
Note:
Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed could be
limited to this specified weight, as
the vehicle ’s electrical system may
not include the wiring connector
needed to activate electric trailer
brakes. Your vehicle can tow a trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for
your vehicle configuration on the
following chart: Maximum Trailer
Weight
Drive
Transmission
Engine
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R60)
2.3L GTDI 5,300 lb (2,404 kg)
2WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
5,300 lb (2,404 kg)
4WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R60)
3.0L GTDI
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
4WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R60)
3.3L PF/DI 5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
2WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
4WD 2
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Auto-
matic Transmis- sion (10R80)
3.3L PF/DI
HEV 5,000 lb (2,267 kg)
2WD 2
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Maximum Trailer
Weight
Drive
Transmission
Engine
3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
4WD 1
5,000 lb (2,267 kg)
4WD 2
1 Without Trailer Tow Package.
2 With Trailer Tow Package.
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow. 2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in
park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not
included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle
transport trailer, it can be flat-towed with
all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain and transmission configuration,
under the following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Refer to the Manual Park Release
procedure. See
Automatic
Transmission (page 201). Failing to
do so could result in damage to the
transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Note: If you are unsure of the vehicle ’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. Place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider. Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. We recommend towing your vehicle
with all four wheels off the ground, such
as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
Recreational Towing - All-Wheel
and Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles
(If
Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could
occur. We recommend towing your vehicle
with all four wheels off the ground, such
as when using a car-hauling trailer.
Otherwise, you cannot recreational tow
your vehicle.
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![FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual •
Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 395 lb (180 kg) of weight
carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicl FORD EXPLORER 2021 Owners Manual •
Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 395 lb (180 kg) of weight
carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicl](/manual-img/11/40606/w960_40606-298.png)
•
Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 395 lb (180 kg) of weight
carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first
5–10 mi
(12 –16 km) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C)
. BREAKING-IN
Tires
You need to break in new tires for
approximately
300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
Brakes and Clutch
Avoid heavy use of the brakes and clutch
if possible for the first
100 mi (160 km) in
town and for the first 1,000 mi (1,600 km)
on freeways.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING:
Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. 296
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4. You can attempt to start the vehicle
by pressing the brake pedal and
START/STOP, or press START/STOP
without pressing the brake pedal.
5. If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNING:
Batteries normally
produce explosive gases which can
cause personal injury. Therefore, do not
allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always
shield your face and protect your eyes.
Always provide correct ventilation. WARNING:
Keep batteries out of
reach of children. Batteries contain
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,
eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes when
working near the battery to protect
against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin
or eyes, flush immediately with water for
a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed,
call a physician immediately. WARNING:
Use only adequately
sized cables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle.
Note: Attempting to push-start a vehicle
with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle. Note:
Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch.
Locating the Jump Starting
Connection Points 1. Open the hood. See
Opening and
Closing the Hood (page 322).
2. Remove the access cover.
3. Remove the red protective cover from the positive lead jump connection
point.
4. Locate the negative jump connection point on the rear mounting bolt for the
cross brace, as shown.
Connecting the Jumper Cables WARNING: If the engine is running
while the hood is open, stay clear of
moving engine components. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not connect the
negative jumper cable to any other part
of your vehicle. Use the ground point.
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Towing an all-wheel or four-wheel drive
vehicle requires that all wheels be off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. This prevents
damage to the transmission, all-wheel or
four-wheel drive system and vehicle.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies, a car-hauling
trailer or a flatbed transport vehicle, you
can flat-tow with all wheels on the ground
under limited conditions. See Towing the
Vehicle on Four Wheels (page 294).
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Protected Component
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Body control module - battery power in
feed 1.
40A
1
Power outlet main console bin.
20A
2
Body control module - battery power in
feed 2.
40A
3
Fuel pump.
30A
4
Powertrain control module keep alive
power.
5A
5
Powertrain control module power.
20A
6
Canister vent solenoid.
20A
7
Evaporative leak control module.
Exhaust gas heat recovery (hybrid electric
vehicle).
Tank pressure control valve (hybrid electric
vehicle).
Refueling valve (plug-in hybrid electric
vehicle).
Vapor blocking valve.
Universal exhaust gas oxygen 11.
Universal exhaust gas oxygen 21.
Catalyst monitor sensor 12.
Catalyst monitor sensor 22.
Canister purge valve.
Cooling fan relay coil.
20A
8
Battery interrupt box.
Transmission oil pump.
Auxiliary coolant pump.
Fuel flap door (hybrid electric vehicle).
Engine coolant bypass valve.
Active grille shutters.
Ignition coils.
20A
9
Front blower motor relay.
40A
13
Transmission oil pump.
15A
14
A/C compressor variable clutch.
Auxiliary pumps (hybrid electric vehicle).
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