Drive Mode Control
What Is Drive Mode Control....................273
How Does Drive Mode Control Work.........................................................................273
Selecting a Drive Mode.............................273
Drive Modes...................................................273
Load Carrying
General Information...................................275
Rear Under Floor Storage........................275
Cargo Nets.....................................................276
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................276
Load Limit.......................................................277
Towing
Towing a Trailer...........................................283
Trailer Sway Control..................................284
Recommended Towing Weights..........284
Essential Towing Checks.........................285
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels.....287
Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance..............288
Cold Weather Precautions......................288
Breaking-In...................................................288
Driving Economically................................288
Driving Through Shallow Water............289
Floor Mats.....................................................289
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................291
Hazard Flashers...........................................292
Fuel Shutoff..................................................292
Jump Starting the Vehicle.......................293
Collision, Damage or Fire Event............295
Post-Crash Alert System.........................296
Transporting the Vehicle.........................296
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need.............298
In California (U.S. Only)...........................299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)....................300
Utilizing the Mediation/ArbitrationProgram (Canada Only).......................301
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. andCanada........................................................301
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)........................................................................303
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)........................................................................303
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart.........................305
Changing a Fuse...........................................313
Maintenance
General Information...................................315
Opening and Closing the Hood..............315
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................316
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L...................317
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L...................318
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™.........................................................................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L.........................319
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L..........................319
Engine Oil Check..........................................319
Oil Change Indicator Reset.....................320
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3LEcoBoost™................................................321
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L........................................................................322
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L....323
Engine Coolant Check..............................324
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check........................................................................328
Brake Fluid Check.......................................328
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents
Brake fluid - non petroleumbased
Brake system
Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Electric Parking brake
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning
Fasten seatbelt
Flammable
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Headlamp high beams
Headlamps on
Heated rear window
Hill descent control
Horn control
Interior luggage compartmentrelease
Jack
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingIntroductionE139209 E67024 E270480 E139223 E139211 E141128 E332905 E139219 E139212 E103308 E67022 E139221 E139228 E71880 E231160 E139214 E75790 E67019 E270968 E163171 E270945 E139231
AT A GLANCE - ST
Exterior
•Front and rear fascias feature uniqueST grille and unique finish.
•ST badging in front grille and on rearliftgate.
•Trim features unique ST gloss blackfinish.
•E-X-P-L-O-R-E-R lettering acrosshood.
•Blackout treatment on headlight andtaillight lenses.
Interior
•Unique ST interior trim.
•Ford Performance sill plates.
•ST flat-bottom steering wheel withintegrated transmission shift paddlecontrols.
•Selectable Drive Mode controller with7 settings (Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail,Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand andTow/Haul).
•Unique electronic sound enhancementin Sport Selectable Drive Mode.
Chassis
•Unique ST-tuned suspension featuring32 N/mm front coil springs and a 34mm hollow front stabilizer bar and 106N/mm rear coil springs and a 21.7 mmhollow rear stabilizer bar.
•Standard ST brake system consists of345 mm diameter vented front rotorswith two piston calipers and low-dustlinings; 326 mm solid rear rotors withsingle-piston brake calipers andelectric integrated park brake with lowdust linings.
•Optional ST braking system includes363 mm diameter vented front rotorswith heavy duty two-piston calipersand low-dust linings; 350 mm diametervented rear rotors with heavy-dutysingle-piston brake calipers andelectric integrated park brake withlow-dust linings; system requires 21 x9-inch wheels and P275/45R21all-season tires.
•Optional low-metallic brake linings areincluded with optional P275/45R21summer tire (late availability).
•ST-tuned electric power assist steeringrack and pinion.
•AdvanceTrac with stabilityenhancement system with four modes:Default, Traction Control Off, Sport andDisabled.
•Aluminum ST 20 in (50.8 cm) x 8.5 in(21.6 cm) wheels standard; 21 in(53.3 cm) x 9 in (22.9 cm) wheelsoptional.
•P255/55R20 all-season tires oroptional P275/45R21 all-season tires.
Powertrain
•3.0L V6 DOHC GTDI engine, 400horsepower, 415 lb-ft.
•10R60 10-speed automatictransmission with SelectShift manualshift mode.
•3.58 axle ratios.
•Unique transmission calibration inSport Selectable Drive Mode.
•Dual exhaust with quad-tip outlets.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingAt a Glance
On (white light): Illuminates when youswitch on the adaptive cruise controlsystem. Turns off when you switch thecruise control system off.
Engaged (green light): Illuminates whenyou engage the adaptive cruise controlsystem. Turns off when you disengage thecruise control system.
Anti-Lock Braking System
If it illuminates when you aredriving, this indicates a systemerror. You continue to have thenormal braking (without ABS) unless thebrake system warning lamp alsoilluminates. Have the system checked.
Automatic High Beam Control
Illuminates when this feature ison. See What Is AutomaticHigh Beam Control (page 92).
Auto Hold Active
Illuminates when the systemholds your vehicle stationary.
Auto Hold Unavailable
Illuminates when the system ison, but unavailable to hold yourvehicle stationary.
Auto Start-stop (If Equipped)
Illuminates when the engineshuts down or in conjunctionwith a message.
Battery
If it illuminates while driving, itindicates a system error.Immediately switch off allunnecessary electrical equipment andhave the system checked.
