
Running Out of Fuel
....................................129
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ............................................
131
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........................................................................\
.
133
Fuel Consumption .......................................
136
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
138
Catalytic Converter .....................................
139
High Voltage Battery
General Information ...................................
142
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ...........................
143
All-Wheel Drive
Using All-Wheel Drive ................................
145
Brakes
General Information ...................................
152
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
153
Electric Parking Brake ................................
153
Hill Start Assist .............................................
155
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ................................
157
Using Traction Control ...............................
157
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ................................
158
Using Stability Control ..............................
159
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
160
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
160
Rear View Camera .......................................
162Cruise Control
About Cruise Control
.................................
166
Switching Cruise Control On and Off ........................................................................\
166
Setting the Cruise Control Speed .........
166
Canceling the Set Speed ..........................
167
Resuming the Set Speed ..........................
167
Cruise Control Indicators ..........................
167
Driving Aids
Blind Spot Information System .............
168
Cross Traffic Alert .........................................
172
Steering ............................................................
175
Pre-Collision Assist .....................................
175
Drive Mode Control
About Drive Mode Control ........................
179
Selecting a Drive Mode ..............................
179
Drive Modes ...................................................
179
Load Carrying
Load Limit .......................................................
181
Towing
Towing a Trailer ............................................
186
Recommended Towing Weights ............
187
Essential Towing Checks ..........................
188
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
190
Driving Hints
Breaking-In ......................................................
191
Reduced Engine Performance .................
191
Economical Driving ......................................
191
Cold Weather Precautions .......................
192
Driving Through Water ...............................
192
Floor Mats ......................................................
193
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance ..................................
194
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Hazard Flashers
...........................................195
Fuel Shutoff ...................................................
195
Jump Starting the Vehicle ........................
196
Collision, Damage or Fire Event .............
198
Post-Crash Alert System ..........................
199
Transporting the Vehicle ..........................
199
Towing Points ..............................................
200
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need ..............
202
In California (U.S. Only) ...........................
203
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) ....................
204
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) ......................
205
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .......................................................
205
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
207
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
207
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
207
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart .........................
209
Changing a Fuse ...........................................
217
Maintenance
General Information ...................................
219
Opening and Closing the Hood ..............
219
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L ...................
221
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L ..................
222
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L .........................
223
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L .........................
223
Engine Oil Check .........................................
223
Oil Change Indicator Reset .....................
224
Engine Coolant Check ...............................
225
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
229
Brake Fluid Check .......................................
229Power Steering Fluid Check
...................
230
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
230
Fuel Filter ........................................................
231
Changing the 12V Battery .........................
231
Checking the Wiper Blades .....................
233
Changing the Front Wiper Blades ........
233
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades ..........
234
Adjusting the Headlamps ........................
234
Changing a Bulb ..........................................
235
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L ........................................................................\
.
237
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L ....
238
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
240
Cleaning Products ......................................
240
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
240
Waxing ............................................................
242
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
242
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
242
Cleaning the Interior ..................................
243
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens ......................
243
Repairing Minor Paint Damage .............
244
Cleaning the Wheels .................................
244
Vehicle Storage ...........................................
245
Wheels and Tires
General Information ...................................
247
Tire Care .........................................................
248
Using Snow Chains ....................................
262
Tire Pressure Monitoring System .........
264
Changing a Road Wheel ..........................
269
Technical Specifications ..........................
275
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications - 3.0L ....................
277
Engine Specifications - 3.3L ....................
277
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Trailer (If Equipped)
Action
Message
A correct trailer connection is sensed during a givenignition cycle.
Trailer Connected
A trailer connection becomes disconnected, either
intentionally or unintentionally, and has been sensed during a given ignition cycle.
Trailer Disconnected
The trailer sway control has detected trailer sway.
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
There are certain faults in your vehicle wiring and trailer
wiring/brake system. See Towing a Trailer (page 186).
Trailer Wiring Fault
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp. Check yourlamp.
Trailer Left Turn Lamps Fault
Check Lamps
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp. Check yourlamp.
