2021 FORD EXPLORER ECO mode

Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extending
downhill driving that your engine continues
to run instead of shutting off. During this
engine braking, the engine stays on, but it
is not using any fuel. You may also hear a
slight whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the
electric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period.
As with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
these tips in mind: •
Keep the tires properly inflated and
only use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the
amount of energy required to move
your vehicle. In general, you can
achieve better fuel economy with mild
to moderate acceleration and
deceleration. Moderate braking is
particularly important since it allows
you to maximize the energy captured
by the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to
drive immediately after starting.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Unique Driving Characteristics

The electric parking brake may apply when
you shift to park (P) without the brake
pedal fully pressed. The electric parking
brake applies when you shift to park (P)
on large slopes. The electric parking brake
releases with the drive away release
function or manually as described in the
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
section. See Electric Parking Brake
(page 215).
Note: A warning tone sounds if you open
the driver door and you have not shifted the
transmission selector to park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the transmission selector in reverse
(R), your vehicle moves backward. Always
come to a complete stop before shifting
into and out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission selector in neutral
(N), you can start your vehicle and it is free
to roll. Hold the brake pedal down when in
this position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy and smoothness.
Shift the transmission selector to drive (D)
to allow your vehicle to move forward and
shift automatically through the forward
gears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriate
gear for optimum performance based on
ambient temperature, road slope, vehicle
load and your input. Manual Mode (M) - Vehicles with
Paddle Shifters
With the transmission selector in manual
(M), the driver can change gears up or
down. After selecting the Manual (M)
button while the transmission range
selector is in Drive (D) position you now
have control of selecting the gear you
desire using shift buttons on the steering
wheel. See Understanding your SelectShift
Automatic
™ transmission later in this
section.
To exit manual mode, push the manual
(M) button on your transmission selector.
Low (L) - Vehicles without Paddle
Shifters
With the transmission selector in low (L),
your vehicle provides maximum engine
braking. You can shift the transmission into
low (L) at any vehicle speed. The intent is
not for use under extended or normal
driving conditions, and results in lower fuel
economy.
Automatic Return to Park
Note: This feature does not operate when
your vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or
neutral tow.
The transmission returns to park (P) if any
of the following occur:
• You switch the ignition off.
• Your seatbelt is not fastened, and you
open the driver door.
• The driver door is open, and you
unfasten your seatbelt.
If you switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving, your vehicle shifts into
neutral (N) until it slows down enough to
shift into park (P).
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Transmission

Note:
This feature may not work properly
if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If
your door ajar indicator does not illuminate
when you open the driver door, or the
indicator illuminates with the driver door
closed, or Transmission not in Park cluster
message still displays when the shifter has
already selected reverse (R), neutral (N), or
drive (D) and driver door remains closed,
see your authorized dealer.
Stay in Neutral Mode
Note: Stay in neutral mode is a temporary
vehicle state that works with the engine
being in the running or OFF state. Once in
this mode, sufficient battery voltage must
be maintained or your vehicle returns to park
if the feature is left active for extended time
when engine is OFF.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in vehicle damage not covered by
the vehicle Warranty.
Note: When entering an automatic car
wash, always enter the Stay in Neutral
Mode. Stay in Neutral Mode must be
enabled, if you are exiting the vehicle before
the car wash.
Extended usage of Stay in Neutral mode
may result in a battery voltage reduction
to level where the vehicle may no longer
start.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
With the transmission selector in Stay in
Neutral Mode, you can start your vehicle
and it is free to roll.
To enter Stay in Neutral mode, do the
following:
1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into neutral (N).
3. Press the manual (M) or low (L) button
within five seconds after shifting to
neutral (N). Note:
Stay in Neutral Mode confirmation
message appears in the information display
when your vehicle has entered Stay in
Neutral mode and the neutral (N) button
on the transmission selector slowly blinks.
To exit Stay in Neutral mode, press the
brake pedal and shift to park (P) or start
the engine and apply brakes to shift to
another driving range, for example drive
(D) or reverse (R).
Tow Mode (If Equipped) To activate tow mode, use the
drive mode switch on the center
console.
See Selecting a Drive
Mode (page 278).
The indicator light illuminates and a
message displays in the instrument cluster
when the system becomes active. Select
a different mode to turn the system off.
The Tow Mode Feature:
• Moves upshifts to higher engine speeds
to reduce the frequency of
transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which slows your vehicle and
assist you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, it may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based upon the amount you press the
brake pedal.
The tow mode feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using tow
mode.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE161509

