2023 FORD EXPLORER fuel cap

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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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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Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standardhydraulic braking and regenerative braking.Regenerative braking is performed by yourtransmission and it captures brake energyand stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extendingdownhill driving that your engine continuesto run instead of shutting off. During thisengine braking, the engine stays on, but itis not using any fuel. You may also hear aslight whine or whistle when operating yourvehicle. This is the normal operation of theelectric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:Having your engine running is notalways an indication of inefficiency. In somecases, it is actually more efficient thandriving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improvethroughout your hybrid's break-in period.As with any vehicle, your driving habits andaccessory usage can significantly impactyour fuel economy. For best results, keepthese tips in mind:
•Keep the tires properly inflated andonly use the recommended size.
•Aggressive driving increases theamount of energy required to moveyour vehicle. In general, you canachieve better fuel economy with mildto moderate acceleration anddeceleration. Moderate braking isparticularly important since it allowsyou to maximize the energy capturedby the regenerative braking system.
Additional Tips:
•Do not carry extra loads.
•Be mindful of adding externalaccessories that may increaseaerodynamic drag.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Perform all scheduled maintenance.
•There is no need to wait for your engineto warm up. The vehicle is ready todrive immediately after starting.
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not overfill the fueltank. The pressure in an overfilled tankmay cause leakage and lead to fuel sprayand fire.
WARNING: The fuel system maybe under pressure. If you hear a hissingsound near the fuel filler inlet, do notrefuel until the sound stops. Otherwise,fuel may spray out, which could causeserious personal injury.
WARNING: Fuels can cause seriousinjury or death if misused or mishandled.
WARNING: Fuel may containbenzene, which is a cancer-causingagent.
WARNING: When refueling alwaysshut the engine off and never allowsparks or open flames near the fuel tankfiller valve. Never smoke or use a cellphone while refueling. Fuel vapor isextremely hazardous under certainconditions. Avoid inhaling excess fumes.
Follow these guidelines when refueling:
•Extinguish all smoking materials andany open flames before refueling yourvehicle.
•Always switch the engine off beforerefueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful orfatal if swallowed. Fuel is highly toxicand if swallowed can cause death orpermanent injury. If fuel is swallowedimmediately call a physician, even if nosymptoms are immediately apparent.The toxic effects of fuel may not beapparent for hours.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling fuelvapor can lead to eye and respiratorytract irritation. In severe cases,excessive or prolonged breathing offuel vapor can cause serious illness andpermanent injury.
•Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If yousplash fuel in your eyes, immediatelyremove contact lenses (if worn), flushwith water for 15 minutes and seekmedical attention. Failure to seekproper medical attention could lead topermanent injury.
•Fuels can be harmful if absorbedthrough the skin. If you splash fuel onyour skin, clothing or both, promptlyremove contaminated clothing andthoroughly wash your skin with soapand water. Repeated or prolonged skincontact causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are takingAntabuse or other forms of Disulfiramfor the treatment of alcoholism.Breathing fuel vapors could cause anadverse reaction, serious personalinjury or sickness. Immediately call aphysician if you experience any adversereactions.
FUEL QUALITY - E85
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex FuelVehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the followingidentifiers:
•Yellow fuel filler cap.
•Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
•Yellow fuel filler housing.
•Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank fillerdoor.
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If your vehicle runs out of fuel:
•Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuelto restart the engine.
•You may need to switch the ignitionfrom off to on several times afterrefueling to allow the fuel system topump the fuel from the tank to theengine. When restarting, cranking timetakes a few seconds longer thannormal.
Note:If your vehicle is on a steep slope,more fuel may be required.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
WARNING: Flow of fuel through afuel pump nozzle can produce staticelectricity. This can cause a fire if you arefilling an ungrounded fuel container.
Use the following guidelines to avoidelectrostatic charge build-up, which canproduce a spark, when filling anungrounded fuel container:
•Only use an approved fuel container totransfer fuel to your vehicle. Place thecontainer on the ground when filling it.
•Do not fill a fuel container when it isinside your vehicle (including the cargoarea).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contactwith the fuel container when filling it.
•Do not use a device that holds the fuelpump nozzle lever in the fill position.
Adding Fuel From a Portable FuelContainer
WARNING: Do not insert the nozzleof a fuel container or an aftermarketfunnel into the fuel filler neck. This maydamage the fuel system filler neck or itsseal and cause fuel to run onto theground.
WARNING: Do not try to pry openor push open the capless fuel systemwith foreign objects. This could damagethe fuel system and its seal and causeinjury to you or others.
WARNING: Do not dispose of fuelin the household refuse or the publicsewage system. Use an authorized wastedisposal facility.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, use the fuel filler funnelincluded with your vehicle. See Fuel FillerFunnel Location (page 183).
Note:Do not use aftermarket funnels asthey may not work with the capless fuelsystem and can damage it.
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank froma fuel container, do the following:
1.Fully open the fuel filler door.
2.Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into thefuel filler inlet.
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3.Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuelcontainer.
4.Remove the fuel filler funnel.
5.Fully close the fuel filler door.
6.Clean the fuel filler funnel and place itback in your vehicle or correctly disposeof it.
Note:Extra funnels can be purchased froman authorized dealer if you choose todispose of the funnel.
REFUELING - EXCLUDING:
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
Refueling System Overview
Fuel filler door.A
Fuel tank filler valve.B
Fuel tank filler pipe.C
Your vehicle does not have a fuel tank fillercap.
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Note:The transmission must be in park (P)or neutral (N).
When using the manual override lever dothe following:
1.Switch the ignition on.
Note:The manual override lever is in thedriver side rear wheel well area.
2.Pull the manual override lever.
3.Switch the ignition off.
4.Complete the refueling process within20 minutes.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Advertised Capacity
The advertised capacity is the maximumamount of fuel that you can add to the fueltank when the fuel gauge indicates empty.See Capacities and Specifications(page 384).
In addition, the fuel tank contains an emptyreserve. The empty reserve is anunspecified amount of fuel that remainsin the fuel tank when the fuel gaugeindicates empty.
Note:The amount of fuel in the emptyreserve varies and should not be relied uponto increase driving range.
Calculating Fuel Economy
Your vehicle calculates fuel economyfigures through the trip computer averagefuel function. See Information Displays(page 110).
The first 1,000 mi (1,600 km) of driving isthe break-in period of the vehicle.Resetting average fuel in your tripcomputer after 2,000–3,000 mi(3,200–4,800 km) provides a moreaccurate measurement.
Conditions Influencing Fuel Efficiency
See Driving Economically (page 288).
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Make sure that youproperly secure objects in the luggagecompartment. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryin the event of a sudden stop or crash.
WARNING: Do not place objectson the luggage cover. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death in the event of a suddenstop or crash.
WARNING: The appropriateloading capacity of your vehicle can belimited either by volume capacity (howmuch space is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight the vehicleshould carry). Once you have reachedthe maximum payload of your vehicle,do not add more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehicle cancontribute to loss of vehicle control andvehicle rollover.
WARNING: Make sure that you fullyclose the liftgate to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. If youare unable to fully close the liftgate,open the air vents or the windows toallow fresh air to enter your vehicle.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not exceed themaximum front and rear axle loads foryour vehicle.
Note:When loading long objects into yourvehicle, for example pipes, timber orfurniture be careful not to damage theinterior trim.
REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE
Spare Tire Cover (If Equipped)
The system is in the floor of the cargo area.
Remove the additional cover to access thespare tire and fuel filler.
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