2023 FORD EXPLORER warning light

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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WARNING: The system does notdetect vehicles that are driving in adifferent direction, cyclists or animals.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notoperate during hard acceleration orsteering. Failure to take care may leadto a crash or personal injury.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection. Forexample low or direct sunlight, inclementweather, unconventional vehicle types,and pedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
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.
WARNING: The system cannothelp prevent all crashes. Do not rely onthis system to replace driver judgmentand the need to maintain a safe distanceand speed.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Using the Pre-Collision AssistSystem
The system is active at speeds aboveapproximately 3 mph (5 km/h) andpedestrian detection is active at speedsup to 50 mph (80 km/h).
If your vehicle is rapidly approachinganother stationary vehicle, a vehicletraveling in the same direction as yours, ora pedestrian within your driving path, thesystem design provides three levels offunctionality:
1.Alert.
2.Brake Support.
3.Active Braking.
Alert: When active, a flashing visualwarning appears and an audible warningtone sounds.
Brake Support: The system design helpsreduce the impact speed by preparing thebrakes for rapid braking. Brake supportdoes not automatically apply the brakes.If you press the brake pedal, the systemcould apply additional braking up tomaximum braking force, even if you lightlypress the brake pedal.
Active Braking: Active braking mayactivate if the system determines that acollision is imminent. The system may helpthe driver reduce impact damage or avoidthe crash completely.
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Adjustable Load Floor (If Equipped)
Vehicles with the standard size spare tirecan adjust the load floor to two positions.At the high position, you can place the frontof the load floor on the ledge behind therear seat and on the ledge of the liftgatescuff trim. At the low position, you can tuckthe front of the load floor into the lowerforward area of the spare tire cover andrest the load floor on top of the spare tirecover, or spare tire cover weather mat.
CARGO NETS
WARNING: This net is not designedto restrain objects during a collision orheavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objectsin the cargo area. Attach the net to theanchors provided. Repeat the attachmenton both sides of the vehicle.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING: When loading the roofracks, we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well as maintaina low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,with higher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions, suchas slower speeds and increased stoppingdistance, when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
Note: See RecommendedTowing Weights (page 284).
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 305).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop and loadcapacity. When both theloaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page277).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
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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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•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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4.You can attempt to start the vehicleby pressing the brake pedal andSTART/STOP, or press START/STOPwithout pressing the brake pedal.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeatsteps 1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING: Batteries normallyproduce explosive gases which cancause personal injury. Therefore, do notallow flames, sparks or lightedsubstances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, alwaysshield your face and protect your eyes.Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: Keep batteries out ofreach of children. Batteries containsulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin,eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes whenworking near the battery to protectagainst possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skinor eyes, flush immediately with water fora minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed,call a physician immediately.
WARNING: Use only adequatelysized cables with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start yourautomatic transmission vehicle.
Note:Attempting to push-start a vehiclewith an automatic transmission may causetransmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure thetwo vehicles do not touch.
Locating the Jump StartingConnection Points
1.Open the hood. See Opening andClosing the Hood (page 315).
2.Remove the access cover.
3.Remove the red protective cover fromthe positive lead jump connectionpoint.
4.Locate the negative jump connectionpoint on the rear mounting bolt for thecross brace, as shown.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNING: If the engine is runningwhile the hood is open, stay clear ofmoving engine components. Failure tofollow this warning could result in seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not connect thenegative jumper cable to any other partof your vehicle. Use the ground point.
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8.Install the air filter housing cover.
9.Engage the clips to secure the air filterhousing cover to the air filter housing.
10.Reconnect the boot to the air filterhousing cover and torque to 3.69 lb.ft(5 Nm).
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 476).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and the MAX marks onthe coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -29°F (-34°C) and -35°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
WARNING: Do not add coolantwhen the vehicle is on or the coolingsystem is hot. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine ison or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10minutes for the cooling system to cooldown. Cover the coolant reservoir capwith a thick cloth to prevent thepossibility of scalding and slowly removethe cap. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
WARNING: Do not put coolant inthe windshield washer reservoir. Ifsprayed on the windshield, coolant couldmake it difficult to see through thewindshield.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable.
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