2023 FORD EXPLORER brakes

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 277).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
A weight distributing hitch is not requiredfor your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Safe control of towed vehicles requiresseparate functioning brake systems forvehicles and trailers weighing more than1,500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.Make sure all running lights, brake lights,direction indicators and hazard flashersare working.
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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•Do not add unnecessary accessoriesto the exterior of your vehicle, forexample running boards. If you use aroof rack, remember to fold it down orremove it when not in use.
•Do not shift into neutral when you arebraking or when your vehicle is slowingdown.
•Shut all windows when driving at highspeeds.
•Switch off all electric systems whennot in use, for example air conditioning.Make sure that you unplug anyaccessories from the auxiliary powerpoints when not in use.
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep or flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction couldbe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
•Horn
•Exterior lights
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingDriving Hints E266447

1.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safeto do so. Fully apply the parking brake,shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
2.Leave the engine running until thecoolant temperature gauge needlereturns to the normal position. If thetemperature does not drop afterseveral minutes, follow the remainingsteps.
3.Switch the engine off and wait for it tocool. Check the coolant level.
4.If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
5.If the coolant level is normal, restartthe engine and continue.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
If required, have an authorized dealer checkand change the transmission fluid at thecorrect service interval. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
The automatic transmission does not havea transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to your scheduled maintenanceinformation for scheduled intervals for fluidchecks and changes. Your transmissiondoes not consume fluid. However, if thetransmission slips, shifts slowly or if younotice a sign of leaking fluid, contact anauthorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmissionfluid additives, treatments or cleaningagents. The use of these materials mayaffect transmission operation and resultin damage to internal transmissioncomponents.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Only use brake fluidfrom a sealed container. Contaminationwith dirt, water, petroleum products orother materials may result in brakesystem damage or failure. Failure toadhere to this warning could result in theloss of vehicle control, serious personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not allow the fluidto touch your skin or eyes. If thishappens, rinse the affected areasimmediately with plenty of water andcontact your physician.
WARNING: The brake systemcould be affected if the brake fluid levelis below the MIN mark or above the MAXmark on the brake fluid reservoir.
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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.
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3
360 Degree Camera....................................237
4
4WDSee: Four-Wheel Drive.....................................203
9
911 Assist...........................................................55
A
A/CSee: Climate Control..........................................137About This Manual...........................................9ABSSee: Brakes...........................................................210ABS driving hintsSee: Hints on Driving With Anti-LockBrakes..................................................................211Accessories....................................................473AccessoriesSee: Replacement PartsRecommendation............................................12Active Park Assist........................................230Adaptive Cruise Control.............................241Adaptive Cruise Control –Troubleshooting............................................250Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -Vehicles With: Intelligent AdaptiveCruise Control............................................248Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -Vehicles With: Lane Centering............248Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators -Vehicles With: Stop and Go..................248Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -Vehicles With: Lane Centering.............242Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations -Vehicles With: Stop and Go..................243Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions -Vehicles With: Lane Centering..............241Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions -Vehicles With: Stop and Go...................241
Adaptive Cruise Control –Troubleshooting........................................250Adaptive Cruise Control – InformationMessages.........................................................250Adaptive Headlamps...................................89Adjusting the Headlamps.........................335Adjusting the Set SpeedTolerance.....................................................250Adjusting the Steering Wheel - VehiclesWith: Manual Adjustable SteeringColumn............................................................79Adjusting the Steering Wheel - VehiclesWith: Power Adjustable SteeringColumn............................................................79AFSSee: Adaptive Headlamps...............................89Airbag Disposal...............................................53Air ConditioningSee: Climate Control..........................................137Air FilterSee: Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™......................................................321See: Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.0L.....................................................................322See: Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.3L.....................................................................323AlarmSee: Anti-Theft Alarm.........................................77Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 10.1Inch Center Display Screen......................91Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 8 InchCenter Display Screen..............................90Anti-Theft Alarm.............................................77Appendices.....................................................531Apps.................................................................455At a Glance.......................................................20At a Glance - ST.............................................20Audible Warnings and Indicators...........109Audio Control...................................................81Audio System.................................................419General Information..........................................419Audio Unit.......................................................419Auto Hold.........................................................214Autolamps........................................................87Automatic Climate Control.......................137Automatic High Beam Control..................92Automatic High Beam ControlIndicators........................................................93
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Automatic Transmission............................197Automatic Transmission FluidCheck............................................................328Auto-Start-Stop............................................176Autowipers.......................................................83Auxiliary Power Points................................164
B