Trailer Right Turn Lamps Fault
Check Lamps
There is a fault with your trailer battery. See
Towing
a Trailer (page 186).
Trailer Battery Not Charging See
Manual
There is a fault with your vehicle trailer lighting module.See
Towing a Trailer (page 186).
Trailer Lighting Module Fault
See Manual
Transmission Action
Message
You switched the engine off and shift select lever is in anyposition other than park (P).
Shift to Park
Transmission is too cold. Wait for it to warm up before you drive.
Transmission Warming
Up Please Wait
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed.
Press Brake Pedal
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in asafe place as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Over
Temperature Stop Safely
See an authorized dealer.
Transmission Service
Required
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in asafe place as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Too Hot
Press Brake
99
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Action
Message
The transmission has limited functionality. See an authorized dealer.
Transmission Limited
Function See Manual
A reminder to shift into park. In addition, this message is typicalafter reconnecting or recharging the battery until you cycle
the ignition to the on mode. See Changing the 12V Battery (page 231).
Transmission Not in Park
Displays when there is a system fault and the park brake needs
to be depressed before exiting the vehicle. See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Confirm Park Brake
Apply Before Exiting the Vehicle
See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Service Required
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle isshifting to park. See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Vehicle is Shifting to Park
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle isshifting to reverse. See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Reverse Unavailable Service Required
See an authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT Drive
Unavailable Select S for Drive Service Required
See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Neutral Unavailable Service Required
See your authorized dealer.
SHIFT SYS FAULT Sport
Unavailable Service Required
Displays when an invalid gear has been selected.
Invalid Gear Selection
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed toenable the transmission to shift from park.
Depress Brake to Shift
from Park
Reminder to switch off the ignition while in neutral tow.
Neutral Tow Engaged
Turn Ignition Off for Towing
Displays when neutral hold is active and you want to exit neutral tow.
Neutral Tow Engaged
Depress Brake andSelect Park to Exit Neutral Tow
100
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 201902, Second-Printing Information Displays

Action
Message
Reminder to remove park brake while in neutral tow.
Neutral Tow Remove
Park Brake for Towing
Displays when the neutral tow is off.
Neutral Tow Disengaged
Displays when neutral tow is on.
Neutral Tow Enabled
Leave Transmission in Neutral
101
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HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these
unique characteristics provides an optimal
driving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
and a ready to drive message appears,
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to
be ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. The indicator remains
on when your vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not, to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement using the
electric motor, gas engine or both.
Typically, the engine does not start unless
the vehicle is cold, a climate control
change is requested or you press the
accelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine automatically starts and
stops to provide power when needed and
to save fuel when not needed. When
coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,
or standing, the gas engine normally shuts
down and your vehicle operates in
electric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine to
start up or remain running include:
• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Climbing a hill. •
Charge level of high voltage battery is
low.
• High or low outside temperatures in
order to provide system heating or
cooling.
• Engine not warm enough to provide
passenger requested cabin
temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See About Drive Mode
Control (page 179).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve
fuel as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid
operating and helps deliver fuel efficiency
and performance.
Battery
Your hybrid has a high voltage battery. A
cool battery maintains battery life and
provides the best possible performance.
The high voltage battery is cooled by the
vehicle's air conditioning system. When
the air conditioning system is on, you may
notice a slight increase in air temperature
coming from the climate control vents
while the system cools the battery. You
may notice cool air flowing from the vents
when the air conditioning or blower is off.
122
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Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
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 186).
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.
• Fuels containing more than 85%
ethanol or E100 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.
Switching Between E85 and
Gasoline
We do not recommend repeatedly
alternating between E85 and gasoline. If
you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or
from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as
possible, at least half a tank. Drive your
vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi
(8 km)
to allow it to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration. If you use E85
exclusively, we recommend that you fill
the fuel tank with regular unleaded
gasoline at each scheduled oil change.
127
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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 186).
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 QUALITY - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
Choosing the Right Fuel 128
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