
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
 Occasional brake noise is normal.  If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out and an
authorized dealer should check them.  If the
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, an
authorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note:  Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions.  Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise.  See Cleaning the Wheels
(page 348).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency.  Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop.  Switch the engine off, move the
transmission to park (P) and apply the
parking brake. Inspect the accelerator
pedal and the area around it for any items
or debris that may be obstructing its
movement. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal.  It
provides maximum braking efficiency as
long as you press the pedal.  Emergency
brake assist can reduce stopping distances
in critical situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on or apply the parking
brake.  If the light does not illuminate
during start up, remains on or flashes,
except when you switch the ignition on or
apply the parking brake, the anti-lock
braking system may be disabled.  Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
If the anti-lock brake system is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. See
Warning Lamps and Indicators (page
107).
Note: Indicators vary depending on region. This lamp also illuminates
momentarily when you switch
the ignition on or apply the
parking brake to confirm the
lamp is working. If it does not
illuminate when you switch the
ignition on, apply the parking brake, or if it
begins to flash at any time, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer.
If the brake warning lamp illuminates with
the parking brake released, have the
system checked immediately.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature is used to simulate the engine
braking of an internal combustion engine
and assist the standard brake system while
recovering some of the energy of motion
and storing it in the battery to improve fuel
economy. The standard brake system is
designed to fully stop the car if
regenerative braking is not available.
During regenerative braking, the motor is
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If it continues to flash or does not
illuminate, the system has malfunctioned.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Note:
You can apply the electric parking
brake when the ignition is off.
Note: The electric parking brake could
automatically apply when you shift into park
(P).  See Transmission (page 201).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake in
an Emergency
Note: Do not apply the electric parking
brake when your vehicle is moving, except
in an emergency. If you repeatedly use the
electric parking brake to slow or stop your
vehicle, you could cause damage to the
brake system.
You can use the electric parking brake to
slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency. Pull the switch upward and hold
it.
The red warning lamp
illuminates, a tone sounds and
the stoplamps turn on.
The electric parking brake continues to
slow your vehicle down unless you release
the switch.
Manually Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off. If it remains illuminated or flashes, the
system has malfunctioned.  Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch upward and hold
it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until engine
has developed sufficient torque to prevent
your vehicle from rolling down the hill. Release the switch and pull
away in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing the
Electric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull away
in a normal manner. The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the
electric parking brake has not released.
Manually release the parking brake.
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WHAT IS DRIVE MODE
CONTROL
The system delivers a driving experience
through a suite of sophisticated electronic
vehicle systems. These systems optimize
steering, handling and powertrain
response. This provides a single location
to control multiple systems performance
settings.
Changing the drive mode changes the
functionality of the following systems:
•
Electric power-assisted steering
system adjusts steering effort and feel
based on the mode you select.  See
Steering (page 273).
• Electronic stability control and traction
control maintain your vehicle control
in adverse conditions or high
performance driving.  See 
Stability
Control (page 225).
• Electronic throttle control enhances
the powertrain response to your driving
inputs.
• Transmission controls become
optimized with shift schedules tuned
to each mode.
• Four-wheel drive settings are optimized
and tuned to each mode.
• Electric vehicle mode selections may
be limited.  See 
Hybrid Vehicle
Operation (page 182).
The system tailors your vehicle
configuration for each mode you select.
Note: Not all settings may be available.
Note: The system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system for
proper operation. If a mode is unavailable
due to a system fault or change in gear
shifter position, the mode defaults to
Normal. SELECTING A DRIVE MODE
Note:
Drive mode changes may not be
available when the ignition is off or when
the engine is not running.
Note: Button icons shown may vary from
your vehicle. Rotate the drive mode dial on the center
console to select or change a drive mode.
To select drive modes for RWD vehicles
use the console mounted control.
DRIVE MODES
Deep Snow/Sand
 (If Equipped)
For snow or soft dry sand. When
stuck in deep snow, use this
mode to help get unstuck.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING: Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of
vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Ford does not recommend disabling this
feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as
hill climbing), the driver has significant
trailer towing experience, and can control
trailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability.  If the trailer
begins to sway, the stability control
warning lamp flashes and a message
appears in the information display.  See
Information Messages
 (page 121).   Slow
your vehicle down, pull safely to the side
of the road and check for correct load
distribution.  See 
Load Carrying (page
282).
You can switch this feature off in the
information display.  When you switch the
ignition on, the system automatically turns
on. RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:
Do not exceed the trailer
weight for your vehicle
configuration listed in the chart
below.
Note: Be sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 20 ft² (1.86 m²) if
your vehicle can tow a class I
trailer, or 55 ft² (5.11 m²) if your
vehicle can tow a class III trailer
weighing more than 
5,000 lb
(2,267 kg).
Note: Your vehicle could have
reduced performance when
operating at high altitudes, and
when heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,
in order to match driving
performance as perceived at sea
level, reduce gross vehicle weight
and gross combination weight by
2% per 
1,000 ft (300 m) of
elevation.
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Note:
Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed could be
limited to this specified weight, as
the vehicle ’s electrical system may
not include the wiring connector
needed to activate electric trailer
brakes. Your vehicle can tow a trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for
your vehicle configuration on the
following chart: Maximum Trailer
Weight
Drive
Transmission
Engine
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R60)
2.3L GTDI 5,300 lb (2,404 kg)
2WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
5,300 lb (2,404 kg)
4WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R60)
3.0L GTDI
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
4WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R60)
3.3L PF/DI 5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
2WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
4WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R80)
3.3L PF/DI
HEV 5,000 lb (2,267 kg)
2WD 2
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow. 2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in
park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not
included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
 removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than 
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
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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 106).
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 331).
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.
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![FORD EXPLORER 2021  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 2021  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/11/40606/w960_40606-298.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 approximately
-13°F (-25°C)
. BREAKING-IN
Tires
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 
300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
Brakes and Clutch
Avoid heavy use of the brakes and clutch
if possible for the first 
100 mi (160 km) in
town and for the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km)
on freeways.
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. 296
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