BatterySee: Changing the 12V Battery - Excluding:Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)..................329See: Changing the 12V Battery - Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV).................................................332Blind Spot Information System.............259BLISSee: Blind Spot Information System..........259Body Styling Kits.........................................346Bonnet LockSee: Opening and Closing the Hood...........315Booster Seats..................................................33Brake Fluid Check........................................328Brakes...............................................................210General Information..........................................210Breaking-In....................................................288Bulb Specification Chart............................412
C
Canceling the Set Speed..........................240Capacities and Specifications - 2.3LEcoBoost™.................................................384Capacities and Specifications -3.0L.................................................................391Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L,Gasoline.......................................................398Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L,Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).............405Capacities and Specifications................378Cargo Nets......................................................276Car WashSee: Cleaning the Exterior..............................340Catalytic Converter......................................193Changing a Bulb...........................................337Changing a Fuse............................................313Changing a Road Wheel...........................370Changing the 12V Battery - Excluding:Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)..............329
Changing the 12V Battery - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV).............................332Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™..................................................321Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.0L.................................................................322Changing the Engine Air Filter -3.3L.................................................................323Changing the Front Wiper Blades.........336Changing the Rear Wiper Blades...........337Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi HotspotName or Password...................................418Charging a Wireless Device......................166Checking MyKey System Status..............66Checking the Wiper Blades.....................336Child Restraint and SeatbeltMaintenance.................................................43Child Restraint Positioning.........................35Child Safety......................................................23General Information............................................23Child Safety Locks.........................................36Cleaning Leather Seats.............................343Cleaning Products.......................................339Cleaning the Engine.....................................341Cleaning the Exterior.................................340Cleaning the Instrument Panel andInstrument Cluster Lens.........................343Cleaning the Interior...................................342Cleaning the Wheels..................................344Cleaning the Windows and WiperBlades...........................................................342Clearing All MyKeys.......................................66Clearing the Garage Door Opener..........162Climate............................................................445Climate Control..............................................137Cold Weather Precautions.......................288Collision, Damage or Fire Event.............295Connected Vehicle.......................................414Connecting the Vehicle to a MobileNetwork.............................................................414Connected Vehicle Data...............................17Connected Vehicle Limitations...............414Connected Vehicle Requirements.........414Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting -Vehicles With: Modem.............................415Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting -Vehicles With: SYNC 3.............................416
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Exterior Mirrors - ST......................................96
F
Fastening the Seatbelts..............................39Flat TireSee: Changing a Road Wheel........................370Floor Mats......................................................289Fog Lamps - FrontSee: Front Fog Lamps........................................88Ford Credit.........................................................12Ford Protect...................................................474Four-Wheel Drive........................................203Principle of Operation......................................203Front Fog Lamps............................................88Front Parking Aid..........................................227Front Passenger Sensing System............48Front Wiper BladesSee: Changing the Front Wiper Blades......336Fuel and Refueling........................................181Fuel Consumption.........................................191Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................183Fuel Filter........................................................336Fuel Quality - E85.........................................181Fuel Quality - Gasoline...............................183Fuel Shutoff...................................................292Fuses................................................................305Fuse Specification Chart..........................305
G
Garage Door Opener...................................160Garage Door Opener Limitations...........160Garage Door Opener Precautions.........160Garage Door Opener RadioFrequencies.................................................163Gauges - Vehicles With: 12.3 InchInstrument Cluster DisplayScreen............................................................102Gauges - Vehicles With: 4.2 InchInstrument Cluster DisplayScreen...........................................................104Gauges - Vehicles With: 6.5 InchInstrument Cluster DisplayScreen.............................................................101GearboxSee: Transmission...............................................197
General Information on RadioFrequencies...................................................57General Maintenance Information........476Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada..........................................................301Getting the Services You Need..............298Global Opening...............................................95
H
Hazard Flashers............................................292Headlamp AdjustingSee: Adjusting the Headlamps.....................335Headlamp Exit Delay....................................87HeadrestSee: Head Restraints.........................................144Head Restraints............................................144Heated Exterior Mirrors...............................142Heated Rear Window..................................142Heated Seats.................................................156Heated Steering Wheel................................82Heated Windshield.......................................141HeatingSee: Climate Control..........................................137High Voltage Battery...................................196General Information - Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV).................................................196Hill Descent Control....................................224Hill Descent Control Indicator.................224Hill Start Assist..............................................213Hints on Controlling the InteriorClimate..........................................................139Hints on Driving With Anti-LockBrakes..............................................................211Hood LockSee: Opening and Closing the Hood...........315Horn.....................................................................82How Does 911 Assist Work..........................55How Does Adaptive Cruise Control WithStop and Go Work.....................................241How Does Drive Mode ControlWork...............................................................273How Does the Garage Door OpenerWork...............................................................160How Does the Rear Occupant AlertSystem Work...............................................158
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