2021 FORD EXPLORER maintenance

High Voltage Electric System
Failure (If Equipped)
It illuminates if your hybrid
electric vehicle has an electrical
component fault or failure that
causes your vehicle to shutdown or enter
a limited operating mode. A message may
appear in the instrument cluster display.
Hill Descent
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you switch hill
descent on.
Hood Ajar Illuminates when the ignition is
on and the hood is not
completely closed.
Lamps On Illuminates when you switch the
low beam headlamps or the
parking lamps on.
Liftgate Ajar Illuminates when the liftgate is
not completely closed.
Low Beam Warning Illuminates when the low beam
headlamp bulb is not functioning
properly.
Low Fuel Level Illuminates when the fuel level
is low or the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Refuel as soon as
possible. Low Tire Pressure Warning Illuminates when the tire
pressure is low. If the lamp
remains on with the engine
running or when driving, check the tire
pressure as soon as possible.
It also illuminates momentarily when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Powertrain Fault Illuminates when the system
detects a powertrain or a
4WD/AWD fault. Contact an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Ready to Drive
(If Equipped) Illuminates when you have
switched on your hybrid electric
vehicle and it is ready to drive. A
corresponding message may appear
stating ready to drive.
Service Engine Soon It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on prior to engine
start to check the bulb and to
indicate whether your vehicle is ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
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Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
system errors are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Catalytic Converter (page 197).
If it illuminates when the engine is running
this indicates a system error. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected an error
in the vehicle emission control system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Continuing to drive your vehicle
may cause reduced power or the engine
to stop. Failure to respond to the warning
lamp may cause component damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Stability Control It flashes when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
system error. During a system error the
system switches off. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer
immediately. See
Using Stability
Control (page 226).
Stability Control Off Illuminates when you switch the
system off. It goes out when you
switch the system back on or
when you switch the ignition off.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition. Keyless Warning Alert
(If Equipped)
Sounds the horn twice when you exit your
vehicle with the intelligent access key, after
the last door is closed and your keyless
vehicle is in RUN, indicating your vehicle is
still on.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer
immediately.
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Audio
Audio
Menu options covered in the SYNC chapter. See General Information (page 433).
Phone Phone
Menu options covered in the SYNC chapter. See
General Information (page 433).
Settings Settings
Contains vehicle status information.
Select Your Setting.
Information
Select Your Setting
Language
Display
Measure unit
Temperature unit
Tire Pressure
Select Your Setting
Driver Assistance
Select Your Setting
Oil Level
Vehicle Maintenance
Oil Life
Brake Fluid Life
Tire Pressure
MyKey Info
MyKey
Create MyKey
Note: Additional vehicle settings are
available through your touchscreen. See
Settings
(page 464). PERSONALIZED SETTINGS
Select one of these options to display on
your main screen.
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Lane Keeping System
Action
Message
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Lane Keeping Sys.
Malfunction
Service Required
The system has detected a condition that has caused the systemto be temporarily unavailable.
Front Camera
Temporarily Not Available
The system has detected a condition that requires the windshieldto be cleaned to operate properly.
Front Camera Low
Visibility Clean Screen
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Front Camera
Malfunction
Service Required
The system requests the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
Keep Hands on
Steering Wheel
Maintenance Action
Message
Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
Check the oil level. If the warning stays on or continues to come onwith your engine running, have the system checked as soon as possible.
Low Engine Oil
Pressure
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed soon.
Change Engine Oil
Soon
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed immediately.
Oil Change
Required
The brake fluid level is low and the brake system should be
inspected immediately. See Brake Fluid Check (page 335).
Brake Fluid Level
Low
The brake system needs servicing. Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Contact an authorized dealer.
Check Brake
System
The engine coolant temperature is excessively high.
Engine Coolant
Over Temperature
The washer fluid is low and needs to be refilled.
Washer Fluid Level
Low
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WHAT IS THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
The cabin air filter improves the quality of
air in your vehicle by trapping dust, pollen
and other particles.
REPLACING THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
Replace the filter at regular intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 482).
The cabin air filter is behind the glove
compartment.
To remove the lower glove compartment
and access the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment. 2. Press the tab on each side.
3. Fully lower the glove compartment.
4. Pull the glove compartment toward
you.
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Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extending
downhill driving that your engine continues
to run instead of shutting off. During this
engine braking, the engine stays on, but it
is not using any fuel. You may also hear a
slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the
electric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
these tips in mind: •
Keep the tires properly inflated and
only use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the
amount of energy required to move
your vehicle. In general, you can
achieve better fuel economy with mild
to moderate acceleration and
deceleration. Moderate braking is
particularly important since it allows
you to maximize the energy captured
by the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to
drive immediately after starting.
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HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answer
Question
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when the
key is off. When you switch the key on, high voltage contactors inside the battery are
closed to make the electricity available to the motor and generator and enable the
vehicle to drive. The clicks are the sound of these contactors as they close and open during start up and shut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargo
area when I first turn the key in the ignition?
The vehicle's computer determines if an
engine start is required at key-on. Silent key starts the engine if it is necessary for cabin
heating, windshield defrost, or if the outside temperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start at
key-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time when
you first start it. One common reason is to
make sure that the emissions components are warm enough to minimize tailpipe
emissions. As the climate gets cooler, this engine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before the
engine shuts down?
In order to make sure that the climate
control system can begin heating the cabin
or defrosting the windshield as soon as you request it, the engine coolant temperature
has to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping the
engine on is required to maintain the correct coolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it is
extremely cold outside?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline), but you couldnotice slightly reduced fuel economy
because ethanol contains less energy per
gallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle is not designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and how
will it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?
Does it need maintenance?
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EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter
the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor
of the vehicle. The floor covering and
insulation protect occupants of the
vehicle from the engine and exhaust
system heat and noise. On vehicles with
no original equipment floor covering
insulation, do not carry passengers in a
manner that permits prolonged skin
contact with the metal floor. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in
fire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components.
Similar federal or provincial laws may
apply in Canada. We do not approve of any
vehicle modification without first
determining applicable laws. Tampering with emissions
control systems including
related sensors or the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid system can result in reduced
engine power and the illumination of the
service engine soon light. Tampering With a Noise Control
System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•
Removal or rendering inoperative by
any person other than for purposes of
maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to
the ultimate purchaser or while it is in
use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive
exhaust smoke, check for the following:
• A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.
• An open or pinched sensor hose.
• Incorrect engine oil level.
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