2020 FORD EXPLORER warning

The blind spot information system with
trailer tow activates when driving forward
for that particular trailer set up. If you cycle
the ignition, the blind spot information
system with trailer tow continues to
function using the last trailer you selected.
Trailer Considerations
The system works with a trailer with a front
width of 8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less, and a total
length from the trailer hitch ball to the rear
of the trailer of
33 ft (10 m) or less.
Some trailers could cause a slight change
in system performance:
• Wide box trailers, especially those
wider than the towing vehicle, could
cause false alerts to occur when driving
next to infrastructure or near parked
cars. A false alert could also occur
while making a 90-degree turn or
driving through a roundabout.
• Wide trailers that have a total length
greater than
20 ft (6 m) could cause
delayed alerts when a vehicle is
passing at high speeds.
• Box trailers that have a width greater
than
8.2 ft (2.5 m) could cause early
alerts when you pass a vehicle.
• Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers with
a width greater than
8.2 ft (2.5 m)
could cause delayed alerts when a
vehicle traveling the same speed as
your vehicle merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warning
lamp illuminates and a message displays.
See
Information Messages (page 120). Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot information
system with trailer tow off by not selecting
a trailer the information display.
See
General Information (page 112). In this
case, the system turns off as long as a
trailer is attached to your vehicle. As soon
as you disconnect the trailer, the blind spot
information system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warning
lamp illuminates and the alert indicators
flash twice.
Note: The system remembers the last
trailer setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spot
information system with trailer tow when
using MyKey, but you can still change the
trailer settings.
See MyKey ™ (page 64).
To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT WARNING:
Do not use the cross
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
reversing out of a parking space. The
cross traffic alert system is not a
replacement for careful driving. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due
care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehicles
approaching from the sides behind your
vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
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Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When
Trailer is Attached
Note:
The system may not correctly operate
when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an
approved trailer tow module and tow bar,
the system turns off when you attach a
trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket
trailer tow module or tow bar, we
recommend that you switch the system off
when you attach a trailer.
Cross traffic alert remains on when you
attach a trailer in vehicles that come with
blind spot information system with trailer
tow under the following conditions:
• You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack
with a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to
3 ft (1 m)
in the information display.
See
Blind Spot Information System
(page 264).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust the
setting. Depending on your vehicle options,
the setting could be in the following: •
Information display.
See General
Information (page 112).
• Touchscreen. See Settings (page
469).
Note: The system turns on every time you
switch the ignition on. To permanently
switch the system off, contact an authorized
dealer.
Cross Traffic Alert Indicator When the system detects an
approaching vehicle, a tone
sounds, a warning lamp
illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror
and arrows appear in the information
display to show which side the
approaching vehicle is coming from.
Note: If arrows do not display, a message
appears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp
illuminates in the instrument cluster and
a message appears in the information
display. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.
Note: In exceptional conditions, the system
could alert you, even when there is nothing
in the detection zone, for example a vehicle
passing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages Action
Message
Displays instead of indication arrows when the system
detects a vehicle. Check for approaching traffic.
Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Clean
the sensors. If the message continues to appear, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not Avail-
able Sensor Blocked See
Manual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System
Fault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Deac-
tivated Trailer Attached
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TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION
(IF EQUIPPED)
Principle of Operation
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked.
Note: In cold and severe weather conditions
the system may not function. Rain, snow,
spray and large contrasts in lighting can all
prevent the sensor from functioning
correctly.
Note: Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding the
sensor.
Note: If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may not
correctly function.
Note: Always fit Ford original parts when
replacing headlamp bulbs. Other bulbs may
reduce system performance.
Note: The system may not detect all traffic
signs and may incorrectly read signs.
Note: Keep the windshield free from
obstructions for example bird droppings,
insects and snow or ice.
Note: The system is designed to detect
traffic signs meeting the Vienna convention.
Note: Traffic sign data provided by the
navigation system contains information
integrated to the data carrier release. The sensor is behind the interior rear view
mirror. It continuously monitors road signs
to inform you of the current maximum
speed limit and overtaking regulations.
The system detects recognizable traffic
signs, for example:
•
Speed limit signs.
• No overtaking signs.
• Speed limit cancellation signs.
• No overtaking cancellation signs.
Using Traffic Sign Recognition
Setting the System Speed Warning
The system has a number of speed
warning levels that you can set using the
information display. See
General
Information (page 112).
System Display The system can display two traffic signs
in parallel.
You can view the status at any time using
the information display.
The system displays recognizable traffic
signs in four stages as follows:
1. All new traffic signs appear brighter
than the others in the display.
2. After a predetermined time they display normally.
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3. After a predetermined distance they
are greyed out.
