2015 FORD EXPLORER brake

Reminder Messages Action / Description
Steering Lock Turn
Wheel to UnlockDisplays when you need to turn the steering
wheel in order to disengage the steering lock.
Shift to Park Displays as a reminder to shift into park if gear
shift lever is not in park and a door is opened.
Engine On Displays when the driver’s door is opened, the
vehicle is in park and the engine is on.
Remote Start Action / Description
To Drive: Turn Key to
OnDisplays as a reminder to turn the key on to
drive the vehicle after a remote start.
To Drive: Press Brake
and START ButtonDisplays as a reminder to apply the brake and
the start button to drive the vehicle after a
remote start.
Terrain Management /
Off Road / Hill
Descent MessagesAction / Description
For Hill Descent Reduce
Speed XX MPH/km/h or
LessDisplayed when hill descent speed exceeds
20 MPH (32 KM/H).
For Hill Descent Select
GearDisplayed when hill descent control mode
requires driver shift transmission into gear.
Driver Resume Control Displayed when the hill control mode requires
the driver to resume control.
Hill Descent Control
ActiveDisplayed when hill descent control mode is
activated.
Hill Descent Control
FAULTDisplayed when a hill descent system fault is
present.
Hill Descent Control Off Displayed when hill descent control mode is
deactivated.
Hill Descent Control
OFF System CoolingDisplayed when hill descent control mode is
disabled to cool the brake system.
Hill Descent Control
ReadyDisplayed when hill descent control mode is
activated.
Terrain Management
Normal ModeDisplays driver selected terrain management
normal mode.
142Information Displays
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Ignition Modes
Off:Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode, or when the engine is running
but the vehicle is not in motion.
Accessory:Allows some electrical accessories to operate while the
engine is not running.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button twice.
On:All electrical circuits are operational. Warning lamps and indicators
are illuminated.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
from accessory mode.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button twice
from off mode.
Start:Starts the engine.
•Press the brake pedal, and then press the button for any length of
time. An indicator light on the button illuminates when then ignition
is on and when the engine starts.
Your vehicle may have remote start capability. Refer toRemote startin
theKeys and Remote Controlchapter.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm
up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:
You can crank the engine for a total of 60 seconds (without the
engine starting) before the starting system temporarily disables. The
60 seconds does not have to be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each time, without the engine starting,
you reached the 60-second time limit. A message appears in the
information display alerting you that you exceeded the cranking time. You
cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes. After
15 minutes, you are limited to a 15-second engine cranking time. You need
to wait 60 minutes before you can crank the engine for 60 seconds again.
START
STOP ENGINE
Starting and Stopping the Engine189
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Before starting the engine check the following:
•Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Make sure the gearshift is in positionP.
•Turn the ignition key to the on position. If your vehicle is equipped
with a keyless ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position. Release the key when the engine
starts.
Note:The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it
starts.
Note:If you cannot start the engine on the first try, wait for a short
period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
The system does not function if:
•The key frequencies are jammed.
•The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:
1. Locate the key backup slot in
the center console utility
compartment.
2. With the buttons facing the rear
of the vehicle and the key ring
up, place the key into backup
slot.
3. With the key in this position,
press the brake pedal, then the
button to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle.
190Starting and Stopping the Engine
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Fast Restart (Vehicles with Keyless Start)
The fast restart feature allows you to restart the engine within
20 seconds of switching it off, even if a valid key is not present.
Within 20 seconds of switching the engine off, press the brake pedal and
press the button. After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer start
the engine without the key present inside your vehicle.
Once the engine has started, it remains running until you press the
button, even if the system does not detect a valid key. If you open and
close a door while the engine is running, the system searches for a valid
key. You cannot start the engine if the system does not detect a valid key
within 20 seconds.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and
follow this procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Start the engine.
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
2. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to the off position. If
your vehicle has a keyless start system, press the button once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note:This switches off the ignition, all electrical circuits, warning lamps
and indicators.
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving
WARNING:Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still
moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance. The
steering will not lock, but higher effort will be required. When the
ignition is switched off, some electrical circuits, including air bags,
warning lamps and indicators may also be off. If the ignition was turned
off accidentally, you can shift into Neutral and restart the engine.
1.If your vehicle has an ignition key,move the transmission
selector lever to positionNand use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission
selector lever to positionPand turn the key to the off position.
Starting and Stopping the Engine191
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

2.If your vehicle has a keyless start system,move the transmission
selector lever to positionNand use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission
selector lever to positionPand switch the ignition off by pressing
and holding the button for one second, or pressing it three times
within two seconds.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or personal injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
192Starting and Stopping the Engine
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched inP(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 shift your vehicle from P into gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle inP(Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it inP(Park)
R
With the gearshift lever inR(Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out ofR
(Reverse).
N(Neutral)
With the gearshift lever inN(Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
PRNDL
Transmission205
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
The automatic transmission shift strategy has the ability to detect hilly
terrain or mountainous areas and will provide a limited amount of grade
assist features automatically. Refer toD(Drive) with Grade assist or
SelectShift for more information.
D (Drive) with Tow on
Press theTOWswitch located on the instrument panel by the headlamp
control to activate tow. TheTOW/HAULmessage will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
The tow feature improves transmission operation when towing a trailer or a
heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when using tow.
The tow feature delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission
shifting. Tow also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in theD(Overdrive) position. This engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
Press theTOWbutton to deactivate the tow feature and return to
normal driving mode. The tow light will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normalD(Overdrive) mode (tow off).
D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Press the transmission control switch on the
side of the gearshift lever to activate grade
assist and cancel overdrive.
PRNDL
206Transmission
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)

Grade assist:
•Provides additional grade (engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill climbs for hilly terrain or
mountainous areas.
•Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission
shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade assist is designed to aid the driver with optimal gear selection in
hilly terrain or mountainous areas but is not intended for normal operation.
It is recommended that you return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain
to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function.
Press the transmission control switch again to return to normal D
(Drive) position (with O/D).
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving co nditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
M (Manual) (if equipped)
Moving the gearshift lever to M (Manual):
•
Provides additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This will increase engine RPM during engine braking.
•Provides additional lower gear operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Gears are selected more quickly and at higher engine speeds.
Note:The system will stay in M (Manual) until the gear shift lever is
moved into another gear for example P (park) or D (Drive).
Transmission207
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)