Power Steering
ActionMessage
The power steering system has detected a condition that requiresservice. Have the system checked as soon as possible.Steering FaultService Now
The power steering system is not working. Stop your vehicle in asafe place. Have the system checked as soon as possible.Steering Loss StopSafely
The power steering system has detected a condition within thepower steering system or passive entry or passive start system thatrequires service. Have the system checked as soon as possible.
Steering AssistFault ServiceRequired
The steering lock system has detected a condition that requiresservice. Have the system checked as soon as possible.Steering LockMalfunctionService Now
Pre-Collision Assist
ActionMessage
You have a blocked sensor due to inclement weather, ice, mud orwater in front of the radar sensor. You can typically clean the sensorto resolve.
Pre-CollisionAssist Not Avail-able SensorBlocked
A fault with the system has occurred. Have the system checked assoon as possible.Pre-CollisionAssist Not Avail-able
Remote Start
ActionMessage
Displays as a reminder to apply the brake and push the gear shiftbutton to drive the vehicle after a remote start.To Drive: PressBrake and GearShift Button
131
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays
Lumbar and Bolster ModeMassage Mode
Upper lumbarBack massage intensityadjustmentA
Lumbar decreaseMassage intensity decrease
and off*B
Lower lumbar**Cushion massage intensityadjustmentC
Lumbar increaseMassage intensity increaseD
-On and offE
*The massage feature defaults to analternating massage mode with backmassage intensity adjustment. The lumbarand bolster feature defaults to the middlelumbar mode.**Press C a second time to adjust the backbolster. Press C a third time to adjust thecushion bolster.
You can also adjust this feature throughthe touchscreen. When switched on, thesystem displays directions for you to adjustthe lumbar settings in your seat or to setthe massage function.
MEMORY FUNCTION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Before activating thememory seat, make sure that the areaimmediately surrounding the seat is clearof obstructions and that all occupantsare clear of moving parts.
WARNING: Do not use the memoryfunction when your vehicle is moving.
This feature recalls the position of thefollowing:
•Driver seat.
•Power mirrors.
•Optional power steering column.
The memory control is on the driver door.
Saving a PreSet Position
1.Switch the ignition on.
2.Adjust the memory features to yourpreferred position.
3.Press and hold the preferred presetbutton until you hear a single tone.
You can save up to three preset memorypositions. You can save a memory presetat any time.
150
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSeatsE142554
Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, thisfeature shuts down the engine if it hasbeen idling for an extended period. Theignition also turns off in order to savebattery power. Before your vehicle shutsdown, a message appears in theinformation display showing a timercounting down from 30 seconds. If you donot intervene within 30 seconds, yourvehicle shuts down. Another messageappears in the information display toinform you that your vehicle has shut downto save fuel. Start your vehicle as younormally do.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
You can stop the shutdown, or reset thetimer, at any point before the 30-secondcountdown has expired by doing any of thefollowing:
•You can reset the timer by interactingwith your vehicle, for example pressingthe brake or accelerator pedal.
•You can temporarily switch off theshutdown feature any time the ignitionis on. Use the vehicle settings on yourtouchscreen to switch the 30min MaxIdle on or off. The feature only remainsoff for the current ignition cycle.
•During the 30-second countdown, thesystem prompts you to press OK orRESET to temporarily switch thefeature off for the current ignition cycleonly.
Note:You cannot permanently switch offthe automatic shutdown feature. When youtemporarily switch it off, it turns on at thenext ignition cycle.
Stopping the Engine When YourVehicle is Stationary
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1.Shift into park (P).
2.Switch the ignition off.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1.Shift into park (P).
2.Press the push button ignition switch.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Note:The ignition, all electrical circuits andall warning lamps and indicators will beturned off.
Note:If the engine is idling for 30 minutes,the ignition and engine automatically shutdown.
Stopping the Engine When YourVehicle is Moving
WARNING: Switching off theengine when your vehicle is still movingresults in a significant decrease inbraking assistance. Higher effort isrequired to apply the brakes and to stopyour vehicle. A significant decrease insteering assistance could also occur. Thesteering does not lock, but higher effortcould be required to steer your vehicle.When you switch the ignition off, someelectrical circuits, for example airbags,also turn off. If you unintentionally switchthe ignition off, shift into neutral (N) andrestart the engine.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1.Switch the ignition off.
