HYBRID VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
AnswerQuestion
The high voltage battery is electrically isol-ated from the rest of the vehicle when theignition is off. When you switch the ignitionon, the high voltage contacts inside thebattery are closed. This makes the electri-city available to the motor and generatorand allows your vehicle to proceed. Theclicks are the sound of these contacts asthey close and open during start up andshut down.
What are the series of clicks from the cargoarea when I switch the ignition on?
The vehicle's computer determines if anengine start is required at key-on. Silent keystarts the engine if it is necessary for cabinheating, windshield defrost, or if the outsidetemperature is low.
Why does the engine sometimes start atkey-on?
There are several reasons the engine stayson for an extended amount of time whenyou first start it. One common reason is tomake sure that the emission's componentsare warm enough to minimize tailpipeemissions. As the climate gets cooler, thisengine-on time is extended.
Why does it take a long time before theengine shuts down?
In order to make sure that the climatecontrol system can begin heating the cabinor defrosting the windshield as soon as yourequest it, the engine coolant temperaturehas to be kept sufficiently hot. Keeping theengine on is required to maintain the correctcoolant temperature.
Why does my engine stay on when it isextremely cold outside?
Your hybrid vehicle can use E15 fuel (15%ethanol, 85% gasoline), but you couldnotice slightly reduced fuel economybecause ethanol contains less energy pergallon than gasoline. Your hybrid vehicle isnot designed to use E85 (85% ethanol).
Can I put E15 or E85 in my vehicle, and howwill it affect my fuel economy?
The high voltage battery system is designedto last the life of the vehicle and requiresno maintenance.
How long will my high voltage battery last?Does it need maintenance?
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics
Protected ComponentFuse RatingFuse or RelayNumber
Windshield and rear window washer pumprelay power.15A16
Charge status indicator (hybrid electricvehicle).5A17
Starter motor.30A18
Headlamp leveling motors.10A21Adaptive headlamps.
Electric power assisted steering module.10A22
Anti-lock brake system module withintegrated park brake.10A23
Powertrain control module.10A24Hybrid powertrain control module.
Air quality sensor.10A25360 camera with park aid.Rear view camera.Blind spot information system.Adaptive cruise control module.
Transmission control module.15A26
Anti-lock brake system valves with integ-rated park brake.40A28
Anti-lock brake system pump with integ-rated park brake.60A29
Driver seat module.30A30
Passenger seat motor.30A31
Front media bin power point.20A32
Rear cargo area power point.20A33
Console end cap power point.20A34
Power point 4.20A35
Power inverter.40A36
Climate controlled seat module.30A38
Power liftgate module.30A41
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuses
Protected ComponentFuse RatingFuse or RelayNumber
Rear climate control.
Not used.—10
Not used.—11
Climate control head.7.5A12Gear shift module.
Steering column control module.7.5A13Smart datalink connector.Instrument cluster.
Not used (spare).15A14
SYNC.15A15Integrated control panel.
Not used.—16
Headlamp control module.7.5A17
Not used (spare).7.5A18
Headlamp switch.5A19Push button ignition switch.
Ignition switch.5A20Telematics control unit module.Key inhibit solenoid lock.
Not used.5A21
Not used (spare).5A22
Not used (spare).30A23
Moonroof.30A24
Not used (spare).20A25
Not used (spare).30A26
Not used (spare).30A27
Not used (spare).30A28
Not used (spare).15A29
Trailer brake connector.5A30
312
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuses
•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period of time after you switch theignition off. This is to allow the system tostore diagnostic and adaptive tables.Disconnecting the battery without waitingcan cause damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative battery cableterminal.
5.Disconnect the positive battery cableterminal.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.To install, reverse the removalprocedure.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:Make sure to fully tighten the batterycables.
If you disconnect or replace the vehiclebattery, you must reset the followingfeatures:
•Window bounce-back. See PowerWindows (page 94).
•Clock Settings.
•Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
331
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE107998
•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 378).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
3.Wait a minimum of two minutes beforedisconnecting the battery.
Note:The engine management system hasa power hold function and remains poweredfor a period of time after you switch theignition off. This is to allow the system tostore diagnostic and adaptive tables.Disconnecting the battery without waitingcan cause damage not covered by thevehicle warranty.
4.Disconnect the negative battery cableterminal.
5.Disconnect the positive battery cableterminal.
6.Remove the battery securing clamp.
7.Remove the battery.
8.To install, reverse the removalprocedure.
Note:Before reconnecting the battery,make sure the ignition remains switched off.
Note:Make sure to fully tighten the batterycables.
If you disconnect or replace the vehiclebattery, you must reset the followingfeatures:
•Window bounce-back. See PowerWindows (page 94).
•Clock Settings.
•Pre-set radio stations.
Battery Disposal
Make sure that you dispose ofold batteries in anenvironmentally friendly way.Seek advice from your local authorityabout recycling old batteries.
334
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenanceE107998
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fastidle with the climate controls set todefrost until the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Disconnecting Your 12 Volt Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if you disconnect the batterycables.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)every 15 days to lubricate working partsand prevent corrosion.
345
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingVehicle Care
TIRE CARE
Information About UniformTire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.The Quality grades can be foundwhere applicable on the tiresidewall between tread shoulderand maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades aredetermined by standards that theUnited States Department ofTransportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.They do not apply to deep tread,winter-type snow tires,space-saver or temporary usespare tires, light truck or LT typetires, tires with nominal rimdiameters of 10 to 12 inches orlimited production tires as definedin Title 49 Code of FederalRegulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department ofTransportation Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires us to giveyou the following informationabout tire grades exactly as thegovernment has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on thewear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150would wear 1½ times as well onthe government course as a tiregraded 100. The relativeperformance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of theiruse, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING: The tractiongrade assigned to this tire isbased on straight-ahead brakingtraction tests, and does notinclude acceleration, cornering,hydroplaning or peak tractioncharacteristics.
349
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and TiresE142542
USB and Media Player
DescriptionVoice Command
Play your music by category.1
Play Album ___
Play Artist ___
Play Genre ___
Play Playlist ___
Play Song ___
Play Audiobook ___
Play Podcast ___
Browse music on a USB device.
Browse All Albums
Browse All Artists
Browse All Audiobooks
Browse All Genres
Browse All Playlists
Browse All Podcasts
Browse All Songs
Browse your music by category on a USB device.1
Browse Album ___
Browse Artist ___
Browse Audiobook ___
Browse Genre ___
Browse Playlist ___
Browse Podcast ___
1 Add an album name, artist name, audiobook name, genre name, playlist name, podcastname or track name to the command. Say the name exactly as it appears on your device.
Climate (If Equipped)
You can control the temperature of thevehicle using voice commands.
___ is a dynamic listing, meaning that forclimate voice commands it can be thedesired degrees for the temperaturesetting.
431
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSYNC™ 3