2017 FORD EXPLORER tow bar

The system uses radar sensors that are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Any dirt, mud and
snow in front of the sensors and/or driving
in heavy rain can cause system
degradation. Also, other types of
obstructions in front of the sensor can
cause system degradation. This is referred
to as a
‘blocked ’ condition.
Note: Do not apply bumper stickers and/or
repair compound to these areas, this can
cause degraded system performance. If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor will appear in the
information display. Also the BLIS alert
indicators will remain ON and BLIS will no
longer provide any vehicle warnings. You
can clear the information display warning
but the alert indicators will remain
illuminated.
A "blocked" condition can be cleared in
two ways:
•
After the blockage in front of the
sensors is removed or the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops, drive for a few minutes in traffic
to allow the sensors to detect passing
vehicles.
• By cycling the ignition from ON to OFF
and then back ON.
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 Blind Spot
Information System off. If your vehicle has
a tow bar but no factory equipped trailer
tow module, it is recommended to turn the
Blind Spot Information System off
manually. Operating the Blind Spot
Information System with a trailer attached
will cause poor system performance.
System Errors
If the system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the telltale will
illuminate and a message will appear in
the information display. See Information
Messages (page 113).
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The following are other situations that may
limit the Cross Traffic Alert performance:
•
Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 37 mph
(60 km/h).
• Driving in reverse faster than
7 mph
(12 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 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
Information Messages
(page 113).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch Cross Traffic
Alert off in the information display. See
General Information
(page 99). 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 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 also 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 WARNINGS
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. If the system detects an error, you
may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Obtain immediate service from
an authorized dealer, failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control. 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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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• 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 232).
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.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer ’s safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
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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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For a complete listing of the accessories
that are available for your vehicle, please
contact your authorized dealer or visit the
online store web site:
Web Address (United States)
www.Accessories.Ford.com Web Address (Canada)
www.Accessories.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 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.
• Seat covers*. 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.
• In-vehicle safe*.
• Keyless entry keypad.
• Parking sensors*.
• Remote start.
• Roadside assistance kits*.
• 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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Power Seats.....................................................141
Multi-Contour Front Seats With Active
Motion ............................................................... 142
Power Lumbar..................................................... 142
Power Steering Fluid Check....................285
Power Windows.............................................85 Accessory Delay................................................... 85
Bounce-Back......................................................... 85
One-Touch Down................................................. 85
One-Touch Up....................................................... 85
Window Lock......................................................... 85
Pre-Collision Assist
......................................227
Using the Pre-Collision Assist
System.............................................................. 228
Protecting the Environment........................15
R
Rear Parking Aid............................................195 Obstacle Distance Indicator.......................... 196
Rear Passenger Climate Controls..........134
Rear Seats
.......................................................144
Adjusting the Rear Seats................................. 144
Rear Under Floor Storage.........................230 Adjustable Load Floor...................................... 230
Cargo Management System......................... 230
Rear View Camera
......................................204
Camera Guidelines........................................... 206
Manual Zoom...................................................... 207
Obstacle Distance Indicator.......................... 207
Rear Camera Delay........................................... 207
Using the Rear View Camera System.............................................................. 205
Rear View Camera See: Rear View Camera.................................. 204
Rear Window Wiper and Washers
...........76
Rear Camera Washer........................................... 77
Rear Window Washer.......................................... 77
Rear Window Wiper............................................. 76
Recommended Towing Weights
...........239
Refueling...........................................................171 System Warnings................................................ 173
Remote Control..............................................50 Car Finder................................................................ 53
Integrated Keyhead Transmitters .................50
Intelligent Access Key........................................ 50
Memory Feature.................................................... 52
Remote Start......................................................... 53Replacing the Battery..........................................
51
Sounding a Panic Alarm.................................... 53
Remote Start.................................................136 Automatic Settings............................................ 136
Removing a Headlamp.............................290
Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............302
Replacement Parts Recommendation........................................12
Collision Repairs.................................................... 12
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs.................................................................. 12
Warranty on Replacement Parts..................... 12
Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control............................................................54
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only).............................................................260
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only).............................................................260
Roadside Assistance
..................................249
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside
Assistance....................................................... 249
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Roadside Assistance Program Coverage................250
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Using Roadside Assistance....................................................... 250
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Getting Roadside Assistance................................... 249
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Using Roadside Assistance................................... 249
Roadside Emergencies..............................249
Roof Racks and Load Carriers
..................231
Adjusting the Crossbar..................................... 232
Thumbwheel Kit.................................................. 231
Running-In See: Breaking-In................................................. 246
Running Out of Fuel
.....................................170
Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container............................................................ 171
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.................... 171
S
Safety Canopy ™
............................................46
Safety Precautions......................................168
Satellite Radio..............................................362
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number
(ESN)................................................................ 363
Satellite Radio Reception Factors..............363
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