
Storage Compartments
Center Console...............................................161
Overhead Console.........................................161
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information....................................162
Ignition Switch
...............................................162
Keyless Starting
............................................162
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................163
Engine Block Heater....................................166
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions
......................................168
Fuel Quality - Gasoline
..............................169
Fuel Quality - E85........................................169
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................170
Running Out of Fuel.....................................170
Refueling...........................................................171
Fuel Consumption........................................174
Emission Control System...........................175
Transmission
Automatic Transmission
............................178
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation..................................181
Using Four-Wheel Drive..............................181
Brakes
General Information
....................................186
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes...........................................................186
Parking Brake
.................................................187
Hill Start Assist..............................................187
Traction Control
Principle of Operation................................189
Using Traction Control...............................189 Stability Control
Principle of Operation................................190
Using Stability Control
................................191
Terrain Response
Using Terrain Response..............................192
Using Hill Descent Control........................193
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation.................................195
Rear Parking Aid
............................................195
Front Parking Aid..........................................196
Side Sensing System...................................197
Active Park Assist
.........................................199
Rear View Camera
......................................204
180 Degree Camera...................................208
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation
...............................209
Using Cruise Control..................................209
Using Adaptive Cruise Control................210
Driving Aids
Driver Alert
......................................................216
Lane Keeping System.................................216
Blind Spot Information System.............220
Cross Traffic Alert
........................................223
Steering...........................................................226
Pre-Collision Assist
......................................227
Load Carrying
Rear Under Floor Storage.........................230
Cargo Nets
.....................................................230
Luggage Covers
.............................................231
Roof Racks and Load Carriers
..................231
Load Limit
.......................................................232
Towing
Towing a Trailer............................................238
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Trailer Sway Control...................................239
Recommended Towing Weights...........239
Essential Towing Checks...........................241
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - 2.3L EcoBoost™
......................................243
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™..........244
Driving Hints
Breaking-In.....................................................246
Economical Driving
.....................................246
Driving Through Water
...............................247
Floor Mats
.......................................................247
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................249
Hazard Warning Flashers
.........................250
Fuel Shutoff
..................................................250
Jump Starting the Vehicle.........................251
Post-Crash Alert System..........................253
Transporting the Vehicle
...........................253
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need...............255
In California (U.S. Only)............................256
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only)
......................257
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)
.......................258
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada........................................................258
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature....................................................259
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)............................................................260
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)............................................................260
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart..........................262
Changing a Fuse...........................................270 Maintenance
General Information
....................................272
Opening and Closing the Hood...............272
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™................................................274
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™................................................275
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec........................................................276
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................277
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................277
Engine Oil Check...........................................277
Oil Change Indicator Reset......................278
Engine Coolant Check................................279
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check - 2.3L EcoBoost™
......................................283
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check - 3.5L Duratec/3.5L Ecoboost™
...........283
Brake Fluid Check........................................285
Power Steering Fluid Check....................285
Washer Fluid Check....................................285
Changing the 12V Battery.........................286
Checking the Wiper Blades......................287
Changing the Wiper Blades.....................287
Adjusting the Headlamps
........................288
Removing a Headlamp.............................290
Changing a Bulb..........................................290
Bulb Specification Chart..........................294
Changing the Engine Air Filter................296
Vehicle Care
General Information
...................................297
Cleaning Products
.......................................297
Cleaning the Exterior..................................298
Waxing
.............................................................299
Cleaning the Engine
...................................299
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades.........................................................300
Cleaning the Interior
..................................300
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Cleaning the Instrument Panel and
Instrument Cluster Lens........................301
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................301
Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............302
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels.......................302
Vehicle Storage............................................302
Wheels and Tires
General Information
...................................305
Tire Care
.........................................................308
Using Summer Tires....................................321
Using Snow Chains
......................................321
Tire Pressure Monitoring System...........322
Changing a Road Wheel...........................326
Technical Specifications...........................330
Capacities and Specific- ations
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™................................................332
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec........................................................333
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™................................................333
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoost™......334
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec.............335
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™......336
Vehicle Identification Number
................337
Vehicle Certification Label.......................338
Transmission Code Designation............338
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™................................................339
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec........................................................342
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™................................................346
Audio System
General Information....................................351
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: AM/FM/CD/ SYNC............................................................352 Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Premium AM/
FM/CD
..........................................................355
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Sony AM/FM/ CD..................................................................356
Digital Radio
..................................................360
Satellite Radio
..............................................362
USB Port.........................................................365
Media Hub
......................................................365
SYNC™
General Information
...................................366
Using Voice Recognition...........................368
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone............370
SYNC™ Applications and Services......382
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player...........................................................387
SYNC™ Troubleshooting
.........................396
SYNC™ 3
General Information..................................404
Home Screen
.................................................418
Using Voice Recognition............................419
Entertainment..............................................426
Climate............................................................436
Phone
..............................................................438
Navigation......................................................444
Apps.................................................................452
Settings...........................................................454
SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting.....................466
Accessories
Accessories....................................................479
Ford Protect
Ford Protect
...................................................481
Scheduled Maintenance
General Maintenance Information
.......483
Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........486
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Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2016, First Printing Table of Contents 

On Board Diagnostics Data Link
Connector
WARNING
Use of wireless plug-in devices in the
OBD Data Link Connector (DLC) may
allow unauthorized third parties to
gain access to vehicle systems and data
which could impair the function of various
vehicle systems, including safety-related
systems. The DLC should only be used by
a repair facility that operates in accordance
with Ford ’s service and repair instructions. Your vehicle has an OBD Data Link
Connector (DLC) that is used in
conjunction with a diagnostic scan tool for
vehicle diagnostics, repairs and
reprogramming services. Installing an
aftermarket device that uses the DLC
during normal driving for purposes such as
remote insurance company monitoring,
transmission of vehicle data to other
devices or entities, or altering the
performance of the vehicle, may cause
interference with or even damage to
vehicle systems. We do not recommend
or endorse the use of aftermarket plug-in
devices unless approved by Ford. The
vehicle Warranty will not cover damage
caused by an aftermarket plug-in device.
