2023 FORD EXPLORER check engine

Transmission
ActionMessage
You switched the engine off and shift select lever is in any positionother than park (P).Shift to Park
Transmission is too cold. Wait for it to warm up before you drive.TransmissionWarming UpPlease Wait
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed.Press Brake Pedal
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’s possible.Transmission OverTemperature StopSafely
Have the system checked as soon as possible.TransmissionService Required
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’s possible.Transmission TooHot Press Brake
The transmission has limited functionality. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.TransmissionLimited FunctionSee Manual
A reminder to shift into park. In addition, this message is typicalafter reconnecting or recharging the battery until you cycle theignition to the on mode. See Changing the 12V Battery (page329).
Transmission Notin Park
Displays when there is a system fault and the park brake needs tobe depressed before exiting the vehicle. Have the system checkedas soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULTConfirm ParkBrake Apply BeforeExiting the Vehicle
Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTService Required
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto park. Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTVehicle is Shiftingto Park
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto reverse. Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTReverse Unavail-able ServiceRequired
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:The system may not function if theremote control is close to metal objects orelectronic devices, for example keys or a cellphone.
Note:A valid remote control must belocated inside your vehicle to switch theignition on and start your vehicle.
Ignition Modes
The keyless starting system has threemodes:
Off: Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button oncewhen the ignition is in the on mode, orwhen your vehicle is running but is notmoving.
On: All electrical circuits are operationaland the warning lamps and indicatorsilluminate.
•Without applying the brake pedal,press and release the button once.
Start: Starts your vehicle. The engine maynot start when your vehicle starts.
•Press the brake pedal, and then pressthe button for any length of time.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speedincreases. This helps to warm up theengine. If the engine idle speed does notslow down, have your vehicle checked assoon as possible.
Note: You can crank the engine for a totalof 60 seconds without the engine startingbefore the starting system temporarilydisables. The 60 seconds does not have tobe all at once. For example, if you crank theengine three times for 20 seconds eachtime, without the engine starting, youreached the 60-second time limit. Amessage appears in the information displayalerting you that you exceeded the crankingtime. You cannot attempt to start theengine for at least 15 minutes. After 15minutes, you are limited to a 15-secondengine cranking time. You need to wait 60minutes before you can crank the engine for60 seconds again.
Before starting your vehicle, check thefollowing:
•Make sure all occupants fasten theirseatbelt.
•Make sure the headlamps andelectrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Make sure the transmission is in park(P).
•Switch the ignition on. For vehicles witha keyless ignition, see the followinginstructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1.Fully press the brake pedal.
2.Turn the key to the start position tostart your vehicle.
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2.Shift into neutral and use the brakes tobring your vehicle to a safe stop.
3.Shift into park (P).
4.Apply the parking brake.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING: Exhaust leaks mayresult in entry of harmful and potentiallylethal fumes into the passengercompartment. If you smell exhaustfumes inside your vehicle, have yourvehicle inspected immediately. Do notdrive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and then leave theengine idling for long periods, werecommend that you do one of thefollowing:
•Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
STARTING A HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM
Before starting your vehicle, check thefollowing:
•Make sure all occupants fasten theirseatbelt.
•Make sure the headlamps andelectrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Make sure the transmission is in park(P).
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1.Fully press the brake pedal.
2.Press the push button ignition switch.
Note:The green ready indicator illuminatesletting you know that your vehicle is readyfor driving. Since your vehicle comes with asilent key start, the engine may not startwhen your vehicle starts. See HybridVehicle Operation (page 178).
When the engine starts for the first timeon your drive, the idle speed increases, thishelps to warm up the engine. If the engineidle speed does not slow down, have yourvehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
The system does not function if:
•The passive key frequencies arejammed.
•The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, dothe following:
1.Open the floor console storagecompartment lid.
2.Insert the passive key into the backupslot.
3.With the key in this position, press thebrake pedal then press the push buttonignition switch to switch the ignition onand start your vehicle.
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temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with OutdoorAppliances. Do not use an indoorextension cord outdoors. This couldresult in an electric shock or become afire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord aspossible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, theextension cord plug and heater cordplug connections are free and clear ofwater. This could cause an electricshock or fire.
•If the block heater cord is under thehood, Do Not remove the wiring fromits original location. Do Not close thehood on the extension wiring.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in aclean area, clear of combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord andextension cord are firmly connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in theelectrical hookup once the system hasbeen operating for approximately 30minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged andproperly stowed before starting anddriving your vehicle. Make sure theprotective cover seals the prongs of theblock heater cord plug when not in use.
•Make sure the heater system ischecked for proper operation beforewinter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals areclean and dry prior to use. Clean them witha dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hoursof energy per hour of use. The system doesnot have a thermostat. It achievesmaximum temperature afterapproximately three hours of operation.Using the heater longer than three hoursdoes not improve system performance andunnecessarily uses electricity.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStarting and Stopping the Engine

