
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.
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. 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. 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.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn around
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a steep hill,
avoid sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”
the brakes.
187
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949

Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery
conditions that require tire chains or
cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end of
the vehicle slides while cornering, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle. Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
4WD vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,
it won ’t stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for
stopping. Drive slower than usual and
consider using one of the lower gears. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. Since your vehicle is
equipped with a four wheel (ABS), do not
“pump ” the brakes. See Hints on Driving
With Anti-Lock Brakes (page 189). Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty and durable load
carrying capability. For this reason, Ford
Motor Company strongly recommends that
you do not make modifications such as
adding or removing parts (such as lowering
kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the
original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise
the center of gravity can make it more likely
the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss
of control. Ford Motor Company
recommends that caution be used with
any vehicle equipped with a high load or
device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly
may void the warranty, increase your repair
cost, reduce vehicle performance and
operational capabilities and adversely
affect driver and passenger safety.
Frequent inspection of vehicle chassis
components is recommended if the vehicle
is subjected to off-highway usage.
188
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

Your vehicle may tow a class I or
III 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. Maximum trailer
weight
Maximum GCWR
Engine
2000 lb (907 kg)
6900 lb (3130 kg)
2.3L GTDI 2WD 1
2000 lb (907 kg)
6900 lb (3130 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 2WD 1
3000 lb (1361 kg)
7950 lb (3606 kg)
2.3L GTDI 2WD 2
5000 lb (2268 kg)3
9950 lb (4513 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 2WD 2
2000 lb (907 kg)
7100 lb (3221 kg)
2.3L GTDI 4WD 1
2000 lb (907 kg)
7100 lb (3221 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 4WD 1
3000 lb (1361 kg)
8150 lb (3697 kg)
2.3L GTDI 4WD 2
5000 lb (2268 kg)
10150 lb (4604 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 4WD 2
5000 lb (2268 kg)
10400 lb (4717 kg)
3.5L GTDI 4WD 2
1 Without trailer towing package.
2 With trailer towing package.
3 For towing trailers up to 3500 pounds (1588 kilograms), use a
weight-carrying hitch and ball, which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue
loads through your vehicle ’s underbody structure. For towing trailers
over 3500 pounds (1588 kilograms), up to the maximum trailer weight,
we recommend you use a weight-distributing hitch to increase front
axle load while towing.
245
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Towing

1
180 Degree Parking Aid Camera..............211
Camera Views...................................................... 212
Using the 180 degree camera system..........211
4
4WD See: Four-Wheel Drive..................................... 184
A
A/C See: Climate Control......................................... 129
About This Manual...........................................7
ABS See: Brakes........................................................... 189
ABS driving hints See: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes................................................................ 189
Accessories
....................................................482
Exterior Style....................................................... 482
Interior Style........................................................ 482
Lifestyle................................................................. 482
Peace of Mind..................................................... 482
Accessories See: Replacement Parts
Recommendation............................................. 11
ACC See: Using Adaptive Cruise Control.............214
Active Park Assist
........................................202
Deactivating the Active Park Assist
Feature............................................................. 206
Parallel Parking, Perpendicular Parking, Park Out Assist.............................................. 202
Troubleshooting the System........................ 206
Adjusting the Headlamps..........................291 Vertical Aim Adjustment.................................. 291
Adjusting the Pedals.....................................76
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Manual Adjustable Steering
Column
............................................................72 Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles
With: Power Adjustable Steering
Column
............................................................72
Easy Entry and Exit Feature.............................. 73
End of Travel Position......................................... 73
Memory Feature.................................................... 73
Airbag Disposal...............................................47
Air Conditioning See: Climate Control......................................... 129
Alarm See: Anti-Theft Alarm.......................................... 71
Anti-Theft Alarm.............................................71 Arming the Alarm.................................................. 71
Disarming the Alarm............................................ 71
Appendices....................................................505
Audible Warnings and Indicators
...........100
Automatic Transmission Warning
Chime................................................................ 100
Engine On Warning Chime............................. 100
Headlamps On Warning Chime................... 100
Key in Ignition Warning Chime...................... 100
Keyless Warning Alert ..................................... 100
Parking Brake On Warning Chime...............100
Audio Control
...................................................73
Seek and Media..................................................... 74
Type 1........................................................................\
. 73
Type 2........................................................................\
73
Audio System................................................353 General Information......................................... 353
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: AM/FM/CD/ SYNC
.............................................................354
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Premium AM/FM/CD..................................................357
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Sony AM/ FM/CD..........................................................358
Menu Structure.................................................. 360
Autolamps
.........................................................81
Windshield Wiper Activated
Headlamps......................................................... 81
Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles With: Premium AM/FM/CD.....................131
Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles With: Sony Audio System.......................132
Automatic High Beam Control.................83 Activating the System........................................ 84
Manually Overriding the System.................... 84
527
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Index

