2021 FORD EXPLORER brakes

When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNING: Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury. WARNING:
Secure the floor mat
to both retention devices so that it
cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING: Do not place additional
floor mats or any other covering on top
of the original floor mats. This could
result in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Always make sure that
objects cannot fall into the driver foot
well while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped
under the pedals causing a loss of
vehicle control. To install the floor mats, position the floor
mat eyelet over the retention post and
press down to lock in position.
To remove the floor mat, reverse the
installation procedure.
Note:
Regularly check the floor mats to
make sure they are secure.
297
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving HintsE142666

Body
•
Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast
idle with the climate controls set to
defrost until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle. Cooling system
•
Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if you disconnect the battery
cables.
Plugging in Your HYBRID
We recommend the following options for
your plug-in vehicle (PHEV) :
• Leave your vehicle plugged in. The 12
volt battery maintains power if left
plugged in. However, this periodically
uses electricity from the household
outlet.
• Connect a battery charger to your 12
volt battery and leave it on a
continuous, slow charge.
• Disconnect the 12 volt battery. If your
12 volt battery is located in the luggage
compartment, do not fully shut the
luggage compartment after
disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Only
leave the luggage compartment open
if your vehicle is stored in a locked
location.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
349
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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

Blind Spot Information System.............264
Blind Spot Information System with Trailer
Tow.................................................................... 266
Switching the System On and Off..............268
System Errors...................................................... 268
Using the Blind Spot Information System.............................................................. 265
BLIS See: Blind Spot Information System.........264
Body Styling Kits.........................................350
Bonnet Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood...........322
Booster Seats..................................................33 Types of Booster Seats...................................... 33
Brake Fluid Check........................................335 Brake Fluid Service Interval........................... 336
Brakes...............................................................214 General Information.......................................... 214
Breaking-In....................................................296 Brakes and Clutch............................................. 296
Tires........................................................................\
296
Bulb Specification Chart...........................419
C
Canceling the Set Speed..........................245
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™..................................................391
Air Conditioning System.................................. 391
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates........................................................... 394
Automatic Transmission................................. 392
Engine Coolant................................................... 393
Engine Oil.............................................................. 393
Front Axle............................................................. 396
Fuel Tank.............................................................. 395
Grease.................................................................... 395
Hydraulic Brake System.................................. 395
Locks...................................................................... 395
Rear Axle............................................................... 397
Transfer Case...................................................... 396
Washer Reservoir............................................... 397
Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L................................................................398
Air Conditioning System................................. 398
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates............................................................ 401
Automatic Transmission................................ 399Engine Coolant..................................................
400
Engine Oil............................................................. 400
Front Axle............................................................. 403
Fuel Tank.............................................................. 402
Grease.................................................................... 402
Hydraulic Brake System.................................. 402
Locks...................................................................... 402
Rear Axle.............................................................. 404
Transfer Case...................................................... 403
Washer Reservoir.............................................. 404
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline.......................................................405
Air Conditioning System................................. 405
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates.......................................................... 408
Automatic Transmission................................ 406
Engine Coolant................................................... 407
Engine Oil.............................................................. 407
Front Axle.............................................................. 410
Fuel Tank.............................................................. 409
Grease................................................................... 409
Hydraulic Brake System................................. 409
Locks...................................................................... 409
Rear Axle................................................................. 411
Transfer Case....................................................... 410
Washer Reservoir................................................. 411
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)...............412
Air Conditioning System................................... 412
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates............................................................ 415
Automatic Transmission.................................. 413
Engine Coolant.................................................... 414
Engine Oil.............................................................. 414
Front Axle............................................................... 417
Fuel Tank............................................................... 416
Grease..................................................................... 416
Hydraulic Brake System................................... 416
Locks....................................................................... 416
Rear Axle................................................................ 418
Transfer Case........................................................ 417
Washer Reservoir................................................ 418
Capacities and Specifications................382
Cargo Nets
.....................................................280
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 344
Catalytic Converter......................................197 On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)................... 198
561
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

Towing a Trailer............................................288
Load Placement................................................ 288
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels..........................................................294
Emergency Towing............................................ 294
Recreational Towing - All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles........................ 294
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles............................................................ 294
Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles............................................................ 294
Towing.............................................................288
Traction Control............................................224 Principle of Operation...................................... 224
Trailer Sway Control...................................289
Transmission Specifications - ST.........386
Transmission..................................................201
Transporting the Vehicle
..........................303
U
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.................................................323
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................324
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................325
Unique Driving Characteristics...............180
Universal Garage Door Opener...............162 HomeLink Wireless Control System............162
USB Port
.........................................................432
Locating the USB Ports................................... 432
Using Four-Wheel Drive............................207 Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel drive (4WD).......................... 209
How Your Vehicle Differs from Other Vehicles............................................................ 208
Operating Four-Wheel drive (4WD) Vehicles with Mismatched Tires.............208
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Vehicles With Spare Tires.......................... 207
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems...........................................................67
Using Snow Chains.....................................366
Using Stability Control...............................226 Electronic Stability Control - Base
Model................................................................ 226
Electronic Stability Control - ST Model ........................................................................\
..... 226
Using Summer Tires...................................366 Using Traction Control...............................224
Switching the System Off............................... 224
System Indicator Lights and Messages......................................................... 224
Using a Switch.................................................... 224
Using Voice Recognition...........................435 Apps....................................................................... 440
Automatic Blower Motor Speed Reduction......................................................... 441
Climate................................................................... 437
Entertainment.................................................... 436
General.................................................................. 435
Navigation............................................................ 439
Phone
..................................................................... 438
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 440
Voice Settings...................................................... 441
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)........................308
V
Vehicle Care
...................................................343
General Information......................................... 343
Vehicle Identification Number.................391
Vehicle Storage............................................348 Body....................................................................... 349
Brakes.................................................................... 349
Cooling system................................................... 349
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery.............349
Engine.................................................................... 349
Fuel system......................................................... 349
General.................................................................. 348
Miscellaneous..................................................... 350
Plugging in Your HYBRID................................ 349
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................350
Tires........................................................................\
350
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot................................425
Ventilated Seats
...........................................159
Automatic Climate Controlled Seats..........159
Ventilation See: Climate Control......................................... 139
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number.............391
Voice Control
...................................................82
573
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Index