0 40 60 80
100120140160180
200
80
60
40
20
0 100120140
MPH
Instrument Cluster
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2012 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
indicators work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to
the respective system warning light for additional information.
Note:Some warning lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicators.
These indicators display in the lower line of the message center near the
odometer reading. They function the same as a warning light but do not
display on startup.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced
power (RTT):Illuminates when a
powertrain or an 4WD fault has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Instrument Cluster
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Hill descent (RTT) (if
equipped):Illuminates when hill
descent is turned on.
Heads up display (if equipped):
A red beam of lights will illuminate
on the windshield in certain
instances when using adaptive
cruise control and/or the collision
warning system. It will also
illuminate momentarily when you start your vehicle to make sure the
display works. SeeUsing adaptive cruise controlin theDriving
chapter for more information.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on chime:Sounds when the parking brake is left on and
the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is off,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Instrument Cluster
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Flash-to-pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
To activate DRL:
•the ignition must be in the on position and
•the headlamp control is in the
orposition
•the transmission is not in P (Park).
WARNING:Always remember to turn on your headlamps at
dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light
(DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not
provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate
your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
lit components in the vehicle during
headlamp and parking lamp
operation.
•Tapthetoporbottomofthe
control to brighten/dim all interior
lit components incrementally, or
•Press and hold the top or bottom
of the control until the desired lighting level is reached.
Note:In the message center, a message will pop up that will show
incrementally where the dimmer is in relation to the dimming steps.
These steps will also vary for daytime and night time dimming.
Note:If the battery is disconnected, discharged, or a new battery is
installed, the dimmer control requires re-calibration. Press the dimmer
control from the full dim position to the full on position to reset. This
will ensure that your displays are visible under all lighting conditions.
Lights
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Third row cargo lamp
The dome lamp lights when:
•any door is opened.
•the instrument panel dimmer
button is pressed until the
courtesy lamp comes on.
•
any of the remote entry controls
are pressed and the ignition is off.
The courtesy lamp can also be
turned on and off manually by
pressing the control switch.
Battery saver
The battery saver will shut off the exterior lamps and interior lamps,
except the hazard warning lamps if activated, 10 minutes after the
ignition control has been turned off. The system will not turn off the
parking lamps if they are on.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Lamp assembly condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens
Examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp water
leak) are:
•Water puddle inside the lamp
•Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of
the lens
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service if any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.
Lights
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USA(fus)

Replacing interior bulbs
Check the operation of the bulbs frequently. To replace any of the
interior bulbs, see a dealer or qualified technician.
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the off position.
2. Open the hood.
3. Remove the bulb cover.
4. Turn the bulb base
counterclockwise and remove it.
5. Disconnect the electrical connector.
WARNING:Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep
out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base
and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the
bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Reverse steps to reinstall bulb(s).
Lights
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USA(fus)

Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
The interior rear view mirror has an auto-dimming function. The
electronic day/night mirror will change from the normal (high reflective)
state to the non-glare (darkened) state when bright lights (glare) reach
the mirror. When the mirror detects bright light from behind the vehicle,
it will automatically adjust (darken) to minimize glare.
The mirror will automatically return to the normal state whenever the
vehicle is placed in R (Reverse) to ensure a bright clear view when
backing up.
Do not block the sensors on the front and back of the interior
rear view mirror since this may impair proper mirror
performance.
Note:A rear center passenger and/or raised rear center headrest (if
equipped) may also block the light from reaching the sensor.
Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
Power side view mirrors
WARNING:Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in
motion.
To adjust your mirrors:
1. Press the left or right mirror
button to select the mirror to be
adjusted. An indicator light on the
button will illuminate.
2. Use the control below the mirror
buttons to adjust the position of the
mirror.
3. Press the mirror button again to
deselect the mirror. The indicator
light will turn off.
Driver Controls
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)