Getting the Services You Need..............260
Away From Home............................................. 260
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake............................................. 190
Hazard Warning Flashers.........................256
HDC See: Using Hill Descent Control.................... 196
Headlamp Exit Delay....................................82
Head Restraints............................................140 Adjusting the Head Restraint.......................... 141
Tilting Head Restraints .................................... 142
Heated Seats.................................................154 Front Seats............................................................ 154
Rear Seats............................................................. 155
Heated Steering Wheel
................................75
Heated Windows and Mirrors..................138 Heated Exterior Mirror....................................... 138
Heated Rear Window........................................ 138
Heating See: Climate Control......................................... 129
Hill Start Assist
.............................................190
Switching the System On and Off................191
Using Hill Start Assist....................................... 190
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate..........................................................134
Cooling the Interior Quickly............................ 136
General Hints....................................................... 134
Heating the Interior Quickly............................ 135
Recommended Settings for Cooling ..........136
Recommended Settings for Heating..........136
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather............................................................. 137
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes............................................................189
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood...........276
I
Ignition Switch
...............................................165
In California (U.S. Only).............................261
Information Display Control.......................75
Information Display Control Features...........75
Information Displays
....................................101
General Information........................................... 101Information....................................................453
911 Assist............................................................... 459
Alerts...................................................................... 458
Calendar............................................................... 459
Sirius Travel Link................................................. 457
SYNC Services (If Equipped, United States Only).................................................................. 453
Vehicle Health Report (If Equipped, US Only)................................................................... 461
Information Messages
.................................115
4WD........................................................................\
.. 115
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................... 116
AdvanceTrac ™..................................................... 116
Alarm........................................................................\
116
Automatic Engine Shutdown.......................... 117
Automatic High Beam Control........................ 117
Battery and Charging System......................... 118
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System..................................................... 118
Brake System........................................................ 119
Collision Warning System................................ 119
Doors and Locks.................................................. 119
Driver Alert............................................................ 120
Electronic Stability Control............................. 120
Engine..................................................................... 120
Fuel........................................................................\
.... 121
Hill Descent Control............................................ 121
Hill Start Assist..................................................... 121
Keys and Intelligent Access............................. 122
Lane Keeping System........................................ 123
Maintenance......................................................... 123
MyKey...................................................................... 124
Park Aid.................................................................. 124
Park Brake.............................................................. 124
Power Steering.................................................... 125
Pre-Collision Warning System....................... 125
Remote Start........................................................ 125
Seats........................................................................\
126
Starting System.................................................. 126
Terrain Management System......................... 127
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.................. 126
Traction Control................................................... 127
Trailer....................................................................... 127
Transmission........................................................ 128
531
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Index

Tire Care...........................................................310
Glossary of Tire Terminology........................... 311
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading.............................................................. 310
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall............................................................. 312
Temperature A B C.............................................. 311
Traction AA A B C............................................... 310
Treadwear............................................................. 310
Tire Pressure Monitoring System...........325 Changing Tires With a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System....................................... 326
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...................................... 326
Tires See: Wheels and Tires..................................... 307
Towing a Trailer.............................................243 Load Placement................................................. 243
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - 2.3L EcoBoost™
.......................................249
Emergency Towing............................................ 249
Recreational Towing......................................... 249
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™
...........250
Emergency Towing............................................ 250
Recreational Towing......................................... 250
Towing..............................................................243
Traction Control............................................192 Principle of Operation....................................... 192
Trailer Sway Control...................................244
Transmission Code Designation............340
Transmission.................................................180
Transmission See: Transmission.............................................. 180
Transporting the Vehicle
...........................248
U
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................278
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................279
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................280
Universal Garage Door Opener................157 HomeLink Wireless Control System............157
USB Port..........................................................367 Using Adaptive Cruise Control.................214
Automatic Cancellation.................................... 217
Blocked Sensor.................................................... 218
Canceling the Set Speed................................. 216
Changing the Set Speed................................... 217
Detection Issues.................................................. 217
Following a Vehicle............................................ 215
Hilly Condition Usage......................................... 217
Overriding the System...................................... 216
Resuming the Set Speed.................................. 217
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed..............215
Setting the Gap Distance................................ 215
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off........................................................................\
217
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On........................................................................\
214
Switching to Normal Cruise Control............219
System Not Available........................................ 218
Using Cruise Control....................................213 Switching Cruise Control Off.......................... 214
Switching Cruise Control On........................... 213
Using Four-Wheel Drive.............................184 Driving In Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)........................... 185
How Your Vehicle Differs From Other Vehicles............................................................. 185
Using Hill Descent Control........................196 Principle of operation....................................... 196
Using hill descent control............................... 196
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems..........................................................58
Using Snow Chains.....................................324
Using Stability Control...............................194 AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control ™
(RSC®).............................................................. 194
Using Summer Tires...................................323
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player............................................................389
Accessing Your USB Song Library...............393
Bluetooth Devices and System Settings............................................................ 395
Connecting Your Digital Media Player to the USB Port.......................................................... 389
Media Menu Features...................................... 393
Media Voice Commands................................ 390
USB 2..................................................................... 395
Voice Commands for Audio Sources.........395
536
Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Index