
A/C: Touch to switch the air conditioning
on or off. Use A/C with recirculated air to
improve cooling performance and
efficiency.
Note: In certain conditions, such as
maximum defrost, the air conditioning
compressor may continue to operate even
though you switch off the air conditioning.
Switching the Climate Control On
and Off Touch the button.
Switching the Climate Controlled
Seats On and Off Touch the button to cycle
through the various climate
controlled seat settings.
Switching Dual Zone Mode On and
Off Touch the button to switch on
temperature control for the
right-hand side of the vehicle.
Switching the Heated Exterior
Mirrors On and Off Touch the button.
Switching the Heated Windshield
On and Off Touch the button to clear the
windshield of thin ice and fog.
The heated windshield turns off
after a short period of time. Switching the Heated Rear
Window On and Off Touch the button to clear the
rear window of thin ice and fog.
Switching the Heated Seats On
and Off Touch the button to cycle
through the various heat
settings.
Switching the Heated Steering
Wheel On and Off Touch the button.
Switching Maximum Air
Conditioning On and Off Touch the button for maximum
cooling.
Recirculated air flows through the
instrument panel air vents, air conditioning
turns on and the blower motor adjusts to
the highest speed.
Switching Maximum Defrost On
and Off Touch the button for maximum
defrosting.
Air flows through the windshield air vents,
and the blower motor adjusts to the
highest speed.
You can also use this setting to defog and
clear the windshield of a thin covering of
ice.
Note: To prevent window fogging, you
cannot select recirculated air when
maximum defrost is on.
452
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3 E265282 E265280 E266189 E184884

Note:
The heated rear window also turns
on when you select maximum defrost.
Switching Recirculated Air On and
Off Touch the button to switch
between outside air and
recirculated air.
The air currently in the passenger
compartment recirculates. This may
reduce the time needed to cool the interior,
when used with A/C, and reduce unwanted
odors from entering your vehicle.
Note: Recirculated air may turn off, or
prevent you from switching on, in all air flow
modes except MAX A/C to reduce the risk
of fogging. Recirculation may also turn on
and off in various air distribution control
combinations during hot weather to improve
cooling efficiency.
Switching the Ventilated Seats On
and Off Touch the button to cycle
through the various ventilated
seat settings.
Accessing Rear Climate Controls Touch the button to access
additional controls for the rear
climate system.
Rear Climate Control Lock
Indicator Touch the button.
When on, you can only operate
the rear passenger settings
through the front controls. Switching Rear Auto Mode On and
Off Touch the button to switch on
rear automatic operation, then
set the temperature.
Switching the Rear Climate
Controlled Seats On and Off Touch the button to cycle
through the various climate
controlled seat settings.
Switching the Rear Heated Seats
On and Off Touch the button to cycle
through the various heat
settings.
Switching the Rear Ventilated
Seats On and Off Touch the button to cycle
through the various ventilated
seat settings.
PHONE WARNING: Driving while distracted
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash
and injury. We strongly recommend that
you use extreme caution when using any
device that may take your focus off the
road. Your primary responsibility is the
safe operation of your vehicle. We
recommend against the use of any
hand-held device while driving and
encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible. Make sure you
are aware of all applicable local laws
that may affect the use of electronic
devices while driving.
453
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3 E268558 E270447 E265289 E265282 E268558

3
360 Degree Camera....................................241
Front Camera...................................................... 242
Side Camera........................................................ 243
Using the System............................................... 242
4
4WD See: Four-Wheel Drive..................................... 207
9
911 Assist...........................................................55
A
A/C See: Climate Control......................................... 139
About This Manual...........................................9
ABS See: Brakes............................................................ 214
ABS driving hints See: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes................................................................. 215
Accessories....................................................479
Accessories See: Replacement Parts
Recommendation............................................ 12
Active Park Assist........................................235 Using Active Park Assist.................................. 236
Adaptive Cruise Control
............................246
Adaptive Cruise Control –
Troubleshooting............................................ 256
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering
................................253
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go
.....................................253
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Intelligent Adaptive
Cruise Control
.............................................253
System Warnings............................................... 253
Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering................................247 Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -
Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go
.....................................248
Sensor Limitations............................................ 248
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Lane Centering
...............................246
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control
With Stop and Go.....................................246
Hilly Condition Usage....................................... 247
When Following a Vehicle............................... 247
Adaptive Cruise Control – Troubleshooting........................................256
Adaptive Cruise Control – Information Messages......................................................... 256
Adaptive Headlamps
...................................90
System Check....................................................... 90
Adjusting the Headlamps
........................338
Vertical Aim Adjustment................................ 338
Adjusting the Set Speed Tolerance.....................................................255
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Manual Adjustable Steering
Column...........................................................80
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Power Adjustable Steering
Column...........................................................80
End of Travel Position.......................................... 81
Memory Feature.................................................... 81
AFS See: Adaptive Headlamps............................... 90
Airbag Disposal
...............................................53
Air Conditioning See: Climate Control......................................... 139
Air Filter See: Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L
EcoBoost™..................................................... 328
See: Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L.................................................................... 329
See: Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L.................................................................... 330
Alarm See: Anti-Theft Alarm........................................ 78
Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 10.1 Inch Information and Entertainment
Display Screen
..............................................92
Adjusting the Brightness................................... 93
559
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Changing the Color..............................................
