
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.
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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 197). 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.
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(If Equipped)

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. Maximum trailer
weight
Maximum GCWR
Engine
2,000 lb (907 kg)
6,900 lb (3,130 kg)
2.3L GTDI 2WD 1
2,000 lb (907 kg)
6,900 lb (3,130 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 2WD 1
3,000 lb (1,361 kg)
7,950 lb (3,606 kg)
2.3L GTDI 2WD 2
5,000 lb (2,268 kg)3
9,950 lb (4,513 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 2WD 2
2,000 lb (907 kg)
7,100 lb (3,221 kg)
2.3L GTDI 4WD 1
2,000 lb (907 kg)
7,100 lb (3,221 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 4WD 1
3,000 lb (1,361 kg)
8,150 lb (3,697 kg)
2.3L GTDI 4WD 2
5,000 lb (2,268 kg)3
10,150 lb (4,604 kg)
3.5L TiVCT 4WD 2
5,000 lb (2,268 kg)3
10,400 lb (4,717 kg)
3.5L GTDI 4WD 2
1 Without Trailer Towing Package.
2 With Trailer Towing Package.
3 For towing trailers up to 3500 lb (1588 kg), 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 lb (1588
kg), up to the maximum trailer weight, we recommend you use a
weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load when towing.
251
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1
180 Degree Camera.....................................218
Camera Views...................................................... 219
Using the System................................................ 219
4
4WD See: Four-Wheel Drive....................................... 191
A
A/C See: Climate Control......................................... 133
About This Manual
...........................................7
ABS See: Brakes........................................................... 196
ABS driving hints See: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes................................................................. 197
Accessories....................................................495 Exterior Style....................................................... 495
Interior Style........................................................ 495
Lifestyle................................................................. 495
Peace of Mind..................................................... 495
Accessories See: Replacement Parts
Recommendation............................................ 12
ACC See: Using Adaptive Cruise Control.............221
Active Park Assist
........................................209
Using Active Park Assist................................... 210
Adjusting the Headlamps.........................301 Vertical Aim Adjustment................................. 301
Adjusting the Pedals....................................80
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Manual Adjustable Steering
Column............................................................76
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Power Adjustable Steering
Column............................................................76
End of Travel Position.......................................... 77
Memory Feature.................................................... 77
Airbag Disposal................................................51
Air Conditioning See: Climate Control......................................... 133Air Filter
See: Changing the Engine Air Filter............308
Alarm See: Anti-Theft Alarm......................................... 75
Ambient Lighting...........................................89 Adjusting the Intensity....................................... 90
Changing the Color............................................. 89
Switching Ambient Lighting Off.................... 90
Switching Ambient Lighting On..................... 89
Anti-Theft Alarm............................................75 Arming the Alarm................................................. 75
Disarming the Alarm........................................... 75
Appendices.....................................................518
Apps.................................................................464 ........................................................................\
.......... 464
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 466
At a Glance........................................................16
Audible Warnings and Indicators...........103 Automatic Transmission Warning
Chime................................................................. 104
Engine On Warning Chime.............................. 103
Headlamps On Warning Chime.................... 103
Key in Ignition Warning Chime....................... 103
Keyless Warning Alert ...................................... 103
Parking Brake On Warning Chime................103
Audio Control...................................................78 Seek and Media.................................................... 78
Audio System
................................................364
General Information......................................... 364
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: AM/FM/CD/ SYNC.............................................................368
Menu Structure................................................... 370
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Premium AM/FM/CD..................................................365
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Sony AM/ FM/CD...........................................................367
Autolamps........................................................84 Windshield Wiper Activated
Headlamps........................................................ 84
Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles With: Premium AM/FM/CD...................134
Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles With: Sony AM/FM/CD
............................136
Automatic High Beam Control.................86 Automatic High Beam Indicator..................... 87
Switching the System On and Off................86
Automatic Transmission
............................187
Brake-Shift Interlock Override...................... 189
557
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Fuel Quality - E85.........................................176
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles.............................................................. 176
Switching Between E85 and Gasoline........177
Fuel Quality - Gasoline...............................175 Choosing the Right Fuel................................... 175
Fuel Shutoff....................................................261
Fuses.................................................................273
Fuse Specification Chart...........................273 Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel........278
Power Distribution Box.................................... 273
G
Garage Door Opener See: Universal Garage Door Opener.............161
Gauges................................................................97 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge..........100
Fuel Gauge........................................................... 100
Information Display............................................. 99
Type 1........................................................................\
. 97
Type 2....................................................................... 98
Type 3....................................................................... 99
Gearbox See: Transmission............................................... 187
General Information on Radio Frequencies...................................................52
Intelligent Access................................................. 52
General Maintenance Information.......499 Multi-Point Inspection...................................... 501
Owner Checks and Services......................... 500
Protecting Your Investment.......................... 499
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?......................... 499
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?.................................................... 499
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada.........................................................269
