2023 FORD EXPLORER engine

•Box trailers that have a width greaterthan 8.2 ft (2.5 m) could cause earlyalerts when you pass a vehicle.
•Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers witha width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m)could cause delayed alerts when avehicle traveling the same speed asyour vehicle merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warninglamp illuminates and a message displays.See Information Messages (page 119).
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow off by not selectinga trailer in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 115). In thiscase, the system turns off as long as atrailer is attached to your vehicle. As soonas you disconnect the trailer, the blind spotinformation system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warninglamp illuminates and the alert indicatorsflash twice.
Note:The system remembers the lasttrailer setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spotinformation system with trailer tow whenusing MyKey, but you can still change thetrailer settings. See MyKey™ (page 64).
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
WARNING: Do not use the crosstraffic alert system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder beforereversing out of a parking space. Thecross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehiclesapproaching from the sides behind yourvehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approachat a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreaseswhen the sensors are partially, mostly orfully obstructed. Slowly reversing helpsincrease the coverage area andeffectiveness.
The system turns on when you start theengine and you shift into reverse (R). Thesystem turns off when you shift out ofreverse (R).
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WHAT IS DRIVE MODE
CONTROL
Your vehicle has various drive modes thatyou can select for different drivingconditions. Depending on the drive modethat you select, the system adjusts variousvehicle settings.
HOW DOES DRIVE MODE
CONTROL WORK
Selectable drive modes change variouselectronic and mechanical settings withinyour vehicle to tailor its performance anddriving characteristics to on-road oroff-road driving conditions. Steering feeland effort, traction control, stabilitycontrol, chassis control, powertrainresponse, transmission shift points andfour-wheel driveline settings alter to apre-determined setting depending uponthe drive mode that you select.
Note:Your vehicle has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor all systems forproper operation. If a drive mode isunavailable due to a system fault, yourvehicle defaults to normal mode.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE
Note:Drive mode changes may not beavailable when the ignition is off or whenthe engine is not running.
Note:Button icons shown may vary fromyour vehicle.
Rotate the drive mode dial on the centerconsole to select or change a drive mode.
To select drive modes for RWD vehiclesuse the console mounted control.
DRIVE MODES
DEEP SNOW/SAND
For off-road driving on soft drysand or deep snow. This modeoptimizes accelerator pedalresponse, traction settings, and stabilitycontrols to help maintain forwardmomentum when driving through deepsand or snow. If your vehicle becomesstuck in deep conditions, using this modemay help it become unstuck.
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Note:Using deep snow/sand mode on dry,hard surfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire wear.
ECO
For efficient driving. This modehelps deliver maximum fuelefficiency and helps to increasedriving range.
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This modeis a perfect balance ofexcitement, comfort andconvenience. This is the default mode aftereach ignition cycle.
SLIPPERY
For less than ideal roadconditions such as snow or icecovered roads. This mode lowersthrottle response, adjusts transmissionshift points, and optimizes vehicle stabilitycontrols to help mitigate wheel spin andmaintain vehicle control when driving inwinter conditions.
Note:Using slippery mode on dry, hardsurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire wear.
SPORT
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling andresponse. This mode increasesaccelerator pedal response, enhancessteering to provide a sportier feel, andadjusts transmission shift points for quickervehicle acceleration.
TOW/HAUL
For improved transmissionoperation when towing a traileror a heavy load. This modemoves upshifts to higher engine speeds toreduce the frequency of transmissionshifting. This mode also provides enginebraking in all forward gears, which slowsyour vehicle and assists you in controllingyour vehicle when descending a slope. Theamount of downshift braking providedvaries based on the amount you press thebrake pedal.
TRAIL
For off-road driving on muddy,rutted, soft, or uneven terrain.This mode lowers throttleresponse to enhance low speed vehiclecontrol when driving off road. Additionally,the mode optimizes traction and stabilitycontrol settings, helping the vehicle tomaintain forward momentum throughloose deformable surfaces.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
Note: See RecommendedTowing Weights (page 284).
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 305).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop and loadcapacity. When both theloaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page277).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss ofvehicle control, serious injury or death.Ford does not recommend disabling thisfeature except in situations where speedreduction may be detrimental (such ashill climbing), the driver has significanttrailer towing experience, and can controltrailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces enginetorque to aid vehicle stability. If the trailerbegins to sway, the stability controlwarning lamp flashes and a messageappears in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 119). Slowyour vehicle down, pull safely to the sideof the road and check for correct loaddistribution. See Load Carrying (page275).
You can switch this feature off in theinformation display. When you switch theignition on, the system automatically turnson.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/United States of America
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/Canada
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
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 connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gaugeneedle moves to the upper limit position,the engine is overheating. See Gauges(page 104).
You must only drive your vehicle for a shortdistance if the engine overheats. Thedistance you can travel depends onambient temperature, vehicle load andterrain. The engine continues to operatewith limited power for a short period oftime.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,the fuel supply to the engine reduces. Theair conditioning switches off and the enginecooling fan operates continually.
1.Gradually reduce your speed and stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
2.Immediately switch the engine off toprevent severe engine damage.
3.Wait for the engine to cool down.
4.Check the coolant level. See EngineCoolant Check (page 324).
5.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. Forthe first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid drivingat high speeds, heavy braking, aggressiveshifting or using your vehicle to tow. Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuelconsumption:
•Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoidheavy braking.
•Regularly check your tire pressures andmake sure that they are inflated to thecorrect pressure.
•Follow the recommended maintenanceschedule and carry out therecommended checks.
•Plan your journey and check the trafficbefore you set off. It is more efficientto combine errands into a single tripwhenever possible.
•Avoid idling the engine in cold weatheror for extended periods. Start theengine only when you are ready to setoff.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight in yourvehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
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•Do not add unnecessary accessoriesto the exterior of your vehicle, forexample running boards. If you use aroof rack, remember to fold it down orremove it when not in use.
•Do not shift into neutral when you arebraking or when your vehicle is slowingdown.
•Shut all windows when driving at highspeeds.
•Switch off all electric systems whennot in use, for example air conditioning.Make sure that you unplug anyaccessories from the auxiliary powerpoints when not in use.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep or flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction couldbe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
•Horn
•Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
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