
Adaptive Cruise Control –
Information Messages - Vehicles
With: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise
Control
Note:
Depending on your vehicle options
and instrument cluster type, not all
messages display or are available.
Note: Certain messages may be
abbreviated or shortened depending upon
which cluster type you have. Action
Message
Conditions exist preventing the system from being available.
Intelligent Cruise Control
Speed Sign Recognition Not Available
258
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

Note:
Brake Support and Active Braking are
active at speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h).
If your vehicle has a radar sensor included
with Adaptive Cruise Control, then Brake
Support and Active Braking are active up to
the maximum speed of the vehicle.
Note: If you perceive Pre-Collision Assist
alerts as being too frequent or disturbing,
then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,
though the manufacturer recommends
using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would
lead to fewer and later system warnings.
Note: Pre-Collision Assist turns off when
you manually disable AdvanceTrac or when
you select deep snow/sand mode.
Distance Indication and Alert
(If
Equipped)
Distance Indication and Alert is a function
that provides the driver with a graphical
indication of the time gap to other
preceding vehicles traveling in the same
direction. Distance Indication and Alert
shows one of the graphics that follow in
the information display. If the time gap to a preceding vehicle is
small, a red visual indication displays to
the driver.
Note:
Distance Indication and Alert
deactivates and the graphics do not display
when Adaptive Cruise Control is active. Time Gap
Distance Gap
Graphics
Sensitivity
Speed
>0.9sec
>
82 ft (25 m)
Grey
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
0.6sec —0.9sec
56–82 ft
(17 –25 m)
Yellow
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
<0.6sec
<
56 ft (17 m)
Red
Normal
62 mph
(100 km/h)
275
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving AidsE254791
![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
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving HintsE259345

Protected Component
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Windshield and rear window washer pump
relay power.
15A
16
Charge status indicator (hybrid electric
vehicle).
5A
17
Starter motor.
30A
18
Headlamp leveling motors.
10A
21
Adaptive headlamps.
Electric power assisted steering module.
10A
22
Anti-lock brake system module with
integrated park brake.
10A
23
Powertrain control module.
10A
24
Hybrid powertrain control module.
Air quality sensor.
10A
25
360 camera with park aid.
Rear view camera.
Blind spot information system.
Adaptive cruise control module.
Transmission control module.
15A
26
Anti-lock brake system valves with integ-
rated park brake.
40A
28
Anti-lock brake system pump with integ-
rated park brake.
60A
29
Driver seat module.
30A
30
Passenger seat motor.
30A
31
Front media bin power point.
20A
32
Rear cargo area power point.
20A
33
Console end cap power point.
20A
34
Power point 4.
20A
35
Power inverter.
40A
36
Climate controlled seat module.
30A
38
Power liftgate module.
30A
41
314
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Fuses

This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and with Innovation, Science
and Economic Development Canada
’s
licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Vietnam Zambia Cruise Control Module
Argentina
Brazil
Djibouti
497
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Customer InformationE278262 E340511 E308030 E340118 E342394

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

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

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