2023 FORD EXPLORER engine overheat

CRUISE CONTROL - VEHICLES
WITH: STOP AND GO
See How Does Adaptive Cruise ControlWith Stop and Go Work (page 241).
INFORMATION DISPLAY
CONTROL
See Information Displays (page 110).
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (IF
EQUIPPED)
The heated steering wheel button is on theclimate controls.
Press the button to switch theheated steering wheel on andoff.
Note:You can use the heated steeringwheel only when the engine is running.
Note:The system uses a sensor and isdesigned to control the temperature of thesteering wheel and to prevent it fromoverheating.
Note:In warm temperatures, the steeringwheel quickly reaches its maximumtemperature and the system reduces thecurrent to the heating element. This couldcause you to think that the system hasstopped working but it has not. This isnormal.
HORN
Press on the center of thesteering wheel near the horn iconto activate the horn.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSteering WheelE289570 E280795 E256621 E270945

Park Brake
ActionMessage
The parking brake is set, the engine is running and you drive yourvehicle more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning stays on after theparking brake is released, contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
Park BrakeEngaged
The electric parking brake is set and a manual release is attemptedwithout the brake pedal being pressed.To Release: PressBrake and Switch
The electric parking brake is set and an automatic release isattempted but cannot be performed. Perform a manual release.Park Brake UseSwitch to Release
The electric parking brake is set and your vehicle speed exceeds3 mph (5 km/h). Release park brake before continued driving.Release ParkBrake
The electric parking brake is not fully applied.Park Brake NotApplied
The electric parking brake is not fully released.Park Brake NotReleased
The electric parking brake system has been put into a special modethat is used to allow service of the rear brakes. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
Park Brake Main-tenance Mode
The electric park brake system has detected a condition thatrequires service. Some functionality may still be available. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
Park Brake LimitedFunction ServiceRequired
The electric parking brake system has detected a condition thatrequires service. Have the system checked as soon as possible.Park BrakeMalfunctionService Now
Numerous park brake applies have overheated the system. Wait 2minutes before attempting to apply again.Park Brake SystemOverheated
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

Transmission
ActionMessage
You switched the engine off and shift select lever is in any positionother than park (P).Shift to Park
Transmission is too cold. Wait for it to warm up before you drive.TransmissionWarming UpPlease Wait
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed.Press Brake Pedal
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’s possible.Transmission OverTemperature StopSafely
Have the system checked as soon as possible.TransmissionService Required
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’s possible.Transmission TooHot Press Brake
The transmission has limited functionality. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.TransmissionLimited FunctionSee Manual
A reminder to shift into park. In addition, this message is typicalafter reconnecting or recharging the battery until you cycle theignition to the on mode. See Changing the 12V Battery (page329).
Transmission Notin Park
Displays when there is a system fault and the park brake needs tobe depressed before exiting the vehicle. Have the system checkedas soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULTConfirm ParkBrake Apply BeforeExiting the Vehicle
Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTService Required
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto park. Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTVehicle is Shiftingto Park
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto reverse. Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTReverse Unavail-able ServiceRequired
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

Press to fold the left-hand thirdrow seat.A
Press to fold and unfold boththird row seats.B
Press to fold the right-hand thirdrow seat.C
To return the third-row seat backrest tothe original position, press thecorresponding control again.
If the seats are inoperable, do thefollowing:
1.Make sure that the engine is runningand the tailgate is open.
2.Make sure that there are no objects onthe seats that would prevent themfrom folding completely.
3.Press and hold button B for one minuteuntil both seats completely fold andunfold.
4.Press button A and button C to confirmeach seat is operational.
Note:During this procedure, the seat mayappear to be fully unfolded. Continueholding the switch for a few seconds.
If the power rear seat disables after 10minutes, you can enable the seat by:
•Opening any door.
•Pressing the unlock button on the keyfob.
•Pressing any keyless entry keypadbutton.
•Switching the ignition on.
HEATED SEATS
WARNING: Use caution when usingthe heated seat if you are unable to feelpain to your skin because of advancedage, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cordinjury, medication, alcohol use,exhaustion or other physical conditions.The heated seat could cause burns evenat low temperatures, especially if usedfor long periods of time. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not poke sharpobjects into the seat cushion or seatbackrest. This could damage the heatedseat element and cause it to overheat.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not place anythingon the seat that blocks the heat, forexample a seat cover or a cushion. Thiscould cause the seat to overheat. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
Front Seats
Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat.
•Operate the heated seat if water or anyother liquid spills on the seat. Allow theseat to dry thoroughly.
Note:The engine must be running to usethis feature.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSeatsE291063