Getting the Services You Need..............266 Away From Home............................................. 266
Global Opening
...............................................92
Moonroof................................................................. 92
Remote Control Front Windows..................... 92
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake.............................................. 197
Hazard Flashers
............................................261 HDC
See: Using Hill Descent Control................... 203
Headlamp Adjusting See: Adjusting the Headlamps..................... 301
Headlamp Exit Delay
....................................85
Headlamp Removal See: Removing a Headlamp.......................... 303
Headrest See: Head Restraints......................................... 144
Head Restraints
............................................144
Adjusting the Head Restraint......................... 145
Tilting Head Restraints .................................... 146
Heated Seats.................................................158 Front Seats........................................................... 158
Second Row Heated Seats............................. 159
Heated Steering Wheel................................79
Heated Windows and Mirrors...................141 Heated Exterior Mirrors..................................... 142
Heated Rear Window........................................ 142
Heating See: Climate Control......................................... 133
Hill Start Assist..............................................197 Switching the System On and Off...............198
Using Hill Start Assist....................................... 198
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate..........................................................138
Defogging the Side Windows in Cold Weather............................................................ 140
General Hints....................................................... 138
Quickly Cooling the Interior............................ 139
Quickly Heating the Interior............................ 139
Recommended Settings for Cooling..........140
Recommended Settings for Heating..........139
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
.............................................................197
Home Screen................................................429
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........284
I
Ignition Switch
...............................................169
In California (U.S. Only).............................267
Information Display Control.......................79
Information Displays
...................................105
General Information.......................................... 105
Information Messages
.................................119
4WD........................................................................\
.. 119
561
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Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
Off....................................................................... 224
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On........................................................................\
. 221
Switching to Normal Cruise Control...........226
System Not Available....................................... 225
Using Cruise Control...................................220 Switching Cruise Control Off......................... 220
Switching Cruise Control On......................... 220
Using Four-Wheel Drive..............................191 Driving In Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)........................... 192
How Your Vehicle Differs From Other Vehicles............................................................. 192
Using Hill Descent Control.......................203 Principle of operation....................................... 203
Using hill descent control............................... 203
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems..........................................................62
Using Snow Chains.....................................332
Using Stability Control...............................201
Using Summer Tires...................................332
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player............................................................399
Accessing Your USB Song Library...............403
Bluetooth Devices and System Settings............................................................ 405
Connecting Your Digital Media Player to the USB Port.......................................................... 399
Media Menu Features...................................... 402
Media Voice Commands................................ 400
USB 2..................................................................... 405
Voice Commands for Audio Sources........406
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone............382 Accessing Features through the Phone
Menu.................................................................. 387
Accessing Your Phone Settings................... 390
Bluetooth Devices.............................................. 391
Making Calls........................................................ 386
Pairing a Phone for the First Time...............383
Pairing Subsequent Phones.......................... 384
Phone Options during an Active Call.........386
Phone Voice Commands................................ 384
Receiving Calls................................................... 386
System Settings................................................. 392
Text Messaging.................................................. 388
Using Terrain Control.................................202 Using Traction Control...............................199
Switching the System Off............................... 199
System Indicator Lights and Messages.......................................................... 199
Using a Switch..................................................... 199
Using the Information Display Controls............................................................. 199
Using Voice Recognition...........................380 Audio Voice Commands.................................. 431
Climate Voice Commands............................. 432
Initiating a Voice Session............................... 380
Mobile App Voice Commands...................... 435
Navigation Voice Commands....................... 434
Phone Voice Commands................................ 433
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Voice Commands..................................................... 436
System Interaction and Feedback...............381
Voice Settings Commands............................ 436
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)........................269
V
Vehicle Care
..................................................309
General Information......................................... 309
Vehicle Certification Label.......................349
Vehicle Identification Number
...............348
Vehicle Storage.............................................314
Battery.................................................................... 315
Body........................................................................\
. 314
Brakes...................................................................... 315
Cooling system.................................................... 315
Engine..................................................................... 315
Fuel system........................................................... 315
General................................................................... 314
Miscellaneous...................................................... 315
Removing Vehicle From Storage................... 315
Tires........................................................................\
. 315
Ventilation See: Climate Control......................................... 133
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number............348
Voice Control
....................................................78
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators..............100 Adaptive Cruise Control.................................. 100
567
Explorer (TUB) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201711, Fourth-Printing Index