2023 FORD EXPLORER air condition

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE
CONTROL
Note:Depending on your vehicle optionpackage, the controls may look differentfrom what you see here.
Note:You can switch temperature unitsbetween Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Note:You can control some of the climatefeatures through the touchscreen.
Note:For Hybrid Electric Vehicles andPlug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, the airconditioning compressor may run, and youmay feel airflow when the climate controlis off to provide cooling to the battery.
Accessing the Air DistributionControls
Press and release the button toactivate the selection screen.
From the screen, switch directed air fromthe windshield, instrument panel orfootwell vents on or off. You can direct airthrough any combination of these vents.See Climate (page 445).
Accessing the Menu
Press and release the button toaccess different climatefeatures.
Smart Zone - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle(PHEV)
If there is not an occupant in the frontpassenger seat, the climate control systemmay default to single zone to improve fueleconomy, if you were previously in dualzone operation. When this occurs, dualzone turns off and the passenger set pointchanges to match the driver set point.
Press the dual zone button on thetouchscreen or adjust the passenger setpoint to use dual zone operation withouta passenger present. The system remainsin dual zone operation until you switch thevehicle off.
You can disable or re-enable the SmartZone feature by pressing and holding thedual zone button on the touchscreen. Bothset point displays begin flashing to signifywhen the feature disables. The systemreturns to previous state after you releasethe dual zone button.
Accessing Rear Climate Controls
Press and release the button toaccess additional controls forthe rear climate system.
Setting the Blower Motor Speed
Press and release + or - to adjustthe volume of air circulated inthe vehicle.
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Setting the Temperature
Press the toggle button on the left-handside of the climate control upward ordownward to set the left-handtemperature.
Note:This control also adjusts theright-hand side temperature when youswitch off dual zone mode.
Press the toggle button on the right-handside of the climate control upward ordownward to set the right-handtemperature.
Switching Auto Mode On and Off
Press and release the button toswitch on automatic operation.Repeatedly press the button toadjust auto mode.
The system adjusts the blower motorspeed, air distribution, air conditioningoperation, and outside or recirculated airto reach and maintain the temperature youhave set.
Under high humidity conditions, the systemadjusts the blower motor speed, airdistribution and air conditioning operationto reduce window fogging.
Note:The system starts at the previoussetting when you switch on AUTO mode.
Note:You can also switch off dual zonemode by pressing and holding the buttonfor more than two seconds.
Auto Mode Indicator Status
DescriptionAuto Mode IndicatorStatus
One indicator illumin-ated.•The blower motor speed is reduced.
•Use this setting to minimize the amount of noise fromthe blower motor.
•This setting increases the time taken to cool theinterior.
Two indicators illumin-ated.•The blower motor speed is moderate.
Three indicators illumin-ated.•The blower motor speed is increased.
•Use this setting to reduce the time taken to cool theinterior.
•This setting increases the amount of noise from theblower motor.
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Switching the Air Conditioning Onand Off
Press and release the button.
Use air conditioning with recirculated airto improve cooling performance andefficiency.
Note:In certain conditions, for example,maximum defrost, the air conditioningcompressor may continue to operate eventhough you switch off the air conditioning.
Note:The A/C LED light may turn on andoff based on the temperature setting or thecurrent conditions.
Switching the Climate Control Onand Off
Press and release the button.
Switching Maximum AirConditioning On and Off
Press and release the button formaximum cooling.
The driver and passenger temperaturesare set to LO, recirculated air flows throughthe instrument panel air vents, airconditioning turns on and the blower motoradjusts to the highest speed.
Switching Maximum Defrost Onand Off
Press and release the button formaximum defrosting.
The driver and passenger temperaturesare set to HI, air flows through thewindshield air vents, and the blower motoradjusts to the highest speed.
Note:Depending on your region, airconditioning turns on.
You can also use this setting to defog andclear the windshield of a thin covering ofice.
Note:To prevent window fogging, youcannot select recirculated air whenmaximum defrost is on.
Note:The heated rear window also turnson when you select maximum defrost.
Switching Recirculated Air On andOff
Press and release the button toswitch between outside air andrecirculated air.
The air currently in the passengercompartment recirculates. This mayreduce the time needed to cool the interior,when used with A/C, and reduce unwantedodors from entering your vehicle.
