2021 FORD EXPLORER four wheel drive

Starting a Gasoline Engine
.......................173
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ........................................................................\
.
176
Engine Block Heater ...................................
178
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop ..........................................
180
Hybrid Vehicle Operation .........................
182
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................
184
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .....................................
185
Fuel Quality - E85 .......................................
185
Fuel Quality - Gasoline ..............................
187
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
187
Running Out of Fuel ....................................
187
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ...........................................
189
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ........................................................................\
.
192
Fuel Consumption ......................................
194
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
196
Catalytic Converter .....................................
197
High Voltage Battery
General Information - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) ..........................................
200
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
201
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation ...............................
207
Using Four-Wheel Drive ...........................
207
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential ............................
213Brakes
General Information
...................................
214
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
215
Electric Parking Brake ................................
215
Hill Start Assist ..............................................
217
Auto Hold ........................................................
218
Reverse Braking Assist
What Is Reverse Braking Assist .............
220
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions .....
220
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On and Off ..................................................................
221
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist .........
221
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators ..........
221
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting ......................................
222
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
224
Using Traction Control ..............................
224
Stability Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
225
Using Stability Control ..............................
226
Hill Descent Control
What Is Hill Descent Control ..................
228
Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off ................................................................
228
Setting the Hill Descent Speed .............
228
Hill Descent Control Indicator ................
229
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
230
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
230
Front Parking Aid .........................................
232
Side Sensing System .................................
234
Active Park Assist .......................................
235
Rear View Camera ......................................
238
4
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Table of Contents

AT A GLANCE - ST
Exterior
•
Front and rear fascias feature unique
ST grille and unique finish.
• ST badging in front grille and on rear
liftgate.
• Trim features unique ST gloss black
finish.
• E-X-P-L-O-R-E-R lettering across
hood.
• Blackout treatment on headlight and
taillight lenses.
Interior
• Unique ST interior trim.
• Ford Performance sill plates.
• ST flat-bottom steering wheel with
integrated transmission shift paddle
controls.
• Selectable Drive Mode controller with
7 settings (Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail,
Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand and
Tow/Haul).
• Unique electronic sound enhancement
in Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
Chassis
• Unique ST-tuned suspension featuring
32 N/mm front coil springs and a 34
mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 106
N/mm rear coil springs and a 21.7 mm
hollow rear stabilizer bar.
• Standard ST brake system consists of
345 mm diameter vented front rotors
with two piston calipers and low-dust
linings; 326 mm solid rear rotors with
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with low
dust linings. •
Optional ST braking system includes
363 mm diameter vented front rotors
with heavy duty two-piston calipers
and low-dust linings; 350 mm diameter
vented rear rotors with heavy-duty
single-piston brake calipers and
electric integrated park brake with
low-dust linings; system requires 21 x
9-inch wheels and P275/45R21
all-season tires.
• Optional low-metallic brake linings are
included with optional P275/45R21
summer tire (late availability).
• ST-tuned electric power assist steering
rack and pinion.
• AdvanceTrac with stability
enhancement system with four modes:
Default, Traction Control Off, Sport and
Disabled.
• Aluminum ST 20 in (50.8 cm) x 8.5 in
(21.6 cm) wheels standard; 21 in
(53.3 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) wheels
optional.
• P255/55R20 all-season tires or
optional P275/45R21 all-season tires.
Powertrain
• 3.0L V6 DOHC GTDI engine, 400
horsepower, 415 lb-ft.
• 10R60 10-speed automatic
transmission with SelectShift manual
shift mode.
• 3.58 axle ratios.
• Unique transmission calibration in
Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
• Dual exhaust with quad-tip outlets.
20
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing At a Glance

4WD
Action
Message
The four wheel drive system has automatically disabled itself due to the system overheating.
4WD Temporarily
Disabled
The four wheel drive system is locking up the torque transfer clutch to help reduce clutch temperature.
4WD Temporarily
Locked
Displays when the system automatically disables to protect itself.
This may be caused by operating the vehicle with a mini spare tire installed, if the system detects dissimilar size tires, or if there is an
issue with another vehicle system preventing 4WD operation. The system resumes normal operation and clears this message after
you cycle the ignition on and off and drive a short distance with the road tire re-installed or after the other vehicle system issues are resolved.
4WD Off
Displays after the system cools and the four wheel drive system resumes normal function.
4WD Restored
The four wheel drive system is not operating properly and the
powertrain fault indicator illuminates. If the warning stays illumin- ated or continues to illuminate, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
4WD Fault Service
Required
Displayed when the transfer case fluid requires service.
Change 4WD
Power Transfer Unit Lube
Displayed when the transfer case fluid has been changed and reset to new.
4WD Power
Transfer Unit Lube Set to New
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Information Displays

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)

replacing the normal road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes
between the front and rear axles could
cause the 4WD system to stop functioning
and default to rear-wheel drive or damage
the 4WD system.
The slip response system could activate if
the mini spare is installed on the front
wheels. If the mini spare was installed on
the rear wheels the slip response system
will fully disable. In situations where there
is a wintery mix or an off road situation,
and you need to use a mini spare, you must
install the mini spare in the front tire
position and move a full size tire to the rear
tire position for the slip response system
to function.
Operating Four-Wheel drive (4WD)
Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacement
tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such
as P-metric versus LT-metric or
all-season versus all-terrain) as those
originally provided by Ford. The
recommended tire and wheel size may
be found on either the Safety
Compliance Certification Label (affixed
to either the door hinge pillar, door-latch
post, or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver's
seating position), or the Tire Label which
is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the
driver's door. If this information is not
found on these labels, then you should
contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch
high profile tires on the rear axle) could
cause the 4WD system to stop functioning
and default to rear-wheel drive or damage
the 4WD system.
For optimum 4WD Performance, it is
recommended to follow the tire rotation
maintenance schedule. To avoid potential
4WD malfunction or 4WD system damage,
it is recommended to replace all four tires
rather than mixing significantly worn tires
with new tires. For example, using 3 worn
tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the
same original tire size/brand, can be
tolerated by the 4WD system as long as
the worn tires still have usable tread depth.
How Your Vehicle Differs from
Other Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle could be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
208
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)

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
you can 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.
If your vehicle comes with AdvanceTrac®
with Roll Stability Control
™, it could be
beneficial to disengage the AdvanceTrac®
with Roll Stability Control ™ system while
attempting to rock the vehicle.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes or damage to the
transmission and tires could occur or the
engine could overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid
"over-driving" your vehicle (for
example, turn the steering wheel only
as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive
steering can result in less vehicle
control, not more. Additionally, smooth
variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized
if changes in vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration
or braking which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Use all available road surface to return
the vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop,
avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel
movements.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete
to gravel) there is a change in the way
the vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking).
Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and
cause the vehicle to become stuck to the
point that assistance could be required
from another vehicle. Remember, you
could be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability could
be limited.
Note: Driving through deep water could
damage your vehicle.
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the hubs (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle could stall.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. As when you are driving over
sand, apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts causes an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly
” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly. ”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down. Note:
Avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing
traction, slipping sideways and possibly
rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,
determine beforehand the route you will
use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill
without seeing what conditions are on the
other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill
without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn around
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control. Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a steep hill,
avoid sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle.
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Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949