2016 FORD EXPLORER tow bar

Keep a record for at least 1 month and
record the type of driving (city or highway).
This provides an accurate estimate of the
vehicle
’s fuel economy under current
driving conditions. Additionally, keeping
records during summer and winter show
how temperature impacts fuel economy.
In general, lower temperatures mean lower
fuel economy.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Carrying unnecessary weight may
reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400
pounds [180 kilograms] of weight
carried).
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks) may reduce fuel economy.
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Close windows for high speed driving. EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNINGS
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle
in dry grass or other dry ground cover.
The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system,
which can start a fire. Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If
you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes. Your vehicle is equipped with various
emission control components and a
catalytic converter that will enable your
vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust
emission standards. To make sure that the
catalytic converter and other emission
control components continue to work
properly:
•
Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high
speeds.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use parts other than Ford, Motorcraft
or Ford-authorized parts for maintenance
replacements, or for service of
components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be the
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company
parts in performance and durability.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Fuel and Refueling

If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor or low visibility will
appear in the information display along
with a warning indicator. You can clear the
information display warning but the
warning indicator will remain illuminated.
When you remove a blockage, you can
reset the system in two ways:
•
While driving, the system detects at
least two objects.
• You cycle the ignition from on to off
and then back on.
If the blockage is still present after the key
cycle and driving in traffic, check again for
a blockage. Reasons for messages being displayed
Clean the fascia area in front
of the radar or remove the
obstruction.
The radar
surface is
dirty or
obstructed
Drive normally in traffic for
a few minutes to allow the
radar to detect passing
vehicles so it can clear the
blocked state.
The radar
surface is
not dirty or
obstructed
No action required. The
system automatically resets
to an unblocked state once
the rainfall or snowfall rate
decreases or stops. Do not
use the Blind Spot Informa-
tion System in these condi-
tions.
Heavy rain-
fall or
snowfall
interferes
with the
radar
signals
Detection Limitations
There may be instances where the system
will not always detect vehicles entering
and exiting the blind spot zone. Instances which may cause non-detection:
•
Debris build up on the rear bumper
panels in the area of the sensors.
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles
entering and exiting the blind spot
zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind spot
zone at high speed.
• Severe weather conditions.
• Several vehicles passing through the
blind spot zone following each other
closely.
False Alerts
Note: If your vehicle has a trailer tow
module approved by us, the system will
detect a connected trailer and turn off. For
non-factory equipped tow bars, you may
want to turn the Blind Spot Information
System off manually.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the system that
illuminates the alert indicator with no
vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
Detection Errors
If the system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the Blind Spot
Information System warning indicator will
illuminate and a message will appear in
the information display.
All other system faults will display only
with a message in the information display.
See Information Messages (page 115).
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Driving Aids

The following are other situations that may
limit the cross traffic alert system
performance:
•
Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If your vehicle has a tow bar with a
factory equipped trailer tow module and it
is towing a trailer, the sensors will
automatically turn the cross traffic alert off.
If your vehicle has a tow bar but no factory
equipped trailer tow module, it is
recommended to turn the cross traffic alert
off manually. Operating cross traffic alert
with a trailer attached will cause poor cross
traffic alert system performance.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by the Cross Traffic Alert
system that illuminates the alert indicator
with no vehicle in the coverage zone. Some
amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If cross traffic alert senses a problem with
the left or right sensor, a message will
appear in the information display. See
General Information
(page 101).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch cross traffic
alert off in the information display. See
General Information
(page 101). When
you switch cross traffic alert off, you will
not receive alerts and the information
display will display a system off message. Note:
The cross traffic alert system always
switches on whenever the ignition is
switched on and ready to provide
appropriate alerts when the transmission is
in reverse (R). Cross Traffic Alert will not
remember the last selected on or off setting.
You can have cross traffic alert switched
off permanently at an authorized dealer.
Once switched off permanently, the
system can only be switched back on at
an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering WARNING
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays in
the information display. Stop your vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See the Fuses
chapter.
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a tow bar with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
235).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Towing