Note:Recirculated air may turn offautomatically, or prevent you from switchingon in all air flow modes except MAX A/C toreduce the risk of fogging. Recirculation mayalso turn on and off automatically in variousair distribution control combinations toimprove heating or cooling efficiency.
HINTS ON CONTROLLING THE
INTERIOR CLIMATE
General Hints
Note:Prolonged use of recirculated air maycause the windows to fog up.
Note:You may feel a small amount of airfrom the footwell air vents regardless of theair distribution setting.
Note:To reduce humidity build-up insideyour vehicle, do not drive with the systemswitched off or with recirculated air alwaysswitched on.
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Press the heated seat symbol to cyclethrough the various heat settings and off.More indicator lights indicate warmersettings.
Note:The heated seats switch on during aremote start if they are enabled.
Note:The heated seats may switch onwhen you start your vehicle if they were onwhen you previously switched your vehicleoff.
Automatic Climate ControlledSeats (If Equipped)
When you switch on the auto setting, theseats switch between the heated seatsand ventilated seats to match your climatecontrol setting.
Second Row Heated Seats
The heated seat controls are on the rearof the center console.
VENTILATED SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Do not do the following:
•Spill liquid on the front seats. This maycause the air vent holes to becomeblocked and not work properly.
•Place cargo or objects under the seats.They may block the air intake causingthe air vents to not work properly.
The engine must be running to use thisfeature.
Press this symbol to cycle through thevarious ventilation settings and off. Moreindicator lights indicate higher fan speeds.
Note:The ventilated seats switch on duringa remote start if they are enabled.
Note:The ventilated seats may switch onwhen you start your vehicle if they were onwhen you previously switched your vehicleoff.
If the engine falls below 350 RPM whenthe ventilated seats are on, the systemturns off. You need to switch it back on.
Note:To improve comfort, use theventilated seats along with the vehicle’s airconditioning system.
Automatic Climate ControlledSeats (If Equipped)
When you switch on the auto setting, theseats switch between the heated seatsand ventilated seats to match your climatecontrol setting.
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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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Note:Note when in Sport mode it can beenabled by pressing the Auto-Start-Stopbutton.
The green Auto-Start-Stopindicator light on the instrumentcluster will illuminate to indicatewhen the automatic engine stop occurs.
If the instrument cluster isequipped with a greyAuto-Start-Stop indicator light,it illuminates when automatic engine stopis not available due to one of the abovenoted conditions not being met.
Automatic Engine Restart
Any of the following conditions will resultin an automatic restart of the engine:
•You have removed your foot from thebrake pedal.
•You press the accelerator pedal.
•You press the accelerator and thebrake pedal at the same time.
•The driver safety belt becomesunfastened or the driver door is ajar.
•Your vehicle is moving.
•The interior compartment does notmeet customer comfort when airconditioning or heat is on.
•Fogging of the windows could occurand the air conditioning is on.
•The battery is not within optimaloperating conditions.
•You have exceeded the maximumengine off time.
•When you press the Auto-Start-Stopbutton with the engine automaticallystopped.
•The front defroster is turned to the Maxsetting.
•When you shift into park (P), the enginewill restart.
Any of the following conditions may resultin an automatic restart of the engine:
•You have increased the blower fanspeed or changed the climate controltemperature.
•You have an electrical accessoryturned on or plugged in.
Note:You may notice that the climate seatfan fluctuates during an automatic restart.
Disabling Auto-Start-Stop
Press the Auto-Start-Stop button on thecenter console to switch the system off.The button will illuminate. Deactivatingusing the button lasts only 1 key cycle.Press the button again to restoreAuto-Start-Stop function.
Note:If the Shift to park (P), Restart Enginemessage appears and the amberAuto-Start-Stop indicator light flashes, thisindicates automatic restart is unavailable.You must restart the vehicle manually. SeeInformation Displays (page 110).
If your vehicle is in engine offAuto-Start-Stop, shifting from drive (D) toreverse (R) will not cause a restart if youdo not press the brake pedal. The messageAuto-Start-Stop Press Brake to StartEngine appears. You must press the brakepedal within 60 seconds or the systemrequires you to shift into park (P) andmanually restart your vehicle.
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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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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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