93
Switching Ambient Lighting Off..................... 93
Switching Ambient Lighting On...................... 92
Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 8 Inch Information and Entertainment Display
Screen..............................................................92
Adjusting the Brightness................................... 92
Changing the Color.............................................. 92
Switching Ambient Lighting Off..................... 92
Switching Ambient Lighting On...................... 92
Anti-Theft Alarm............................................78 Arming the Alarm................................................. 79
Disarming the Alarm........................................... 79
Appendices....................................................530
Apps..................................................................461 SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link................... 463
Using Apps on an Android Device...............462
Using Apps on an iOS Device........................ 462
Using Mobile Navigation on an Android Device............................................................... 462
At a Glance.......................................................20
At a Glance - ST.............................................20
Audible Warnings and Indicators..............111
Headlamps On Warning Chime...................... 111
Key in Ignition Warning Chime......................... 111
Keyless Warning Alert......................................... 111
Parking Brake On Warning Chime.................. 111
Audio Control...................................................82 You can operate the following functions
with the control:............................................... 82
Audio System................................................426 General Information......................................... 426
Audio Unit
......................................................426
Adjusting the Volume...................................... 426
Changing Radio Stations................................ 427
Switching the Audio Unit On and Off.........427
Using Seek, Fast Forward and Reverse.............................................................. 427
Auto Hold
.........................................................218
Auto Hold Indicator............................................ 218
Switching Auto Hold On and Off.................. 218
Using Auto Hold.................................................. 218
Autolamps........................................................88 Windshield Wiper Activated
Headlamps........................................................ 88
Automatic Climate Control......................139 Accessing Rear Climate Controls.................139 Accessing the Air Distribution
Controls............................................................. 139
Accessing the Menu........................................... 139
Setting the Blower Motor Speed.................. 139
Setting the Temperature................................. 140
Switching Auto Mode On and Off................140
Switching Maximum Air Conditioning On and Off................................................................ 141
Switching Maximum Defrost On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Switching Recirculated Air On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Switching the Air Conditioning On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Switching the Climate Control On and Off........................................................................\
. 141
Automatic High Beam Control.................94
Automatic High Beam Control Indicators.......................................................94
Automatic Transmission
...........................201
Automatic Return to Park............................... 202
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow................................................................. 206
Manual Park Release (MPR)......................... 204
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission.................................................. 204
Stay in Neutral Mode....................................... 203
Tow Mode ............................................................ 203
Understanding Your Transmission Selector Positions........................................................... 201
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check.............................................................335
Auto-Start-Stop...........................................180 Disabling Auto-Start-Stop.............................. 181
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop.............................. 180
Autowipers
.......................................................84
Autowipers Settings........................................... 85
Auxiliary Power Points
................................167
110 Volt AC Power Point.................................... 167
12 Volt DC Power Point...................................... 167
USB Port and Power Point Locations.........167
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery..................... 336
560
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) Testing................................................... 198
Changing a Bulb............................................341 LED Lamps........................................................... 342
License Plate Lamp.......................................... 342
Rear Direction Indicator and Reversing Lamp.................................................................. 341
Changing a Fuse..........................................320 Fuses...................................................................... 320
Changing a Road Wheel............................374
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information...................................................... 374
Tire Change Procedure.................................... 375
Changing the 12V Battery.........................336 Battery Management System....................... 337
Remove and Reinstall the Battery..............338
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................328
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L................................................................329
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L
................................................................330
Changing the Front Wiper Blades.........340
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades
............341
Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name or Password
...................................425
Checking MyKey System Status..............66 MyKey Distance.................................................... 66
Number of Admin Keys...................................... 67
Number of MyKeys............................................... 67
Checking the Wiper Blades.....................340
Child Restraint and Seatbelt Maintenance.................................................43
Child Restraint Positioning.........................35
Child Safety......................................................23 General Information............................................ 23
Child Safety Locks.........................................36 Left-Hand Side...................................................... 37
Right-Hand Side................................................... 37
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................347
Cleaning Products
.......................................343
Materials............................................................... 343
Cleaning the Engine....................................345
Cleaning the Exterior..................................344 Cleaning the Exterior Lamps......................... 344
Cleaning the Exterior Precautions...............344
Exterior Chrome Parts..................................... 344
Exterior Plastic Parts........................................ 344Stripes or Graphics...........................................
