
FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 289).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com. Note:
Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel
storage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
188
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Fuel and RefuelingE161513

•
Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for
climactic conditions.
Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you
correct the concern, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,
Prohibited Tampering Acts and
Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The preceding statements
concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance, and the noise warranty
found in the Warranty Guide, are
applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING:
Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is
very high. Never work around or attempt
to repair any part of the exhaust system
until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short
period of engine operation and stays hot
after the engine is switched off. WARNING:
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
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converter
and other emission control components
continue to work properly:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 301).
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
Note: Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
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 anything 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 equivalent
to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
198
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump”
the brakes.
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 your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
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 a
4WD vehicle could accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,
it will not 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 comes
with a four wheel (ABS), do not
“pump”
the brakes. See Hints on Driving With
Anti-Lock Brakes (page 215).
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, we
strongly recommend 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. We strongly recommend 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
could 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.
213
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

WHAT IS REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST
The system is designed to reduce impact
damage or avoid a collision completely by
using the sensors on the rear of your
vehicle. The system functions when in
reverse (R) and traveling at a speed of
1–
7 mph (1.5– 12 km/h).
If the system detects an obstacle behind
your vehicle, it provides a warning through
the rear parking aid or cross traffic alert
system.
REVERSE BRAKING ASSIST
PRECAUTIONS 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:
To help avoid personal
injury, always use caution when in
reverse (R) and when using the sensing
system. 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. WARNING: Traffic control systems,
inclement weather, air brakes, external
motors and fans may affect the correct
operation of the sensing system. This
may cause reduced performance or false
alerts. 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.
The system only applies the brakes for a
short period of time when an event occurs.
The driver should take action as soon as
they notice the brakes apply in order to
remain in control of the vehicle.
Note: Certain add-on devices around the
bumper or fascia may create false alerts.
For example, large trailer hitches, bicycle or
surfboard racks, license plate brackets,
bumper covers or any other device that may
block the normal detection zone of the
system. Remove the add-on device to
prevent false alerts.
Note: The system does not react to small
or moving objects, particularly those close
to the ground.
Note: The system does not operate during
hard acceleration or steering.
220
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Reverse Braking Assist
(If Equipped)E205199

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.
272
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Driving Aids E132994

Radar Troubleshooting (If Equipped)
Action
Cause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc- tion.
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty
or obstructed in some way.
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the radar to detect that there is no obstruction.
The surface of the radar in the grille is clean
but the message remains in the display screen.
The Pre-Collision Assist system is tempor-
arily disabled. Pre-Collision Assist automat-ically reactivates a short time after the weather conditions improve.
Heavy rain, spray, snow or fog is interfering
with the radar signals.
The Pre-Collision Assist system is tempor-
arily disabled. Pre-Collision Assist automat-ically reactivates a short time after the weather conditions improve.
Swirling water or snow or ice on the surface
of the road may interfere with the radar signals.
Contact an authorized dealer to have theradar checked for proper coverage and operation.
Radar is out of alignment due to a front end
impact.
Note: Proper system operation requires a
clear view of the road by the camera. Have
any windshield damage in the area of the
camera's field of view repaired.
Note: If something hits the front end of your
vehicle or damage occurs and your vehicle
has a radar sensor, the radar sensing zone
may change. This could cause missed or
false detections. Contact an authorized
dealer to have the radar checked for proper
coverage and operation.
278
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Driving Aids

REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 104).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 332).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
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.
• 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 switching 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.
296
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Driving Hints
![FORD EXPLORER 2020 Owners Manual •
Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 395 lb (180 kg) of weight
carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicl FORD EXPLORER 2020 Owners Manual •
Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 395 lb (180 kg) of weight
carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicl](/manual-img/11/40647/w960_40647-299.png)
•
Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 395 lb (180 kg) 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
5–10 mi
(12 –16 km) 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.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below
-13°F (-25°C). BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately
300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km)
. Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first
1,000 mi
(1,600 km).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING:
Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. 297
Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Third-Printing- Driving HintsE259345