2021 FORD EXPLORER engine overheat

CRUISE CONTROL - VEHICLES
WITH: CRUISE CONTROL
See What Is Cruise Control (page 244).
INFORMATION DISPLAY
CONTROL See
Information Displays (page 112).
HEATED STEERING WHEEL
(IF
EQUIPPED)
The heated steering wheel button is on the
climate controls. Press the button to switch the
heated steering wheel on and
off. Note:
You can use the heated steering
wheel only when the engine is running.
Note: The system uses a sensor and is
designed to control the temperature of the
steering wheel and to prevent it from
overheating.
Note: In warm temperatures, the steering
wheel quickly reaches its maximum
temperature and the system reduces the
current to the heating element. This could
cause you to think that the system has
stopped working but it has not. This is
normal.
HORN 83
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Steering WheelE280796 E280795 E270945

Park Brake
Action
Message
The parking brake is set, the engine is running and you drive your
vehicle more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Park Brake
Engaged
The electric parking brake is set and a manual release is attemptedwithout the brake pedal being pressed.
To Release: Press
Brake and Switch
The electric parking brake is set and an automatic release is
attempted but cannot be performed. Perform a manual release.
Park Brake Use
Switch to Release
The electric parking brake is set and your vehicle speed exceeds3 mph (5 km/h). Release park brake before continued driving.
Release Park
Brake
The electric parking brake is not fully applied.
Park Brake Not
Applied
The electric parking brake is not fully released.
Park Brake Not
Released
The electric parking brake system has been put into a special modethat is used to allow service of the rear brakes. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Park Brake Main-
tenance Mode
The electric park brake system has detected a condition that
requires service. Some functionality may still be available. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Park Brake Limited
Function Service Required
The electric parking brake system has detected a condition thatrequires service. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Park Brake
Malfunction
Service Now
Numerous park brake applies have overheated the system. Wait 2minutes before attempting to apply again.
Park Brake System
Overheated
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Information Displays

Transmission
Action
Message
You switched the engine off and shift select lever is in any position other than park (P).
Shift to Park
Transmission is too cold. Wait for it to warm up before you drive.
Transmission
Warming UpPlease Wait
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed.
Press Brake Pedal
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Over
Temperature Stop Safely
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Transmission
Service Required
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’ s possible.
Transmission Too
Hot Press Brake
The transmission has limited functionality. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
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
336).
Transmission Not
in Park
Displays when there is a system fault and the park brake needs to
be depressed before exiting the vehicle. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Confirm Park
Brake Apply Before Exiting the Vehicle
Have the system checked as soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Service Required
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto park. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Vehicle is Shifting to Park
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto reverse. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULT
Reverse Unavail- able ServiceRequired
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Information Displays

Press to fold the left-hand third
row seat.
A
Press to fold and unfold both
third row seats.
B
Press to fold the right-hand third
row seat.
C
To return the third-row seat backrest to
the original position, press the
corresponding control again.
If the seats are inoperable, do the
following:
1. Make sure that the engine is running and the tailgate is open.
2. Make sure that there are no objects on
the seats that would prevent them
from folding completely.
3. Press and hold button B for one minute
until both seats completely fold and
unfold.
4. Press button A and button C to confirm
each seat is operational.
Note: During this procedure, the seat may
appear to be fully unfolded. Continue
holding the switch for a few seconds.
If the power rear seat disables after 10
minutes, you can enable the seat by:
• Opening any door.
• Pressing the unlock button on the key
fob.
• Pressing any keyless entry keypad
button.
• Switching the ignition on. HEATED SEATS (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: Use caution when using
the heated seat if you are unable to feel
pain to your skin because of advanced
age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord
injury, medication, alcohol use,
exhaustion or other physical conditions.
The heated seat could cause burns even
at low temperatures, especially if used
for long periods of time. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury. WARNING:
Do not poke sharp
objects into the seat cushion or seat
backrest. This could damage the heated
seat element and cause it to overheat.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury. WARNING:
Do not place anything
on the seat that blocks the heat, for
example a seat cover or a cushion. This
could cause the seat to overheat. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
personal injury.
Front Seats
Do not do the following:
• Place heavy objects on the seat.
• Operate the heated seat if water or any
other liquid spills on the seat. Allow the
seat to dry thoroughly.
Note: The engine must be running to use
this feature.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SeatsE291063

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1.
Reconnect the negative (black) battery
cable to the battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do not release.
4. Insert the screwdriver tool or car key fully into the manual park release lever
slot. Push the tool downwards. The
system detent releases and the manual
park release lever moves forward,
allowing the vehicle to go back into
park (P). Remove the tool or car key.
5. Install the access cover.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P). 7. If the instrument cluster does not
display the park (P) position or there
is a message stating park (P) is not
available, transmission not in park (P)
or a shift system fault, apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle and contact an authorized
dealer for service.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
rock it out by shifting between forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE297270

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the front wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously
adjusting to the torque distribution, in an
attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,
a message appears in the information
display.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuously
monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts
the power distribution between the front
and rear wheels. It combines transparent
all-surface operation with highly capable
four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and
requires no driver input. It is capable of
handling all road conditions including
street and highway driving as well as
off-road and winter driving. You can
optimize more 4WD control by selecting
different drive modes. See
Selecting a
Drive Mode (page 278). Note:
A warning message displays in the
information display when a 4WD system
fault is present. See
Information
Messages (page 121). A 4WD system fault
causes the 4WD system to default to
rear-wheel drive only mode. When this
warning message is displayed, have your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note: A warning message displays in the
information display if the 4WD system
overheats. See
Information Messages
(page 121). This condition could occur if the
vehicle is operated in extreme conditions
with excessive wheel slip, such as deep
sand. To resume normal 4WD function as
soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10
minutes. After the engine is restarted and
the 4WD system is adequately cooled, the
warning message turns off and normal 4WD
function returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire other
than the tire provided. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the 4WD system will disable
and enter rear-wheel drive only mode to
protect driveline components. Some
limited 4WD traction could be provided if
the mini-spare is installed on one of the
front wheels. If you are in driving conditions
where limited 4WD traction is needed
while the mini-spare is installed, it is
recommended the mini-spare be installed
on the front axle.
See Information
Messages (page 121).
If the mini-spare is installed, this condition
is indicated by a warning in the information
display. If there is a warning message in
the information display from using the
spare tire, this indicator should turn off
after reinstalling or replacing the normal
road tire and cycling the ignition off and
on. We recommended reinstalling or
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
you can rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle comes with AdvanceTrac®
with Roll Stability Control
™, it could be
beneficial to disengage the AdvanceTrac®
with Roll Stability Control ™ system while
attempting to rock the vehicle.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes or damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid
"over-driving" your vehicle (for
example, turn the steering wheel only
as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive
steering can result in less vehicle
control, not more. Additionally, smooth
variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized
if changes in vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration
or braking which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Use all available road surface to return
the vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop,
avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel
movements.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete
to gravel) there is a change in the way
the vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking).
Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and
cause the vehicle to become stuck to the
point that assistance could be required
from another vehicle. Remember, you
could be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability could
be limited.
Note: Driving through deep water could
damage your vehicle.
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle could stall.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

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
Although natural obstacles could 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. 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.
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 can 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.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949