344
Underbody........................................................... 345
Under Hood......................................................... 345
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens.........................347
Cleaning the Interior
...................................346
Mirrors.................................................................... 346
Cleaning the Wheels..................................348
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades...........................................................346
Clearing All MyKeys.......................................66
Climate.............................................................451 Accessing Rear Climate Controls................453
Accessing the Climate Control Menu.........451
Directing the Airflow.......................................... 451
Rear Climate Control Lock Indicator..........453
Setting the Blower Motor Speed.................. 451
Setting the Temperature................................. 451
Switching Auto Mode On and Off................451
Switching Dual Zone Mode On and Off....................................................................... 452
Switching Maximum Air Conditioning On and Off.............................................................. 452
Switching Maximum Defrost On and Off....................................................................... 452
Switching Rear Auto Mode On and Off...................................................................... 453
Switching Recirculated Air On and Off...................................................................... 453
Switching the Air Conditioning On and Off....................................................................... 451
Switching the Climate Controlled Seats On and Off.............................................................. 452
Switching the Climate Control On and Off....................................................................... 452
Switching the Heated Exterior Mirrors On and Off.............................................................. 452
Switching the Heated Rear Window On and Off....................................................................... 452
Switching the Heated Seats On and Off....................................................................... 452
Switching the Heated Steering Wheel On and Off.............................................................. 452
Switching the Heated Windshield On and Off....................................................................... 452
Switching the Rear Climate Controlled Seats On and Off.......................................... 453
562
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Switching the Rear Heated Seats On and
Off...................................................................... 453
Switching the Rear Ventilated Seats On and Off.............................................................. 453
Switching the Ventilated Seats On and Off...................................................................... 453
Climate Control.............................................139
Cold Weather Precautions.......................296
Collision, Damage or Fire Event.............302 Guidance for Ford Motor Company Electric
and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped
With High Voltage Batteries..................... 302
Connected Vehicle
.......................................421
Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile
Network............................................................. 421
Connected Vehicle Data...............................17
Connected Vehicle Limitations...............421
Connected Vehicle Requirements..........421
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: Modem............................422
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: SYNC 3............................423
Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile Network.........................................................421
Connecting FordPass to the Modem..........421
Enabling and Disabling the Modem............421
What Is the Modem........................................... 421
Connecting the Vehicle to a Wi-Fi Network - Vehicles With: SYNC 3
........421
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check............................. 331
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator
........52
Creating a MyKey...........................................65
Programming and Changing Configurable
Settings.............................................................. 66
Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot..........425 Connecting a Device to the Wi-Fi
Hotspot............................................................ 425
Finding the Wi-Fi Hotspot Name and Password......................................................... 425
Cross Traffic Alert........................................268 Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When Trailer
is Attached...................................................... 270
Cross Traffic Alert Indicator........................... 270
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages........................................................... 271
Cross Traffic Alert System Limitations ....................................................... 270Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors.............270
Switching the System On and Off...............270
Using Cross Traffic Alert.................................
268
Cruise Control
...............................................244
Cruise Control Indicators..........................245
Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go..........82
Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Cruise Control
............................................................83
Cup Holders......................................................171
Customer Assistance.................................305
Customer Information................................491 Radio Frequency Certification Labels........491
D
Data Privacy
......................................................15
Services That Third Parties Provide...............15
Services That We Provide.................................. 15
Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Configurable Daytime Running
Lamps.............................................................89
Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)............89
Digital Radio
...................................................427
HD Radio Reception and Station
Troubleshooting............................................ 428
Direction Indicators
.......................................90
Direction Indicator................................................ 91
Switching the Direction Indicators On and Off........................................................................\
. 90
Doors and Locks.............................................69
Drive Mode Control.....................................278 Drive Modes......................................................... 278
Drive Modes...................................................278 Deep Snow/Sand.............................................. 278
Eco........................................................................\
... 279
Normal................................................................... 279
Slippery.................................................................. 279
Sport....................................................................... 279
Tow/Haul.............................................................. 279
Trail........................................................................\
.. 279
Driver Alert.....................................................259 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION.......................... 259
USING DRIVER ALERT.................................... 259
Driver and Passenger Airbags....................47 Children and Airbags.......................................... 48
563
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating
Adjustment........................................................ 47
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags.........51
Driving Aids....................................................259
Driving Hints..................................................295
Driving Through Water..............................296
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With:
Configurable Daytime Running
Lamps................................................................. 89
See: Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)................89
E
Economical Driving
.....................................295
Electric Parking Brake.................................215
Applying the Electric Parking Brake.............215
Automatically Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake.................................................. 216
Manually Releasing the Electric Parking Brake................................................................... 216
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if the Vehicle Battery is Running Out of
Charge................................................................ 217
Electric Vehicle Information
....................460
Engine On Due To............................................... 461
Power Flow.......................................................... 460
Vehicle Operational States........................... 460
Electromagnetic Compatibility
..............530
Emergency Call Limitations.......................56
Emergency Call Requirements.................55
Emergency Call System Data.....................18
Emission Law
.................................................196
Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance..........197
Tampering With a Noise Control System.............................................................. 196
End User License Agreement..................533 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 533
Engine Block Heater
.....................................178
Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 179
Engine Coolant Check.................................331 Adding Coolant.................................................... 331
Coolant Change.................................................. 333
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 334Fail-Safe Cooling...............................................