2.Shift into neutral and use the brakes tobring your vehicle to a safe stop.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1.Press and hold the push button ignitionswitch, or press it three times withintwo seconds.
171
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStarting and Stopping the Engine
Fast Restart
The fast restart feature allows you torestart your vehicle within 20 seconds ofswitching it off, even if it does not detecta valid passive key.
Within 20 seconds of switching yourvehicle off, press the brake pedal and pressthe push button ignition switch. After 20seconds, you can no longer start yourvehicle if it does not detect a valid passivekey.
Once your vehicle starts, it remains runninguntil you press the push button ignitionswitch, even if your vehicle does not detecta valid passive key. You cannot start yourvehicle if the system does not detect avalid passive key within 20 seconds.
Automatic Engine Shutdown
For vehicles with a keyless ignition, thisfeature shuts down the engine if it hasbeen idling for an extended period. Theignition also turns off in order to savebattery power. Before your vehicle shutsdown, a message appears in theinformation display showing a timercounting down from 30 seconds. If you donot intervene within 30 seconds, yourvehicle shuts down. Another messageappears in the information display toinform you that your vehicle has shut downto save fuel. Start your vehicle as younormally do.
Note:Automatic Engine Shutdown may bemore frequent for hybrid vehicles.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
Note: You cannot permanently switch offthe automatic shutdown feature. When youswitch it off temporarily, it turns on at thenext ignition cycle.
You can stop the shutdown, or reset thetimer, at any point before the 30-secondcountdown expires by doing any of thefollowing:
•You can reset the timer by interactingwith your vehicle, for example pressingthe brake or accelerator pedal.
•You can temporarily switch off theshutdown feature any time the ignitionis on using the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 110). Thefeature only remains off for the currentignition cycle.
•During the 30-second countdown, thesystem prompts you to press OK orRESET to temporarily switch thefeature off for the current ignition cycleonly.
Switching Off Your Vehicle WhenIt Is Stationary
1.Put the transmission in park (P).
2.Press the push button ignition switchonce.
3.Apply the parking brake.
Note:This switches off the ignition, warninglamps and indicators.
Switching Off Your Vehicle WhenIt Is Moving
WARNING: Switching off theengine when your vehicle is still movingresults in a significant decrease inbraking assistance. Higher effort isrequired to apply the brakes and to stopyour vehicle. A significant decrease insteering assistance could also occur. Thesteering does not lock, but higher effort
173
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStarting and Stopping the Engine
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.
176
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics
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
203
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a4WD vehicle could accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,it will not stop any faster, because as inother vehicles, braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident asto road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Since your vehicle comeswith a four wheel (ABS), do not “pump”the brakes. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 211).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, westrongly recommend that you do not makemodifications such as adding or removingparts (such as lowering kits or stabilizerbars) or by using replacement parts notequivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. We strongly recommend thatcaution be used with any vehicle equippedwith a high load or device (such as ladderor luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlycould void the warranty, increase yourrepair cost, reduce vehicle performanceand operational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
208
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn. Have your vehiclechecked. If the vehicle has continuousvibration or shudder in the steering wheelwhile braking, have your vehicle checked.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. Wet brakes result in reducedbraking efficiency. Gently press the brakepedal a few times when driving from a carwash or standing water to dry the brakes.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 344).
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Switch the engine off, move thetransmission to park (P) and apply theparking brake. Inspect the acceleratorpedal and the area around it for any itemsor debris that may be obstructing itsmovement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehiclechecked. If your vehicle has to be towed,we recommend that you contact aprofessional towing service.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional.
If the warning lamp does not illuminateduring start up, remains on or flashes, thesystem may be disabled. Have the systemchecked. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still operational.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 105).
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp illuminatesmomentarily when you switchthe ignition on to confirm thelamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch theignition on, or if it begins to flashat any time except the time during applyingor releasing the parking brake, have thesystem checked.
Regenerative Braking System
This feature simulates the engine brakingof an internal combustion engine andassist the standard brake system whilerecovering some of the energy of motionand storing it in the battery to improve fueleconomy. The standard brake system isdesigned to fully stop the car ifregenerative braking is not available.During regenerative braking, the motor isspun as a generator to create electricalcurrent. This recharges the battery andslows the vehicle. Once the acceleratorpedal is released, the motor changes froman energy user to an energy producer.
210
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingBrakesE67020 E270480 E67024