2023 FORD EXPLORER Owners Manual

Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust thesetting. Depending on your vehicle options,the setting could be in the following:
•Information display. See GeneralInformation (page 115).
•Touchscreen. See Settings (page 458).
When you switch the system off, a warninglamp illuminates and the alert indicatorsflash twice.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
Blind Spot Information Systemwith Trailer Tow (If Equipped)
The design of the system is to aid you indetecting vehicles that could enter thedetection area zone (A). The detectionarea is on both sides of your vehicle andtrailer, extending rearward from theexterior mirrors to the end of your trailer.When you attach and have setup a trailer,the blind spot information system withtrailer tow becomes active when drivingforward above 6 mph (10 km/h).
You can switch the system off in theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 115).If you switch theblind spot information system off, blindspot information system with trailer towturns off.
Setting up a Trailer
You can setup a trailer through theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 115).
Trailer length.A
Trailer width.B
Trailer hitch ball.C
Note:Measure the width of the trailer atthe front of the trailer, not the widest point.The maximum width that the system cansupport is 8.2 ft (2.5 m)(B).
Note:The trailer length is the distancebetween the trailer hitch ball and the rearof the trailer. The maximum length that thesystem can support is 33 ft (10 m)(A).
When setting up a trailer, a sequence ofscreens appear asking for trailerinformation:
•Select trailer screen: None, Trailer A,Trailer B or Trailer C.
Note:You can select only one trailer onsmall information displays.
Select one of the trailers and press OK. Themenu goes to the next screen.
•Width less than 8.2 ft (2.5 m) andlength less than 33 ft (10 m)?
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Note:You do not need to enter an exacttrailer width measurement. You only needto confirm that the width of the trailer is8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less.
If no, the system turns off.
If yes, the menu goes to the next screen.
•Enter length of trailer:
Toggling up or down using the menubuttons increases or decreases themeasurement by 1 ft (0.3 m). Select alength that is equal to or within 1 ft (0.3 m)of the actual measured length. Forexample, if the actual measured length is25 ft (7.6 m), toggle the length in the menuto 25 ft (8 m). When you enter the lengthof the trailer, this saves the system setup.
Note:When you connect a trailer, but donot setup a trailer in the blind spotinformation system, the system turns offand a warning appears in the informationdisplay.
Note:If the trailer is a bike rack or cargorack with electrical lighting, enter a lengthof 3 ft (1 m). Cross Traffic Alert remains onfor trailers with a length of 3 ft (1 m) or less.
Note:The system requires propermeasurement and measurement entry tofunction as designed.
System Operation
If you select a trailer in the informationdisplay prior to connecting a trailer, thesystem loads that configuration and theinformation display shows a messagewhen you connect the trailer. A secondmessage appears stating cross traffic alertis off, unless a trailer is set up with a lengthof 3 ft (1 m). The blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow still functionsnormally when driving forward.
If you connect a trailer, a message appearsindicating that you attached a trailer. If youhave not selected a trailer previously,another message appears requesting youto select one of the trailers in the list or adda new trailer. The blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow does not functionwithout a trailer selected. If you do notselect a trailer, a message appears in theinformation display stating the system hasturned this feature off.This message mightnot appear until your vehicle speed reaches22 mph (35 km/h).
The blind spot information system withtrailer tow activates when driving forwardfor that particular trailer set up. If you cyclethe ignition, the blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow continues tofunction using the last trailer you selected.
Trailer Considerations
The system works with a trailer with a frontwidth of 8.2 ft (2.5 m) or less, and a totallength from the trailer hitch ball to the rearof the trailer of 33 ft (10 m) or less.
Some trailers could cause a slight changein system performance:
•Wide box trailers, especially thosewider than the towing vehicle, couldcause false alerts to occur when drivingnext to infrastructure or near parkedcars. A false alert could also occurwhile making a 90-degree turn ordriving through a roundabout.
•Wide trailers that have a total lengthgreater than 20 ft (6 m) could causedelayed alerts when a vehicle ispassing at high speeds.
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•Box trailers that have a width greaterthan 8.2 ft (2.5 m) could cause earlyalerts when you pass a vehicle.
•Clam shell or V-Nose box trailers witha width greater than 8.2 ft (2.5 m)could cause delayed alerts when avehicle traveling the same speed asyour vehicle merges lanes.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warninglamp illuminates and a message displays.See Information Messages (page 119).
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot informationsystem with trailer tow off by not selectinga trailer in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 115). In thiscase, the system turns off as long as atrailer is attached to your vehicle. As soonas you disconnect the trailer, the blind spotinformation system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warninglamp illuminates and the alert indicatorsflash twice.
Note:The system remembers the lasttrailer setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spotinformation system with trailer tow whenusing MyKey, but you can still change thetrailer settings. See MyKey™ (page 64).