Returning Your Vehicle to NormalMode
1.Reconnect the negative (black) batterycable to the battery.
2.Apply the parking brake. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, forexample, no electrical power is available,you require an external power to apply theparking brake.
3.Fully apply the brake pedal and hold,do not release.
4.Insert the screwdriver tool fully into themanual park release lever slot. Pushthe tool downwards. The systemdetent releases and the manual parkrelease lever moves forward, allowingthe vehicle to go back into park (P).Remove the tool.
5.Install the access cover.
6.With your foot fully applied on thebrake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirmthat your vehicle is in the park (P)position and that the instrumentcluster indicates park (P).
7.If the instrument cluster does notdisplay the park (P) position or thereis a message stating park (P) is notavailable, transmission not in park (P)or a shift system fault, apply theparking brake before exiting yourvehicle and have your vehicle checkedimmediately.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mudor Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,rock it out by shifting between forward andreverse gears, stopping between shifts ina steady pattern. Press lightly on theaccelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine couldoverheat.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTransmissionE297270

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It hasthe ability to anticipate wheel slip andtransfer torque to the front wheels beforeslip occurs. Even when wheel slip is notpresent, the system is continuouslyadjusting to the torque distribution, in anattempt to improve straight line andcornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on everytime you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,a message appears in the informationdisplay.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuouslymonitors vehicle conditions and adjuststhe power distribution between the frontand rear wheels. It combines transparentall-surface operation with highly capablefour-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active andrequires no driver input. It is capable ofhandling all road conditions includingstreet and highway driving as well asoff-road and winter driving. You canoptimize more 4WD control by selectingdifferent drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 273).
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display when a 4WD systemfault is present. See InformationMessages (page 119). A 4WD system faultcauses the 4WD system to default torear-wheel drive only mode. When thiswarning message is displayed, have yourvehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display if the 4WD systemoverheats. See Information Messages(page 119). This condition could occur if thevehicle is operated in extreme conditionswith excessive wheel slip, such as deepsand. To resume normal 4WD function assoon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safelocation and stop the engine for at least 10minutes. After the engine is restarted andthe 4WD system is adequately cooled, thewarning message turns off and normal 4WDfunction returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire otherthan the tire provided. If the mini-spare tireis installed, the 4WD system will disableand enter rear-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components. Somelimited 4WD traction could be provided ifthe mini-spare is installed on one of thefront wheels. If you are in driving conditionswhere limited 4WD traction is neededwhile the mini-spare is installed, it isrecommended the mini-spare be installedon the front axle. See InformationMessages (page 119).
If the mini-spare is installed, this conditionis indicated by a warning in the informationdisplay. If there is a warning message inthe information display from using thespare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling or replacing the normalroad tire and cycling the ignition off andon. We recommended reinstalling or
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If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snowyou can rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle comes with AdvanceTrac®with Roll Stability Control™, it could bebeneficial to disengage the AdvanceTrac®with Roll Stability Control™ system whileattempting to rock the vehicle.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid"over-driving" your vehicle (forexample, turn the steering wheel onlyas rapidly and as far as required toavoid the emergency). Excessivesteering can result in less vehiclecontrol, not more. Additionally, smoothvariations of the accelerator and/orbrake pedal pressure should be utilizedif changes in vehicle speed are called
for. Avoid abrupt steering, accelerationor braking which could result in anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.Use all available road surface to returnthe vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop,avoid skidding the tires and do notattempt any sharp steering wheelmovements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e., from concreteto gravel) there is a change in the waythe vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking).Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance could be requiredfrom another vehicle. Remember, youcould be able to back out the way youcame if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability couldbe limited.
Note:Driving through deep water coulddamage your vehicle.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the hubs (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle could stall.
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Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts causes an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles could make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you willuse. Do not drive over the crest of a hillwithout seeing what conditions are on theother side. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn aroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power can causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949