2023 FORD EXPLORER trailer

Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control....................273
How Does Drive Mode Control Work.........................................................................273
Selecting a Drive Mode.............................273
Drive Modes...................................................273
Load Carrying
General Information...................................275
Rear Under Floor Storage........................275
Cargo Nets.....................................................276
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................276
Load Limit.......................................................277
Towing
Towing a Trailer...........................................283
Trailer Sway Control..................................284
Recommended Towing Weights..........284
Essential Towing Checks.........................285
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.....287
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance..............288
Cold Weather Precautions......................288
Breaking-In...................................................288
Driving Economically................................288
Driving Through Shallow Water............289
Floor Mats.....................................................289
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................291
Hazard Flashers...........................................292
Fuel Shutoff..................................................292
Jump Starting the Vehicle.......................293
Collision, Damage or Fire Event............295
Post-Crash Alert System.........................296
Transporting the Vehicle.........................296
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need.............298
In California (U.S. Only)...........................299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)....................300
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).......................301
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada........................................................301
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)........................................................................303
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart.........................305
Changing a Fuse...........................................313
Maintenance
General Information...................................315
Opening and Closing the Hood..............315
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................316
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................317
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................318
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................319
Engine Oil Check..........................................319
Oil Change Indicator Reset.....................320
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™................................................321
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L........................................................................322
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L....323
Engine Coolant Check..............................324
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check........................................................................328
Brake Fluid Check.......................................328
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

3.The liftgate opens or closes.
Avoid the following actions when using thehands-free opening feature:
•Making physical contact with thebumper.
•Holding your foot under the bumper.
•Sweeping your foot from side to side,or kicking at an odd angle.
Detection Zones
Vehicles Without a Trailer Hitch
The detection area is in the center of therear bumper.
Vehicles With a Trailer Hitch
The detection area is on the left-hand sideand right-hand side of the hitch, betweenthe exhaust and the hitch.
Note:Allow the power system to open theliftgate. Manually pushing or pulling theliftgate may activate the system’s obstacledetection feature and stop the poweroperation or reverse its direction, replicatea strut failure, or damage mechanicalcomponents.
Note:Any physical actions that mimic akicking motion such as splashing water,trailer chains or vacuum hoses may causethe hands-free liftgate to activate. Switchthe power liftgate off through your vehiclesettings or keep the passive key away fromthe rear bumper detection area.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingLiftgateE300799 E310717 E310718

Note:Some options may appear slightlydifferent or not at all if the items areoptional.
Select Screens
Calm Screen
Fuel Economy
Trip 1
Trip 2
This Trip1
EV Coach1
Tire Pressure
Intelligent AWD
Off Road
Trailer Light Check
Seatbelts
Auto StartStop2
Now Playing
1 Hybrid only2 Non-hybrid only
After making your selection:
1.Select a setting and press the OKbutton. This can offer moreinformation on some features.
Note:Hold OK to reset fuel history andaverage fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
An Instant Fuel Economy gauge is providedalong with average fuel economy. Averagefuel economy is continuously averagedsince the last reset.
Hybrid features:
•When the gasoline engine is off theinstant fuel economy gauge is replacedwith an electric driving message.
Note:Hold OK to reset fuel history andaverage fuel economy.
Trip 1 and 2
Provides trip timer, trip average fueleconomy and total trip distance traveled.For hybrid vehicles, the trip also shows thedistance traveled on electric power only.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

ActionMessage
The blind spot information system and cross traffic alert systemsensors are blocked. See Cross Traffic Alert (page 263).Cross Traffic NotAvailable SensorBlocked SeeManual
A system error has occurred. Have the system checked as soon aspossible.Cross TrafficSystem Fault
The system automatically turns off and displays this message whenyou connect a trailer to the vehicle that does not have a trailer blindspot system or when you switch the trailer blind spot system offthrough the information display. See Cross Traffic Alert (page263).
Cross Traffic AlertDeactivated TrailerAttached
The system automatically turns off and displays this message whenyou connect a trailer to the vehicle that does not have a trailer blindspot system or when you switch the trailer blind spot system offthrough the information display. See Blind Spot InformationSystem (page 259).
Blind Spot AlertDeactivated TrailerAttached
Doors and Locks
ActionMessage
The driver door is not completely closed.Driver Door Ajar
The passenger door is not completely closed.Passenger DoorAjar
The rear left door is not completely closed.Rear Left Door Ajar
The rear right door is not completely closed.Rear Right DoorAjar
The liftgate is not completely closed.Liftgate Ajar
The hood is not completely closed.Hood Ajar
The system has disabled the door switches.Switches InhibitedSecurity Mode
Displays when the door lock is turned on and you attempt to openthe door.Doors LockedUnlock BeforeOpening
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
ActionMessage
One or more tires on your vehicle have low tire pressure. See TirePressure Monitoring System (page 364).Tire Pressure Low
The tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. If the warningstays on or continues to come on, have the system checked as soonas possible. See Tire Pressure Monitoring System (page 364).
Tire PressureMonitor Fault
A tire pressure sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use.For more information on how the system operates under theseconditions, See Tire Pressure Monitoring System (page 364). Ifthe warning stays on or continues to come on, have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
Tire PressureSensor Fault
Trailer
ActionMessage
A correct trailer connection is sensed duringa given ignition cycle.Trailer Connected
A trailer connection becomes disconnected,either intentionally or unintentionally, andhas been sensed during a given ignitioncycle.
Trailer Disconnected
The trailer sway control has detected trailersway.Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
There are certain faults in your vehiclewiring and trailer wiring/brake system. SeeTowing a Trailer (page 283).
Trailer Wiring Fault
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp.Check your lamp.Trailer Left Turn Lamps Fault Check Lamps
There is a fault with your trailer turn lamp.Check your lamp.Trailer Right Turn Lamps Fault CheckLamps
There is a fault with your trailer battery.See Towing a Trailer (page 283).Trailer Battery Not Charging See Manual
There is a fault with your vehicle trailerlighting module. See Towing a Trailer(page 283).
Trailer Lighting Module Fault See Manual
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