333
Recycled Coolant............................................... 332
Severe Climates................................................. 333
Engine Emission Control...........................196
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 78
Engine Oil Check..........................................326 Adding Engine Oil............................................... 327
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................326
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................326
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................382
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 382
Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST
............383
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 384
Engine Specifications - 3.0L...................383 Drivebelt Routing............................................... 383
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline.......................................................385
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 385
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)............................386
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 386
Entertainment...............................................441 AM/FM Radio...................................................... 442
Apps....................................................................... 450
Bluetooth Stereo or USB................................ 449
CD........................................................................\
... 448
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)........................................................ 445
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (If Activated)........................................................ 443
Sources.................................................................. 442
Supported Media Players, Formats and Metadata Information................................ 450
USB Ports............................................................. 450
Environment.....................................................19
EPB See: Electric Parking Brake.............................. 215
Essential Towing Checks..........................292 Before Towing a Trailer.................................... 293
Hitches................................................................... 292
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)........................................ 293
Safety Chains...................................................... 292
Trailer Brakes....................................................... 292
564
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index

Gauges - Vehicles With: 6.5 Inch
Instrument Cluster Display
Screen............................................................103
Distance to Empty............................................. 104
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge..........104
Fuel Gauge............................................................ 103
Information Bar................................................... 103
Information Display........................................... 103
Low Fuel Reminder............................................ 104
Gearbox See: Transmission.............................................. 201
General Information on Radio Frequencies...................................................57
Intelligent Access.................................................. 57
General Maintenance Information.......482 Multi-Point Inspection.................................... 484
Owner Checks and Services......................... 483
Protecting Your Investment........................... 482
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?......................... 482
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?..................................................... 482
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada.........................................................308
Getting the Services You Need..............305 Away From Home............................................. 305
Global Opening
...............................................97
Remote Control Front Windows..................... 97
H
Hazard Flashers
...........................................299
Headlamp Adjusting See: Adjusting the Headlamps..................... 338
Headlamp Exit Delay....................................88
Headrest See: Head Restraints........................................ 146
Head Restraints
............................................146
Adjusting the Head Restraints....................... 147
Heated Exterior Mirrors..............................144
Heated Rear Window..................................144
Heated Seats.................................................158 Automatic Climate Controlled Seats..........159
Front Seats........................................................... 158
Second Row Heated Seats............................. 159
Heated Steering Wheel...............................83
Heated Windshield
......................................143
Windshield Wiper De-Icer............................... 143Heating
See: Climate Control......................................... 139
High Voltage Battery..................................200 General Information - Hybrid Electric
Vehicle (HEV)................................................ 200
Hill Descent Control....................................228
Hill Descent Control Indicator
.................229
Hill Start Assist...............................................217 Switching the System On and Off................217
Using Hill Start Assist........................................ 217
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate...........................................................141
Defogging the Side Windows in Cold Weather............................................................. 142
General Hints......................................................... 141
Quickly Cooling the Interior............................. 142
Quickly Heating the Interior............................ 142
Recommended Settings for Cooling...........142
Recommended Settings for Heating..........142
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.............................................................215
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood...........322
Horn.....................................................................83
How Does Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go Work....................................246
How Does the Rear Occupant Alert System Work
...............................................160
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions.....................................................184
Hybrid Vehicle Operation..........................182 Battery.................................................................... 182
Braking.................................................................... 183
Driving..................................................................... 182
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy..............183
Starting................................................................... 182
Stopping................................................................. 182
Transmission Operation................................... 182
I
Ignition Switch................................................172
In California (U.S. Only)............................306
Information Display Control
.......................83
Information Displays.....................................112
General Information - Vehicles With: 12.3
Inch Instrument Cluster Display
Screen................................................................. 114
566
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index