Notice to Owners of Pickup Trucks
and Utility Type Vehicles
WARNING
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types
of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read
this Owner
’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle
is not a passenger car. As with other
vehicles of this type, failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury or death. Using Your Vehicle With a
Snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for
snowplowing.
Your vehicle is not equipped with a
snowplowing package.
Using Your Vehicle as an
Ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an
ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford
Ambulance Preparation Package.
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT
WARNING
Driving while distracted can result in
loss of vehicle control, crash and
injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle. We recommend
against the use of any hand-held device
while driving and encourage the use of
voice-operated systems when possible.
Make sure you are aware of all applicable
local laws that may affect the use of
electronic devices while driving. Using mobile communications equipment
is becoming increasingly important in the
conduct of business and personal affairs.
However, you must not compromise your
own or others’
 safety when using such
equipment.  Mobile communications can
enhance personal safety and security when
appropriately used, particularly in
emergency situations.  Safety must be
paramount when using mobile
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Then...
If...
The Belt-Minder feature will not activate.
You and the front seat passenger buckle
your seatbelts before you switch the igni-
tion on or less than 1– 2 minutes elapse after
you switch the ignition on...
The Belt-Minder feature activates, the
seatbelt warning light illuminates and a
warning tone sounds for 6 seconds every
25 seconds, repeating for about 5 minutes
or until you and the front seat passenger
buckle your seatbelts.
You or the front seat passenger do not
buckle your seatbelts before your vehicle
reaches at least 6 mph (9.7 km/h) and 1–
2
minutes elapse after you switch the ignition
on...
The Belt-Minder feature activates, the
seatbelt warning light illuminates and a
warning tone sounds for 6 seconds every
25 seconds, repeating for about 5 minutes
or until you and the front seat passenger
buckle your seatbelts.
The seatbelt for the driver or front
passenger is unbuckled for about 1 minute
while the vehicle is traveling at least 6 mph
(9.7 km/h) and more than 1–
2 minutes
elapse after you switch the ignition on...
Deactivating and Activating the
Belt-Minder Feature WARNING
While the system allows you to
switch it off, this system is designed
to improve your chances of being
safely belted and surviving a crash. We
recommend you leave the system
switched on. To reduce the risk of injury,
do not switch the system on or off while
driving your vehicle. Note:
The driver and front passenger
warnings switch on and off independently.
When you perform this procedure for one
seating position, do not buckle the other
position as this will terminate the process.
Read Steps 1–4 thoroughly before
proceeding with the programming
procedure. Before following the procedure, make sure
that:
•
The parking brake is set.
• The transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N).
• The ignition is off.
• The driver and front passenger safety
belts are unbuckled.
1. Switch the ignition on. Do not start the
vehicle.
2. Wait until the seatbelt warning light turns off (about 1 minute). After Step
2, wait an additional 5 seconds before
proceeding with Step 3. Once you start
Step 3, you must complete the
procedure within 20 seconds.
3. For the seating position you are switching off, buckle then unbuckle the
seatbelt three times at a moderate
speed, ending in the unbuckled state.
After Step 3, the seatbelt warning light
turns on.
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Linking a Preset Position to your
Remote Control or Intelligent Access
Key Fob
See Memory Function (page 143).
Car Finder Press the button twice within
three seconds. The horn sounds
and the direction indicators
flash. We recommend you use this method
to locate your vehicle, rather than using
the panic alarm.
Sounding a Panic Alarm
Note: The panic alarm only operates when
the ignition is off. Press the button to activate the
alarm. Press the button again or
switch the ignition on to
deactivate.
Remote Start
 (If Equipped) WARNING
To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use
remote start if your vehicle is parked
indoors or in areas that are not well
ventilated. Note:
Do not use remote start if your vehicle
is low on fuel. The remote start button is on the
transmitter.
