WHAT IS THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
The cabin air filter improves the quality of
air in your vehicle by trapping dust, pollen
and other particles.
REPLACING THE CABIN AIR
FILTER
Replace the filter at regular intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 326).
The cabin air filter is behind the glove
compartment.
To remove the lower glove compartment
and access the filter:
1. Open the glove compartment. 2. Press the tab on each side.
3. Fully lower the glove compartment.
4. Pull the glove compartment toward
you.
106
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Interior Air QualityE311296
WARNING: The head restraint is a
safety device. Whenever possible it
should be installed and properly
adjusted when the seat is occupied.
Failure to adjust the head restraint
properly could reduce its effectiveness
during certain impacts.
Note: Adjust the seat backrest to an upright
driving position before adjusting the head
restraint. Adjust the head restraint so that
the top of it is level with the top of your head
and as far forward as possible. Make sure
that you remain comfortable. If you are
extremely tall, adjust the head restraint to
its highest position.
Adjusting the Head Restraints
Front Seat Head Restraints The head restraints consist of:
An energy absorbing head
restraint.
A
Two steel stems.
B
Guide sleeve adjust and release
button.
C
Guide sleeve.
D
Raising the Head Restraint
Pull the head restraint up. Lowering the Head Restraint
1. Press and hold button C.
2. Push the head restraint down.
Tilting Head Restraints
(If Equipped)
The front head restraints tilt for extra
comfort. To tilt the head restraint, do the
following: 1. Adjust the seat backrest to an upright
driving or riding position.
2. Pivot the head restraint forward toward
your head to the position you prefer.
After the head restraint reaches the
forward-most tilt position, pivot it forward
again to release it to the rearward, un-tilted
position.
108
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SeatsE138642 E144727
REAR SEATS
Adjusting the Seat Backrest
WARNING: Always drive and ride
with your seatback upright and the lap
belt snug and low across the hips. WARNING: Do not recline the seat
backrest too far as this can cause the
occupant to slide under the seatbelt,
resulting in personal injury in the event
of a crash. Lift the handle to adjust the seat backrest
rearward or forward. The seat backrest can
also fold forward until it is flat. Folding the Seat Backrest Flat
(If
Equipped) WARNING:
Do not place cargo or
any objects behind the seat backrest
before returning it to the original position.
Pull on the seat backrest to make sure
that it has fully latched after returning
the seat backrest to its original position.
An unlatched seat may become
dangerous if you stop suddenly or have
a crash. Lift the handle and fold the seat backrest
forward until it is flat.
Note:
For the bench seats, make sure the
center seatbelt is unbuckled before folding
the seat backrest.
Note: You may need to move the front row
seat forward to allow the second row seat
to fold flat.
To return the seat backrest to the upright
position, lift the seat backrest toward the
rear of the vehicle until it latches.
112
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing SeatsE333238 E281813
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and then leave the
engine idling for long periods of time, we
recommend that you do one of the
following:
•
Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING:
Failure to follow engine
block heater instructions could result in
property damage or serious personal
injury. WARNING: Do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock. WARNING:
Do not fully close the
hood, or allow it to drop under its own
weight when using the engine block
heater. This could damage the power
cable and may cause an electrical short
resulting in fire, injury and property
damage.
Note: The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below
0°F
(-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by
warming the engine coolant. This allows
the climate control system to respond
quickly. The equipment includes a heater
element, installed in the engine block and
a wire harness. You can connect the
system to a grounded 120-volt AC
electrical source. We recommend that you do the following
for a safe and correct operation:
•
Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord
that is product certified by
Underwriter ’s Laboratory (UL) or
Canadian Standards Association
(CSA). This extension cord must be
suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly marked
Suitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Do not use an indoor
extension cord outdoors. This could
result in an electric shock or become a
fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as
possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the
extension cord plug and heater cord
plug connections are free and clear of
water. This could cause an electric
shock or fire.
• If the block heater cord is under the
hood, Do Not remove the wiring from
its original location. Do Not close the
hood on the extension wiring.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a
clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and
extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the
electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30
minutes.
• Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.
121
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine
HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
This hybrid vehicle combines electric and
gasoline propulsion to provide
breakthrough performance and improved
efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these
unique characteristics provides an optimal
driving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, a
green READY indicator light
appears in the instrument cluster
letting you know that your vehicle is ready
for driving.
The engine may not start because your
vehicle has a silent key start feature. This
fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to
be ready to drive without requiring the gas
engine to be running. The indicator remains
on when your vehicle is on, whether the
engine is running or not, to indicate your
vehicle is capable of movement using the
electric motor, gas engine or both.
Typically, the engine does not start unless
your vehicle is cold, or you request a
climate control change, or press the
accelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine starts and stops to provide
power when needed and to save fuel when
not needed. When coasting at low speeds,
coming to a stop, or standing, the gas
engine normally shuts down and your
vehicle operates in electric-only mode.
Conditions that could cause the engine to
start up or remain running include:
• Considerably accelerating your vehicle.
• Climbing a hill.
• Charge level of the high voltage battery
is low.
• High or low outside temperatures
causing the system to heat or cool. •
Engine not warm enough to provide a
desirable temperature for the
passenger.
• Towing a trailer.
• Selectable drive modes. Certain
selectable drive modes could cause
the engine to run. See What Is Drive
Mode Control (page 178).
Stopping
The gas engine could shut off to conserve
fuel as you come to a stop. You do not
have to restart your vehicle. Simply step
on the accelerator when you are ready to
drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid
operating and helps deliver fuel efficiency
and performance.
Battery
Your hybrid vehicle has a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery
life and provides the best possible
performance. The air conditioning system
cools the high voltage battery. When the
air conditioning system is on and cooling
the battery, there could be a slight increase
in air temperature coming from the climate
control vents.
During extended downhill driving, the
engine continues to run instead of shutting
off. During this engine braking, the engine
stays on, but it is not using any fuel. You
could also hear a slight whine or whistle
when operating your vehicle. This is the
normal operation of the electric motor in
the hybrid system.
123
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Unique Driving Characteristics - Hybrid Electric Vehicle
(HEV)E293827
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 185).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com.
Note: Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty. Do not use:
•
Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuels containing more than 85%
ethanol or E100 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Switching Between E85 and
Gasoline
We do not recommend repeatedly
alternating between E85 and gasoline. If
you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or
from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as
possible, at least half a tank. Drive your
vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi
(8 km)
to allow it to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration. If you use E85
exclusively, we recommend that you fill
the fuel tank with regular unleaded
gasoline at each scheduled oil change.
127
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513
FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 185).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com. Note:
Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel
storage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
128
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513
•
Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for
climactic conditions.
Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you
correct the concern, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,
Prohibited Tampering Acts and
Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The preceding statements
concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance, and the noise warranty
found in the Warranty Guide, are
applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING:
Do not park, idle or
drive your vehicle on dry grass or other
dry ground cover. The emission system
heats up the engine compartment and
exhaust system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is
very high. Never work around or attempt
to repair any part of the exhaust system
until it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short
period of engine operation and stays hot
after the engine is switched off. WARNING:
Exhaust leaks may
result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger
compartment. If you smell exhaust
fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converter
and other emission control components
continue to work properly:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 196).
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
Note: Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service
of components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be equivalent
to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
138
Explorer (CTW) Police, Canada/United States of America, Police, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control