AUTO-START-STOP (IF EQUIPPED)
The system helps reduce fuel consumptionby automatically stopping and restartingthe engine when your vehicle has stopped.The engine restarts automatically whenyou release the brake pedal.
In some situations, your vehicle may restartautomatically, for example:
•To maintain interior comfort.
•To recharge the battery.
Note:Power assist steering turns off whenthe engine is off.
Note:If your vehicle is flex fuel capable,Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a shorttime after a refuel event while the systemis verifying the fuel type being used.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou leave your vehicle. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou open the hood or have any serviceor repair work completed. If you do notswitch the ignition off, the engine couldrestart at any time. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: The system mayrequire the engine to automaticallyrestart when the auto-start-stopindicator illuminates green or flashesamber. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
The Auto-Start-Stop system status isavailable at a glance within the informationdisplay. See Information Displays (page110).
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop
The system automatically enables everytime you start your vehicle if:
•You do not press the Auto-Start-Stopbutton (not illuminated).
•Your vehicle exceeds an initial speedof 3 mph (5 km/h) after you haveinitially started your vehicle.
•You have stopped your vehicle.
•Your foot is on the brake pedal.
•The driver door is closed.
•The interior compartment has cooledor warmed to an acceptable level.
•The front windshield defroster is off.
•You have not turned the steering wheelrapidly or you do not have it at a sharpangle.
•The vehicle is not on a steep roadgrade.
•The battery is within optimal operatingconditions (battery state of charge andtemperature in range).
•The engine coolant is near operatingtemperature.
•Elevation is below about 12,000 ft(3,650 m).
•Ambient temperature is moderate.
•The trailer is not connected.
•If you select Normal, Eco, Snow/Wetor Grass/Gravel/Snow modes.
•You are not in 4H or 4L.
•You have not selected Manual shiftmode.
•Hill descent control is not active.
•You have not selected Tow haul, Sport,Sand or Mud/Rut modes.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics

HYBRID VEHICLE OPERATION
- HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
This hybrid vehicle combines electric andgasoline propulsion to providebreakthrough performance and improvedefficiency. Familiarizing yourself with theseunique characteristics provides an optimaldriving experience from your vehicle.
Starting
When you start your vehicle, agreen READY indicator lightappears in the instrument clusterletting you know that your vehicle is readyfor driving.
The engine may not start because yourvehicle has a silent key start feature. Thisfuel saving feature allows your vehicle tobe ready to drive without requiring the gasengine to be running. The indicator remainson when your vehicle is on, whether theengine is running or not, to indicate yourvehicle is capable of movement using theelectric motor, gas engine or both.Typically, the engine does not start unlessthe vehicle is cold, a climate controlchange is requested or you press theaccelerator pedal.
Driving
The gas engine automatically starts andstops to provide power when needed andto save fuel when not needed. Whencoasting at low speeds, coming to a stop,or standing, the gas engine normally shutsdown and your vehicle operates inelectric-only mode.
Conditions that may cause the engine tostart up or remain running include:
•Considerable vehicle acceleration.
•Climbing a hill.
•Charge level of high voltage battery islow.
•High or low outside temperatures inorder to provide system heating orcooling.
•Engine not warm enough to providepassenger requested cabintemperature.
•Towing a trailer.
•Selectable drive modes: Certainselectable drive modes may cause theengine to run. See What Is Drive ModeControl (page 273).
•Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifterswhile in drive (D) may cause the engineto run. See Automatic Transmission(page 197).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conservefuel as you come to a stop. Restarting yourvehicle is not required. Simply step on theaccelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor togetherpropel the vehicle through the automatictransmission. This is normal hybridoperating and helps deliver fuel efficiencyand performance.
Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltagebattery. A cool battery maintains batterylife and provides the best possibleperformance. The high voltage battery iscooled by the vehicle's air conditioningsystem. When the air conditioning systemis on, you may notice a slight increase inair temperature coming from the climatecontrol vents while the battery is cooling.You may also notice cool air flowing fromthe vents when the air conditioning orblower is off.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving CharacteristicsE293827

Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 orregular unleaded gasoline blended with amaximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. The use of these fuelscould result in engine damage that will notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather as wellas other conditions, for example whentowing a trailer. See Towing (page 283).
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
We recommend Top Tier detergentgasolines, where available to help minimizeengine deposits and maintain optimalvehicle and engine performance. Foradditional information, refer towww.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehiclewas not designed can impair the emissioncontrol system, cause loss of vehicleperformance, and cause damage to theengine which may not be covered by thevehicle 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-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel isprohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Switching Between E85 andGasoline
We do not recommend repeatedlyalternating between E85 and gasoline. Ifyou switch from using E85 to gasoline, orfrom gasoline to E85, add as much fuel aspossible, at least half a tank. Drive yourvehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi(8 km) to allow it to adapt to the changein ethanol concentration. If you use E85exclusively, we recommend that you fillthe fuel tank with regular unleadedgasoline at each scheduled oil change.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and RefuelingE161513