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
WARNING: Do not use the crosstraffic alert system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder beforereversing out of a parking space. Thecross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehiclesapproaching from the sides behind yourvehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approachat a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreaseswhen the sensors are partially, mostly orfully obstructed. Slowly reversing helpsincrease the coverage area andeffectiveness.
The system turns on when you start theengine and you shift into reverse (R). Thesystem turns off when you shift out ofreverse (R).
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The sensor on the left-hand side is onlypartially obstructed and zone coverage onthe right-hand side is maximized.
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Zone coverage also decreases whenparking at narrow angles. The sensor onthe left-hand side is mostly obstructed andzone coverage on that side is severelyreduced.
Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumperon both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumperstickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
Note:Bike and cargo racks could causefalse alerts due to obstruction of the sensor.We recommend switching the feature offwhen using a bike or cargo rack.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display whenyou shift into reverse (R).
Cross Traffic Alert SystemLimitations
The system may not correctly operatewhen any of the following occur:
•The sensors are blocked.
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objectsare obstructing the sensors.
•Vehicles approach at speeds less than4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 mph(60 km/h).
•The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph(12 km/h).
•You reverse out of an angled parkingspace.
Cross Traffic Alert Behavior WhenTrailer is Attached
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with anapproved trailer tow module and tow bar,the system turns off when you attach atrailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
Cross traffic alert remains on when youattach a trailer in vehicles that come withblind spot information system with trailertow under the following conditions:
•You connect a trailer.
•The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rackwith a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).
•You set the trailer length to 3 ft (1 m)in the information display.
See Blind Spot Information System(page 259).
Switching the System On and Off
To switch the system on or off, adjust thesetting. Depending on your vehicle options,the setting could be in the following:
•Information display. See GeneralInformation (page 110).
•Touchscreen. See Settings (page 458).
Note:The system turns on every time youswitch the ignition on. To permanentlyswitch the system off, contact an authorizeddealer.
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Cross Traffic Alert Indicator
When the system detects anapproaching vehicle, a tonesounds, a warning lampilluminates in the relevant exterior mirrorand arrows appear in the informationdisplay to show which side theapproaching vehicle is coming from.
Note:If arrows do not display, a messageappears in the information display.
If the system malfunctions, a warning lampilluminates in the instrument cluster anda message appears in the informationdisplay. Have your vehicle checked as soonas possible.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the systemcould alert you, even when there is nothingin the detection zone, for example a vehiclepassing further away from your vehicle.
Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages
ActionMessage
Displays instead of indication arrows when the systemdetects a vehicle. Check for approaching traffic.Cross Traffic Alert
Indicates blocked cross traffic alert system sensors. Cleanthe sensors. If the message continues to appear, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not Avail-able Sensor Blocked SeeManual
The system has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.Cross Traffic SystemFault
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.Cross Traffic Alert Deac-tivated Trailer Attached
SPEED SIGN RECOGNITION (IF
EQUIPPED)
Principle of Operation
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: In cold and severeweather conditions the system may notfunction. Rain, snow and spray can alllimit sensor performance.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly if the sensor is blocked.Keep the windshield free fromobstruction.
The system is designed to detect speedlimit signs to inform you of the currentspeed limit. Detected speed signs appearin the information display. The sensor isbehind the interior mirror.
Note:Do not carry out windshield repairsin the immediate area surrounding thesensor.
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Note:Speed sign data provided by thenavigation system contains informationintegrated to the data carrier release.
Note:The system may not detect orcorrectly read all speed signs.
Note:If your vehicle has a suspension kitnot approved by us, the system may notcorrectly function.
Note:Always replace headlamp bulbs withthose specifically designed for your vehicle.Other bulbs could reduce systemperformance.
The system turns on when you switch theignition on, and you cannot switch thesystem off.
Using Speed Sign Recognition
Setting the System Speed Warning
You can set the system speed warning toalert you when the vehicle speed exceedsthe speed limit recognized by the systemby a certain speed tolerance.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
System Display
When the system detects a speed limitsign, the speed limit appears in theinformation display.
Note:If your vehicle has a navigationsystem, stored speed sign data couldinfluence the indicated speed limit value.
To switch the system off or to adjust thesettings, use the touchscreen:
1.Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2.Press Driver Assistance.
3.Press Speed Sign Recognition.
4.Press Speed Warning.
5.Press Tolerance.
6.Use + and - to set the tolerance.
Information Messages
ActionMessage
The traffic sign data provided by the navig-ation system is unavailable due to a weaksignal, or no signal. Wait for a short periodof time for the signal to improve. If themessage continues to appear, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Traffic Sign Reduced Performance SeeManual
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem, there is no fluid reservoir, nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle, this increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates withthe brake system to help operateadvanced stability control and accidentavoidance systems. Additionally, wheneverthe battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, you must drive yourvehicle a short distance before the systemrelearns the strategy and reactivates allsystems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
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