2023 FORD EXPLORER trailer

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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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:Using deep snow/sand mode on dry,hard surfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire wear.
ECO
For efficient driving. This modehelps deliver maximum fuelefficiency and helps to increasedriving range.
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This modeis a perfect balance ofexcitement, comfort andconvenience. This is the default mode aftereach ignition cycle.
SLIPPERY
For less than ideal roadconditions such as snow or icecovered roads. This mode lowersthrottle response, adjusts transmissionshift points, and optimizes vehicle stabilitycontrols to help mitigate wheel spin andmaintain vehicle control when driving inwinter conditions.
Note:Using slippery mode on dry, hardsurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire wear.
SPORT
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling andresponse. This mode increasesaccelerator pedal response, enhancessteering to provide a sportier feel, andadjusts transmission shift points for quickervehicle acceleration.
TOW/HAUL
For improved transmissionoperation when towing a traileror a heavy load. This modemoves upshifts to higher engine speeds toreduce the frequency of transmissionshifting. This mode also provides enginebraking in all forward gears, which slowsyour vehicle and assists you in controllingyour vehicle when descending a slope. Theamount of downshift braking providedvaries based on the amount you press thebrake pedal.
TRAIL
For off-road driving on muddy,rutted, soft, or uneven terrain.This mode lowers throttleresponse to enhance low speed vehiclecontrol when driving off road. Additionally,the mode optimizes traction and stabilitycontrol settings, helping the vehicle tomaintain forward momentum throughloose deformable surfaces.
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For correct roof rack system function, youmust place loads directly on crossbarsaffixed to the roof rack side rails. Whenusing the roof rack system, we recommendyou use Ford Genuine Accessory crossbarsdesigned specifically for your vehicle.
Make sure that you securely fasten theload. Check the tightness of the loadbefore driving and at each fuel stop.
Note: Never place loads directly on the roofpanel. The roof panel is not designed todirectly carry a load.
Maximum Recommended LoadAmounts
Note:The maximum recommended loadis based on the load being evenly distributedon the crossbars.
Maximum Recommended LoadDescription
75 lb (35 kg)Vehicles with Moonroof
165 lb (75 kg)Vehicles without Moonroof
Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped)
1.Loosen the crossbar bolt by using thesupplied tool or similar tool.
2.Move the crossbar to the new position.
3.Tighten the bolt by using the suppliedtool or similar tool.
Note:For less wind noise and betteraerodynamics, only install the crossbarswhen you need them for carrying cargo.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with andwithout a Trailer
This section guides you in the
proper loading of your vehicle,trailer, or both. Keep your loadedvehicle weight within its designrating capability, with or withouta trailer. Properly loading yourvehicle provides maximum returnof vehicle design performance.Before you load your vehicle,become familiar with thefollowing terms for determiningyour vehicle’s weight rating, withor without a trailer, from thevehicle’s Tire and LoadingInformation label or SafetyCompliance Certification label.
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Tire and Loading Label InformationExample:
Payload
Payload is the combined weightof cargo and passengers that yourvehicle is carrying. The maximumpayload for your vehicle appearson the Tire and Loading label. Thelabel is either on the B-pillar or theedge of the driver door. Vehiclesexported outside the US andCanada may not have a tire andloading label. Look for “Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg OR XXX lb” for maximumpayload. The payload listed on theTire and Loading Information label
is the maximum payload for yourvehicle as built by the assemblyplant. If you install any additionalequipment on your vehicle, youmust determine the new payload.Subtract the weight of theequipment from the payload listedon the Tire and Loading label.When towing, trailer tongueweight or king pin weight is alsopart of payload.
WARNING: Theappropriate loading capacity ofyour vehicle can be limited eitherby volume capacity (how muchspace is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight thevehicle should carry). Once youhave reached the maximumpayload of your vehicle, do notadd more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehiclecan contribute to loss of vehiclecontrol and vehicle rollover.
GAWR (Gross Axle WeightRating)
GAWR is the maximum allowableweight that a single axle (front orrear) can carry. These numbersare on the Safety ComplianceCertification label. The label islocated on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver seating position.
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The total load on each axle mustnever exceed its Gross AxleWeight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle WeightRating)
GVWR is the maximum allowableweight of the fully loaded vehicle.This includes all options,equipment, passengers and cargo.It appears on the SafetyCompliance Certification label.The label is located on the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driverseating position.
The gross vehicle weight mustnever exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING: Exceeding theSafety Compliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight limits canadversely affect theperformance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in theloss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes should
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