This feature allows you to start your
vehicle from outside the vehicle. The
transmitter has an extended operating
range. You can configure vehicles with automatic
climate control to turn on the automatic
climate control when you remote start your
vehicle.  See Automatic Climate Control
(page 
128).  A manual climate control
system runs at the setting you set it to
when you switched off the vehicle.
Many states and provinces restrict the use
of remote start. Check your local and state
or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding remote start systems.
The remote start system does not work if:
• The ignition is on.
• The alarm system triggers.
• You disable the feature.
• The hood is open.
• The transmission is not in 
P.
• The vehicle battery voltage is too low.
• The service engine soon light is on.
Remote Control Feedback
An LED on the remote control provides
status feedback of remote start or stop
commands. Status
LED
Remote start orextension
successful
Solid green
Remote stop
successful; vehicle off
Solid red
Remote start orstop failed
Blinking red
Waiting for statusupdate
Blinking green
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At a Door
Pull a front exterior door handle to unlock
and open the door. Do not touch the lock
sensor on the front of the handle.
The locking sensors are on the front door
handles.
Touch the locking area on the front of the
door handle to lock your vehicle. There is
a brief delay before you can unlock your
vehicle again.
Note:
Keep the door handle clean to make
sure the system operates correctly.
Note:  Your vehicle does not automatically
lock.  If you do not touch a locking sensor
your vehicle will remain unlocked.
At the Liftgate
Press the exterior liftgate release button
on the top of the liftgate pull-cup handle.
See Manual Liftgate (page 62).
Smart Unlocks for Integrated
Keyhead Transmitter
 (If Equipped)
This helps to prevent you from locking
yourself out of your vehicle if the key is still
in the ignition. When you open one of the front doors and
lock your vehicle with the power door lock
control, all the doors will lock then unlock
and the horn will sound twice if the key is
still in the ignition.
You can still lock your vehicle with the key
in the ignition by either:
•
Using the keyless entry keypad with the
driver door closed.
• Pressing the lock button on the remote
control even if the doors are not closed.
If both front doors are closed, you can lock
your vehicle by any method, regardless of
whether the key is in the ignition or not.
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent
Access Keys
 (If Equipped)
This helps to prevent you from locking your
key inside the passenger compartment or
rear cargo area.
When you electronically lock your vehicle
with any door open, transmission in park
(P) and the ignition off, the system will
search for an intelligent access key in the
passenger compartment after you close
the last door. If the system finds a key, all
of the doors will immediately unlock and
the horn sounds twice, indicating that a
key is inside.
You can override the smart unlock feature
and intentionally lock the intelligent access
key inside your vehicle.
To override smart unlock, lock your vehicle
after you have closed all doors by:
• Using the keyless entry keypad.
• Pressing the lock button on another
intelligent access key.
• Touching the locking area on the front
of the door handle with another
intelligent access key in your hand.
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When you open one of the front doors and
lock your vehicle using the power door lock
control, all doors will lock then unlock if:
•
The ignition is on.
• The ignition is off and the transmission
is not in park (P).
Autolock (If Equipped)
Autolock locks all the doors when all of the
following occur:
• All doors are closed.
• The ignition is on.
• You shift into any gear putting your
vehicle in motion.
• Your vehicle attains a speed greater
than 
4 mph (7 km/h).
Autounlock
Autounlock unlocks all the doors when all
of the following occur:
• The ignition is on, all the doors are
closed and your vehicle has been in
motion at a speed greater than 
4 mph
(7 km/h).
• Your vehicle comes to a stop and you
switch the ignition off or to accessory.
• You open the driver door within 10
minutes of switching the ignition off or
to accessory.
Note: If you electronically lock your vehicle
after you switch the ignition off with the
driver door closed, the doors will not
autounlock.
Enabling or Disabling Autolock and
Autounlock
Note: You can switch autounlock and
autolock on or off independently of each
other. Autolock is not configurable in all markets.
If the autolock settings are not available
in your information display, then the
system is not configurable.  See 
General
Information (page 99).
Illuminated Entry
The interior lamps and some exterior
lamps illuminate when you unlock the
doors with the remote control.
The lamps turn off if:
• The ignition is on.
• You press the remote control lock
button.
• 25 seconds have elapsed.
The lamps do not turn off if:
• You switch them on with the lighting
control.
• Any door is open.
Illuminated Exit
The interior lamps and some exterior
lamps illuminate when all doors are closed
and you switch the ignition off.
The lamps will turn off if all the doors
remain closed and:
• 25 seconds have elapsed.
• You lock your vehicle from the outside.
Battery Saver
If you leave the courtesy lamps, interior
lamps or headlamps on, the battery saver
shuts them off 10 minutes after you switch
the ignition off.
Battery Saver for Intelligent Access
Keys (If Equipped)
If you leave the ignition switched on and
the engine is not running, the battery saver
will turn the ignition off when it detects a
certain amount of battery drain, or after
45 minutes have elapsed.
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Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2016, First Printing Doors and Locks