SelectShift Automatic
™
Transmission (If Equipped)
Your vehicle has a SelectShift Automatic
transmission, which gives you the ability
to change gears up or down, without a
clutch, as preferred.
To prevent the engine from running at too
low an RPM, which may cause it to stall,
SelectShift still automatically makes some
downshifts if it has determined that you
have not downshifted in time. Although
SelectShift makes some downshifts for
you, it still allows you to downshift at any
time if SelectShift determines that
damage to the engine from over-revving
does not occur.
Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
Note: Vehicles may have either steering
wheel controls or gearshift lever controls.
SelectShift could upshift if the engine
reaches its RPM limit. It may also be
upshifted by pressing the + button on the
steering wheel or shift lever control.
Pull the + paddle on the steering wheel
or push the + button on the gearshift
lever to activate SelectShift.
• Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift. SelectShift in drive (D):
•
Provides a temporary manual mode
for performing more demanding
maneuvers with extra control of gear
selection, for example, when towing or
overtaking. This mode holds a selected
gear for a temporary period of time
dependent on driver inputs, for
example, steering or accelerator pedal
input.
• You can exit SelectShift by holding the
(+) for two seconds or by driving
normally.
SelectShift in manual (M):
• Provides a permanent manual gear
selection with full control of gear
selection.
• You can exit SelectShift by pushing the
manual (M) button plus holding the
(+). This will shift you into the correct
gear.
The instrument cluster displays your
currently selected gear. If you request an
unavailable gear due to vehicle conditions,
for example, low speed, too high engine
speed for requested gear selection, the
current gear flashes three times.
Note: At full accelerator pedal travel, the
transmission automatically downshifts for
maximum performance.
Manual Park Release (MPR) WARNING:
When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheels
chocks if appropriate.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE144821

WARNING: If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable 1.
Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
2. Using the key or a flat head screwdriver,
maximum length
5 in (120 mm), as
shown in the picture, carefully open the
access cover under the arm rest
console.
See Keys and Remote
Controls (page 57). 3. Turn the vehicle ignition on without
starting the vehicle by pressing the
ignition push to start without pressing
the brake.
4. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Note:
A:
2.0 in (50 mm) B: 0.1 in (3.3 mm)
5. Insert a screwdriver type tool, see description, or your car key into the
Manual Park Release (MPR) lever slot.
Pull the manual park release lever
toward the rear until the detent in the
slot pops up, against the tool or key.
Allow full upward travel of detent,
approximately
0.28 in (7 mm) in the
park override mode (Click). You can
remove the tool. If done correctly, a
message on the instrument cluster
displays Park Not Available,
Transmission Not in Park, or Shift
System Fault.
6. With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
(page 215).
7. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
8. Switch off the ignition.
9. Once safe, and there is no risk of your vehicle rolling, disconnect the negative
(black) battery cable from the battery.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE292050 E317360

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1.
Reconnect the negative (black) battery
cable to the battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 215).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you require an external power to apply the
parking brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do not release.
4. Insert the screwdriver tool or car key fully into the manual park release lever
slot. Push the tool downwards. The
system detent releases and the manual
park release lever moves forward,
allowing the vehicle to go back into
park (P). Remove the tool or car key.
5. Install the access cover.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P). 7. If the instrument cluster does not
display the park (P) position or there
is a message stating park (P) is not
available, transmission not in park (P)
or a shift system fault, apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle and contact an authorized
dealer for service.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
rock it out by shifting between forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing TransmissionE297270

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the front wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously
adjusting to the torque distribution, in an
attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,
a message appears in the information
display.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuously
monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts
the power distribution between the front
and rear wheels. It combines transparent
all-surface operation with highly capable
four-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active and
requires no driver input. It is capable of
handling all road conditions including
street and highway driving as well as
off-road and winter driving. You can
optimize more 4WD control by selecting
different drive modes. See
Selecting a
Drive Mode (page 278). Note:
A warning message displays in the
information display when a 4WD system
fault is present. See
Information
Messages (page 121). A 4WD system fault
causes the 4WD system to default to
rear-wheel drive only mode. When this
warning message is displayed, have your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note: A warning message displays in the
information display if the 4WD system
overheats. See
Information Messages
(page 121). This condition could occur if the
vehicle is operated in extreme conditions
with excessive wheel slip, such as deep
sand. To resume normal 4WD function as
soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10
minutes. After the engine is restarted and
the 4WD system is adequately cooled, the
warning message turns off and normal 4WD
function returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire other
than the tire provided. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the 4WD system will disable
and enter rear-wheel drive only mode to
protect driveline components. Some
limited 4WD traction could be provided if
the mini-spare is installed on one of the
front wheels. If you are in driving conditions
where limited 4WD traction is needed
while the mini-spare is installed, it is
recommended the mini-spare be installed
on the front axle.
See Information
Messages (page 121).
If the mini-spare is installed, this condition
is indicated by a warning in the information
display. If there is a warning message in
the information display from using the
spare tire, this indicator should turn off
after reinstalling or replacing the normal
road tire and cycling the ignition off and
on. We recommended reinstalling or
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel drive (4WD)
Note:
Use of the 4WD system in slippery,
deep snow, and sand drive modes on dry
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, or excessive tire wear as
these drive modes are intended for slippery
and loose surfaces.
Note: The design of 4WD vehicles are for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough roads
and have operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional
vehicles, both on and off the highway.
Basic Operating Principles in Special
Conditions
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice. If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement
•
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle
back onto the pavement only after
reducing your speed. Do not turn the
steering wheel too sharply while
returning to the road surface.
• It could be safer to stay on the apron
or shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You could lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often could be less risky to strike
small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your
vehicle rather than attempt a sudden
return to the pavement which could
cause the vehicle to slide sideways out
of control or rollover. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should
be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck WARNING: Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)