3.Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to thefirst notch on the nozzle A. Keep thefuel pump nozzle resting on the fueltank filler pipe.
4.Hold the fuel pump nozzle in positionB when refueling. Holding the fuelpump nozzle in position A can affectthe flow of fuel and shut off the fuelpump nozzle before the fuel tank is full.
5.Operate the fuel pump nozzle withinthe area shown.
6.When the nozzle shuts off, wait at least5 seconds, then slightly raise the fuelpump nozzle and slowly remove it.
7.Fully close the fuel filler door.
Do not attempt to start the engine if youhave filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel.Incorrect fuel use could cause damage thatthe vehicle Warranty may not cover. Seeyour authorized dealer immediately.
Refueling System Warning (If Equipped)
If the fuel tank filler valve does not fullyclose, a message could appear in theinformation display.
Message
Check Fuel Fill Inlet
If the message appears, do the following:
1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so and switch the engine off.
2.Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
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3.Apply the parking brake.
4.Fully open the fuel filler door.
5.Check the fuel tank filler valve for anydebris that may be restricting itsmovement.
6.Remove any debris from the fuel tankfiller valve.
7.Fully insert a fuel pump nozzle or thefuel filler funnel provided with yourvehicle into the fuel filler pipe. SeeFuel Filler Funnel Location (page183). This action should dislodge anydebris that may be preventing the fueltank filler valve from fully closing.
8.Remove the fuel pump nozzle or fuelfiller funnel from the fuel filler pipe.
9.Fully close the fuel filler door.
Note:The message may not immediatelyreset. If the message continues to appearand a warning lamp illuminates, see yourauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
REFUELING - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
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.
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: Do not pry open thefuel tank filler valve. This could damagethe fuel system. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in fire, personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not remove the fuelpump nozzle from its fully insertedposition when refueling.
WARNING: Stop refueling whenthe fuel pump nozzle automaticallyshuts off for the first time. Failure tofollow this will fill the expansion spacein the fuel tank and could lead to fueloverflowing.
WARNING: Do not overfill the fueltank. The pressure in an overfilled tankmay cause leakage and lead to fuel sprayand fire.
WARNING: Wait at least fiveseconds before removing the fuel pumpnozzle to allow any residual fuel to draininto the fuel tank.
WARNING: Read and follow all theinstructions on the pump island.
1.When you stop your vehicle, shift intopark (P) and switch the ignition off.
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ActionMessage
Your vehicle has a sealedfuel system that may beunder pressure. This inform-ation message appearswhile the fuel system isdepressurizing with the fuelfiller door closed. Wait forthe fuel system to depres-surize and for the fuel fillerdoor to unlatch.
Pleasewait forfuel doorto open
This information messageappears when the fuelsystem depressurizes andthe fuel filler door opens.Fully open the fuel filler doorto refuel and fully close thefuel filler door whenrefueling is complete.
Fuel DoorOpen
Your vehicle has a sealedfuel system that requires thefuel filler door to be fullyclosed after refueling. Thiswarning message appearswhen the fuel filler door isajar. Please fully close thefuel filler door to avoid a"Check Engine" Light.
Fuel doorajar Closefully toavoid""CheckEngine""light
ActionMessage
If you see this message anda "Check Engine" lamp illu-minates, please fully closethe fuel filler door. The"Check Engine" Light shouldclear within five seconds. Ifthe "Check Engine" lightpersists, please see yourdealer.
A warning message appearsin the information displaywhen the fuel system failsto depressurize or the fuelfiller door fails to open. Youmay have to use the fuelfiller door manual overridelever.
RefuelError SeeManual
If the Refuel Error information messageappears, do the following:
1.Check the fuel filler door for anythingthat may be obstructing its movement,for example ice or snow.
2.Remove any obstruction from the fuelfiller door.
3.Press the button on the left side of theinstrument panel to open the fuel fillerdoor.
4.If the fuel filler door fails to open andthe Refuel Error message remains inthe information display, use the fuelfiller door manual override lever.
Fuel Filler Door Manual OverrideLever
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.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and Refueling

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alterthe original equipment floor covering orinsulation between it and the metal floorof the vehicle. The floor covering andinsulation protect occupants of thevehicle from the engine and exhaustsystem heat and noise. On vehicles withno original equipment floor coveringinsulation, do not carry passengers in amanner that permits prolonged skincontact with the metal floor. Failure tofollow these instructions may result infire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state lawsprohibit removing or rendering inoperativeemission control system components.Similar federal or provincial laws mayapply in Canada. We do not approve of anyvehicle modification without firstdetermining applicable laws.
Tampering with emissionscontrol systems includingrelated sensors or the DieselExhaust Fluid system can result in reducedengine power and the illumination of theservice engine soon light.
Tampering With a Noise ControlSystem
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•Removal or rendering inoperative byany person other than for purposes ofmaintenance.
•Repair or replacement of any device orelement of the design incorporated intoa new vehicle for the purpose of noisecontrol prior to its sale or delivery tothe ultimate purchaser or while it is inuse.
•The use of the vehicle after any personremoves or renders inoperative anydevice or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencymay presume to constitute tampering asfollows:
•Removal of hood blanket, fender apronabsorbers, fender apron barriers,underbody noise shields or acousticallyabsorptive material.
•Tampering or rendering inoperative theengine speed governor, to allow enginespeed to exceed manufacturerspecifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,experiences a decrease in engineperformance, experiences excess fuelconsumption or produces excessiveexhaust smoke, check for the following:
•A plugged or disconnected air inletsystem hose.
•A plugged engine air filter element.
•Water in the fuel filter and waterseparator.
•A clogged fuel filter.
•Contaminated fuel.
•Air in the fuel system, due to looseconnections.
•An open or pinched sensor hose.
•Incorrect engine oil level.
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