4. After another predetermined distance they are deleted.
If the system detects a supplementary
traffic sign, it displays below the respective
traffic sign. For example, when passing a
reduced speed limit in wet road conditions
sign.
If your vehicle has a navigation system,
stored traffic sign data may influence the
indicated speed limit value.
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the system on and off using
the information display. See General
Information (page 112).
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle.
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 as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. 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.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle, this increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
(If Equipped)
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.
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PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, cyclists or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead
to a crash or personal injury. WARNING: The system may fail or
operate with reduced function during
cold and severe weather conditions.
Snow, ice, rain, spray and fog can
adversely affect the system. Keep the
front camera and radar free of snow and
ice. Failure to take care may result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Some situations and
objects prevent hazard detection. For
example low or direct sunlight, inclement
weather, unconventional vehicle types,
and pedestrians. Apply the brakes when
necessary. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
The system cannot
help prevent all crashes. Do not rely on
this system to replace driver judgment
and the need to maintain a safe distance
and speed.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist
System
The system is active at speeds above
approximately
3 mph (5 km/h) and
pedestrian detection is active at speeds
up to
50 mph (80 km/h). If your vehicle is rapidly approaching
another stationary vehicle, a vehicle
traveling in the same direction as yours, or
a pedestrian within your driving path, the
system is designed to provide three levels
of functionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert
: When active, a flashing visual
warning appears and an audible warning
tone sounds.
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Brake Support: The system is designed
to help reduce the impact speed by
preparing the brakes for rapid braking.
Brake support does not automatically
apply the brakes. If you press the brake
pedal, the system could apply additional
braking up to maximum braking force, even
if you lightly press the brake pedal.
Active Braking
: Active braking may
activate if the system determines that a
collision is imminent. The system may help
the driver reduce impact damage or avoid
the crash completely.
Note: Brake Support and Active Braking are
active at speeds up to
75 mph (120 km/h).
If your vehicle has a radar sensor included
with Adaptive Cruise Control, then Brake
Support and Active Braking are active up to
the maximum speed of the vehicle.
Note: If you perceive Pre-Collision Assist
alerts as being too frequent or disturbing,
then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,
though the manufacturer recommends
using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would
lead to fewer and later system warnings.
Note: Pre-Collision Assist turns off when
you manually disable AdvanceTrac or when
you select deep snow/sand mode. Distance Indication and Alert
(If
Equipped)
Distance Indication and Alert is a function
that provides the driver with a graphical
indication of the time gap to other
preceding vehicles traveling in the same
direction. Distance Indication and Alert
shows one of the graphics that follow in
the information display. If the time gap to a preceding vehicle is
small, a red visual indication displays to
the driver.
Note:
Distance Indication and Alert
deactivates and the graphics do not display
when Adaptive Cruise Control is active.
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REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE (IF EQUIPPED)
Spare Tire Cover
(If Equipped) The system is in the floor of the cargo area.
Remove the additional cover to access the
spare tire, fuel filler and tow hook. Adjustable Load Floor
(If Equipped) Vehicles with the standard size spare tire
can adjust the load floor to two positions.
At the high position, you can place the front
of the load floor on the ledge behind the
rear seat and on the ledge of the liftgate
scuff trim. At the low position, you can tuck
the front of the load floor into the lower
forward area of the spare tire cover and
rest the load floor on top of the spare tire
cover, or spare tire cover weather mat.
CARGO NETS
(IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:
This net is not designed
to restrain objects during a collision or
heavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objects
in the cargo area. Attach the net to the
anchors provided. Repeat the attachment
on both sides of the vehicle.
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LUGGAGE COVERS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:
Make sure that the
posts are properly latched in mounting
features. The cover may cause injury in
a sudden stop or accident if it is not
securely installed. WARNING:
Do not place any
objects on the cargo area shade. They
may obstruct your vision or strike
occupants of your vehicle in a sudden
stop or crash.
Use the cargo shade to cover items in the
cargo area of your vehicle. Insert the ends of the cargo shade into the
mounting features located behind the rear
seat on the rear trim panels to install the
cargo shade.
To operate the cargo shade:
1. Pull the rear edge of the cargo shade
rearward.
2. Secure both ends of the support rod into the retention slots located on the
rear quarter trim panels.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
(IF EQUIPPED) WARNING:
When loading the roof
racks, we recommend you evenly
distribute the load, as well as maintain
a low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,
with higher centers of gravity, may
handle differently than unloaded
vehicles. Take extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, when driving a heavily loaded
vehicle.
For correct roof rack system function, you
must place loads directly on crossbars
affixed to the roof rack side rails. When
using the roof rack system, we recommend
you use Ford Genuine Accessory crossbars
designed specifically for your vehicle.
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