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.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load in the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page 235).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue. Weight-distributing Hitches WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributing
hitch to any position where the rear
bumper of the vehicle is higher than
it was before attaching the trailer. Doing
so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause
unpredictable handling, and could result
in serious personal injury. When hooking-up a trailer using a
weight-distributing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the
trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle
without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle's front wheel opening on the
fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the
height of your vehicle's front wheel
opening on the fender is approximately
half the way down from H2, toward H1.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward your vehicle. If not,
adjust the ball height accordingly and
repeat Steps 2-6.
When the trailer is level or slightly nose
down toward the vehicle:
• Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
• Check that the trailer tongue securely
attaches and locks onto the hitch.
• Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer
brake controls as required by law or the
trailer manufacturer.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
•
Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Driving Hints

Second Level Messages, Actions and Descriptions
Menu Item
Have the system reroute you to avoid
traffic incidents that develop and
impact the current route. The system
does not provide a traffic alert notific-
ation
Automatic
Have the system always provide a
traffic alert notification for traffic
incidents along the planned route.
You have a choice to accept or ignore
the notification before making the
route deviation.
Manual
Activate traffic alert notifications on or off.
Traffic alert notification
These icons will alert you to traffic and driving conditions
including accidents, closures and weather conditions.
You are also able to
switch on and off the 11
traffic map icons. Second Level Messages, Actions and Descriptions
Menu Item
Choose areas which you want the system to avoid when
calculating a route for you
Avoid Areas
Then select any of the following:
Once you make a selection, the system tries to avoid the
area(s) if possible for all routes. Select this button to program
an entry, then choose a destination entry method. You can
edit the name or location of a destination or remove it from
your selections.
Add
To remove an area from your selection, choose the listing on
the screen. The screen will change, then press delete and
confirm the deletion.
Delete
Map Mode
Press the green bar in the upper right area
of the touchscreen to view map mode. Map
mode shows advanced viewing comprised
of both 2D city maps as well as 3D
landmarks (when available). 2D city maps show detailed outlines of
buildings, visible land use and land
elements and detailed railway
infrastructure for the most essential cities
around the globe. These maps also contain
features, such as town blocks, building
footprints and railways.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing MyFord Touch
™ (If Equipped)

For a complete listing of the
accessories that are available for your
vehicle, please contact your authorized
dealer or visit our online store at:
Web Address
www.Accessories.Ford.com
You can also visit: Web Address
www.Ford.ca
Ford Motor Company will repair or replace
any properly authorized dealer-installed
Ford Original Accessory found to be
defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period,
as well as any component damaged by the
defective accessories.
Ford Motor Company will warrant your
Ford Original Accessory through the
warranty that provides the greatest
benefit:
• 24 months, unlimited mileage.
• The remainder of your new vehicle
limited warranty.
Contact an authorized dealer for details
and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior Style
• Bumper protector.
• Hood deflectors.
• Side window deflectors.
• Splash guards.
Interior Style
• Ambient lighting.
• Cargo area protector.
• Floor mats.
• Rear console. Lifestyle
•
Ash cup or smoker's package.
• Camping tent*.
• Car covers*.
• Cargo organization and management.
• Rear seat entertainment*.
• Roof crossbars.
• Roof racks and carriers*.
• Trailer hitch balls.
• Trailer hitch drawbars and towing
accessories.
Peace of Mind
• Cargo shade.
• Keyless entry keypad.
• Parking sensors*.
• Remote start.
• Vehicle security systems.
• Wheel locks.
*Ford Licensed Accessories. The accessory
manufacturer designs, develops and
therefore warrants Ford Licensed
Accessories, and does not design or test
these accessories to Ford Motor Company
engineering requirements. Contact an
authorized Ford dealer for the
manufacturer ’s limited warranty details,
and request a copy of the Ford Licensed
Accessories product limited warranty from
the accessory manufacturer.
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Explorer (TUB), enUSA, First Printing Accessories