AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the tow feature when driving in icy or
slippery conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the
rear wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible
loss of vehicle control.
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing fuel
usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived as
a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents
the front wheels from turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
PRNDL
220Transmission
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Brake-shift interlock
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer.
Use the BSI lever to move the gearshift lever from the park position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or if your vehicle has a dead
battery.
Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition key to the off position, and
remove the key.
1. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the Brake shift interlock access
panel.
224Transmission
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
USING YOUR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEM
The intelligent 4WD system continuously monitors vehicle conditions and
automatically adjusts the power distribution between the front and rear
wheels. It combines transparent all-surface operation with highly capable
four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and requires no driver input. It is
capable of handling all road conditions, including street and highway
driving as well as off-road and winter driving. The driver can optimize
more 4WD control by moving the terrain management switch for the
correct terrain. See theTerrain Managementchapter for more
information.
Note:When an 4WD system fault is present, the warning Check 4WD
will display in the message center. The 4WD system is not functioning
correctly and will default to front-wheel drive. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:The 4WD Off message may also be displayed in the message
center if the 4WD system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel
drive. This condition may occur if the vehicle was operated in extreme
conditions with excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume
normal 4WD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has
been restarted and the 4WD system has adequately cooled, the 4WD Off
message will turn off and normal 4WD function will return. The 4WD Off
message will turn off when the system cools and normal 4WD function
returns.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD, a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided should never be used. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the 4WD system may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. This
condition may be indicated by an 4WD Off message in the information
display. If there is an 4WD Off message in the message center from using
the spare tire, this indicator should turn off after reinstalling the repaired
or replaced normal road tire and cycling the ignition off and on. It is
recommended to reinstall the repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front and rear axles
could cause the 4WD system to stop functioning and default to
front-wheel drive or damage the 4WD system.
Four-Wheel Drive227
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles 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. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Four-Wheel Drive229
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Mud and water
Note:Driving through deep water may damage your vehicle.
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations and
responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service
and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve
our national forest and other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A
danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over.
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the
route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
Four-Wheel Drive231
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released,
have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down to its
fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down again.
Brakes235
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the system as contained in this
section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and fixed)
objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air brakes, and external
motors and fans may also affect the function of the sensing system; this
may include reduced performance or a false activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid
damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the system, may create false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors (located on the bumper/fascia) free from snow,
ice and large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors are covered, the
system’s accuracy can be affected. Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage to the bumper/fascia, leaving it
misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate
measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
The sensing system warns the driver of obstacles within a certain range
of the bumper area. The system turns on automatically whenever the
ignition is switched on.
When receiving a detection warning, the radio volume is reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio volume
returns to the previous level.
242Parking Aids
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Canceling a Set Speed
Press CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The set speed will not be erased.
Resuming a Set Speed
Press and release RES.
Switching Off Cruise Control
Note:The set speed is erased when you switch off cruise control.
Press the OFF control down and release or turn off the ignition.
USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Always pay close attention to changing road
conditions, especially when using adaptive cruise control.
Adaptive cruise control cannot replace attentive driving. Failing to
follow any of the warnings below or failing to pay attention to the road
may result in a collision, serious injury or death.
WARNING:Adaptive cruise control is not a collision warning or
avoidance system. Additionally, adaptive cruise control will not
detect:
•Stationary or slow moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
WARNING:Do not use the adaptive cruise control when
entering or leaving a highway, in heavy traffic or on roads that
are winding, slippery or unpaved.
WARNING:Do not use in poor visibility, specifically fog, rain,
spray or snow.
Note:It is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
The system is designed to automatically adjust your speed to maintain a
proper distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in the same
lane. The driver can select from one of four GAP settings, the controls
are located on the steering wheel.
254Cruise Control
2013 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)