WARNING:Do not use in poor visibility, specifically fog, rain,
spray or snow.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert, drive safely and be in control
of your vehicle at all times.
The system adjusts your speed to maintain a proper distance between
you and the vehicle in front of you in the same lane. You can select from
one of four GAP settings. The controls are located on the steering wheel.
At startup, the system sets the gap to the last selected setting. Once
activated, you can deactivate the system at any time by pressing the
brake pedal, pressing the steering wheelOFFcontrol or pressing the
CNCLcontrol. In addition, you can temporarily increase the vehicle
speed above the current speed by manually pressing on the accelerator
pedal.
The controls for using your cruise
control are located on the steering
wheel.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
1. Press and releaseON.
The information display will show
the gray indicator light, current gap
setting andSET. The system is set
to standby mode.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. PressSETupward and release. The vehicle speed is stored in the
memory.
The information display will show a green indicator light,
current gap setting and desired set speed.
SETRES
CNCL
ON
OFFGAP
Cruise Control241
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The driver alert system is designed to aid you. It is
not intended to replace your attention and judgment. You are still
responsible to drive with due care and attention.
Note:The system will store the on/off setting in the information display
menu through ignition cycles.
Note:If enabled in the menu, the system will be active above 40 mph
(64 km/h). When below the activation speed the driver alert system
display will inform you that the system is unavailable.
Note:The system works as long as one lane marking can be detected by
the camera.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if the windshield is damaged, the
system may not function.
Note:The system may not be available in poor weather or other low
visibility conditions.
The system automatically monitors your driving behavior using various
inputs including the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your driving alertness is reduced below a
certain threshold, the system will alert you using a chime and a message
in the cluster display
Switching the System On and Off
You may switch the system on or off through the Information Display.
Refer to theInformation Displayschapter. The system on or off setting
is stored and will use your last setting the next time the vehicle is
started.
System Warnings
Note:The system will not issue warnings below approximately 40 mph
(64 km/h).
The warning system is in two stages. At first the system issues a
temporary warning that you need to take a rest. This message will only
appear for a short time. If the system detects further reduction in driving
alertness, another warning may be issued which will remain in the
information display for a longer time. Press OK on the steering wheel
control to clear the warning.
248Driving Aids
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The system is designed to aid the driver. It is not
intended to replace the driver’s attention and judgment. The
driver is still responsible to drive with due care and attention.
The system notifies you to stay in your lane through the steering system
and the instrument cluster display when the front camera detects an
unintentional drift out of your lane is likely to occur. The system
automatically detects and tracks the road lane markings using a camera
that is mounted behind the interior rear view mirror.
Note:The system works above 40 mph (64 km/h).
Note:The system works as long as one lane marking can be detected by
the camera.
Note:If the camera is blocked or if the windshield is damaged, the
system may not function.
Note:When Aid mode is on and the system detects no driver steering
activity for a short period after system activation, the system alerts the
driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel. The system may detect
a light touch or grip on the steering wheel as hands-off driving.
Switching the System On and Off
Press the button located on the turn signal lever to switch the
system on or off.
Note:The system on/off setting is stored until it is manual changed,
unless a MyKey® is detected. If a MyKey® is detected, the system is
defaulted to on and the mode is set to Alert.
Note:If a MyKey® is detected, pressing the button will not affect the
on/off status of the system. Only the Mode and Intensity settings can be
changed when a MyKey® is present.
System Settings
The system has one standard feature setting and one optional setting
menu available. To view or adjust the settings, refer to theInformation
Displayschapter. The last-known selection for each of these settings is
stored by the system. You do not need to readjust your settings each
time you turn on the system.
250Driving Aids
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Mode:This setting allows you to enable one of the system features.
Alert only – Provides a steering
wheel vibration when the system
detects an unintended lane
departure.
Aid only – Provides an assistance
steering torque input toward the
lane center when the system
detects an unintended lane
departure.
Alert + Aid – Provides an assistance
steering torque input toward the
lane center. If your vehicle
continues drifting out of the lane,
the system provides a steering
wheel vibration.
A. Alert
B. Aid
Note:The alert and aid diagrams are meant to illustrate general zone
coverage. They are not intended to provide the exact zone parameters.
Intensity:This setting affects the intensity of the steering wheel
vibration used for the alert mode. This setting does not impact the aid
mode.
•Low
•Medium
•High
A
B
A
B
Driving Aids251
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see blocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see blocked sensor
section).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•Steering wheel and pedal movements are large (very active driving
style).
•High interior temperatures, which may deactivate the illumination or
the warning lamps until the interior temperature reduces (audible
warning still sounds).
Certain conditions may reduce the visibility of the warning lamp;
therefore, it is recommended to keep the audible warning on.
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, the radar sensing zone
may be altered causing missed or false collision warnings. See your
authorized dealer to have your collision warning radar checked for
proper coverage and operation.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in the information display. If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After
at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked.
262Driving Aids
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR.) Separate functional brakes should be used for
safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.
The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).Consult your authorized
dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer) for more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight– refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 5,000 lb. (2,268 kg) conventional trailer, multiply 5,000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lb.
(227 to 340 kg). For an 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) fifth wheel trailer, multiply
by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to
2,875 lb. (782 to 1,304 kg)
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
270Load Carrying
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn
on multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
stability control light flashes. The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the road and check for proper
tongue load and trailer load distribution. See theLoad Carryingchapter
for specific loading information.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration
listed in the chart below.
Note:Be sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area. Do not
exceed:
•20 feet
2(1.86 meters2) trailer frontal area if your vehicle is not
equipped with a trailer towing package.
•40 feet
2(3.72 meters2) trailer frontal area if your vehicle is equipped
with a trailer towing package
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to activate electric trailer brakes.
274Towing
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)
Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is
less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following chart.
Engine Maximum GCWR Maximum trailer weight
Front-wheel drive vehicles
2.0L GTDI 6880 lb (3120 kg) 2000 lb (907 kg)
3.5L TiVCT
16940 lb (3147 kg) 2000 lb (907 kg)
3.5L TiVCT29980 lb (4526 kg) 5000 lb (2267 kg)3
Four-wheel drive vehicles
3.5L TiVCT17110 lb (3224 kg) 2000 lb (907 kg)
3.5L GTDI17400 lb (3356 kg) 2000 lb (907 kg)
3.5L TiVCT210160 lb (4608 kg) 5000 lb (2267 kg)
3.5L GTDI210400 lb (4717 kg) 5000 lb (2267 kg)
1Without trailer towing package.
2With trailer towing package.
3For towing trailers up to 3500 pounds (1588 kilograms), use a
weight-carrying hitch and ball. For towing trailers over 3500 pounds
(1588 kilograms), up to the maximum trailer weight, we recommend you
use a weight-distributing hitch.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Towing275
2015 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014
USA(fus)