Blind Spot Monitor
Illuminates when you switch thisfeature off or in conjunction witha message. See Blind SpotInformation System (page 259).
Brake System Warning Lamp
WARNING: Driving your vehiclewith the warning lamp on is dangerous.A significant decrease in brakingperformance may occur. It may take youlonger to stop your vehicle. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Driving extended distances with theparking brake engaged can cause brakefailure and the risk of personal injury.
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
This lamp is a dual function lamp andilluminates when:
•You apply the parking brake with theignition on.
•Your vehicle has a brake fault or lowbrake fluid level, regardless of parkingbrake position.
If the lamp illuminates when youare moving, you may have theparking brake applied. Make surethe parking brake is off. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon aspossible if the lamp continues toilluminate.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE67020 E146105 E197933 E322410 E197934 E322411 E121377 E67021 E151262 E270480 E67024
Cruise Control (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch thisfeature on.
Direction Indicator
Illuminates when you switch onthe left or right directionindicator or the hazard flasher. Ifthe indicators stay on or flash faster, checkfor a burned out bulb. See Changing aBulb (page 337).
Door Ajar
Illuminates when the ignition ison and any door is notcompletely closed.
Electric Park Brake
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
Illuminates or flashes when theelectric parking brake has asystem error. See ElectricParking Brake (page 211).
Engine or Motor CoolantTemperature
Illuminates when your vehiclecoolant temperature is high.Stop your vehicle as soon aspossible, switch off your vehicle and let itcool. See Engine Coolant Check (page324).
Engine Oil
If it illuminates with the enginerunning or when you are driving,this indicates a system error.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so and switch the engine off. Check theengine oil level. See Engine Oil Check(page 319).
Note:Do not resume your journey if itilluminates despite the level being correct.Immediately have the system checked.
Fasten Seatbelt
Illuminates and a tone soundsto remind you to fasten yourseatbelt. See SeatbeltReminder (page 42).
Fasten Rear Seatbelt
Illuminates and a tone soundsto signal the rear seatbelts arenot fastened.
Front Airbag
If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, continuesto flash or remains on when theengine is running, this indicates amalfunction. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
Front Fog Lamps (If Equipped)
Illuminates when you switch thefront fog lamps on.
High Beam
Illuminates when you switch thehigh beam headlamps on. Itflashes when you use theheadlamp flasher.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInstrument ClusterE71340 E67018 E146190 E67024 E103308 E67022 E71880 E206718 E67017 E67019
Lane Keeping System
ActionMessage
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soonas possible.Lane Keeping Sys.MalfunctionService Required
The system has detected a condition that has caused the systemto be temporarily unavailable.Front CameraTemporarily NotAvailable
The system has detected a condition that requires the windshieldto be cleaned to operate properly.Front Camera LowVisibility CleanScreen
The system has malfunctioned. Have the system checked as soonas possible.Front CameraMalfunctionService Required
The system requests the driver to keep their hands on the steeringwheel.Keep Hands onSteering Wheel
Maintenance
ActionMessage
Stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.Check the oil level. If the warning stays on or continues to come onwith your engine running, have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Low Engine OilPressure
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed soon.Change Engine OilSoon
The engine oil life is low and needs to be changed immediately.Oil ChangeRequired
The brake fluid level is low and the brake system should beinspected immediately. See Brake Fluid Check (page 328).Brake Fluid LevelLow
The brake system needs servicing. Stop the vehicle in a safe place.Contact an authorized dealer.Check BrakeSystem
The engine coolant temperature is excessively high.Engine CoolantOver Temperature
The washer fluid is low and needs to be refilled.Washer Fluid LevelLow
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: Extended idling at highengine speeds can produce very hightemperatures in the engine and exhaustsystem, creating the risk of fire or otherdamage.
WARNING: Do not park, idle ordrive your vehicle on dry grass or otherdry ground cover. The emission systemheats up the engine compartment andexhaust system, creating the risk of fire.
WARNING: Do not start the enginein a closed garage or in other enclosedareas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Alwaysopen the garage door before you startthe engine. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks mayresult in entry of harmful and potentiallylethal fumes into the passengercompartment. If you smell exhaustfumes inside your vehicle, have yourvehicle inspected immediately. Do notdrive if you smell exhaust fumes.
The powertrain control system meets allCanadian interference-causing equipmentstandard requirements regulating theimpulse electrical field or radio noise.
Note:If you use your vehicle regularly abovethe altitude of 7,500 ft (2,286 m) and underthe temperature of -4.0°F (-20°C), it isrecommended to use the alternative engineoil. See Capacities and Specifications(page 378).
If you disconnect the battery, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics for approximately 6 mi(10 km) after you reconnect it. This isbecause the engine management systemmust realign itself with the engine. You candisregard any unusual drivingcharacteristics during this period.
When you start the engine, avoid pressingthe accelerator pedal before and duringoperation. Only use the accelerator pedalwhen you have difficulty starting theengine.
IGNITION SWITCH
0 (off) - The ignition is off.
Note: When you switch the ignition off andleave your vehicle, do not leave your key inthe ignition. This could cause your vehiclebattery to lose charge.
I (accessory) - Allows the electricalaccessories, such as the radio, to operatewhile the engine is not running.
Note: Do not leave the ignition key in thisposition for too long.This could cause yourvehicle battery to lose charge.
II (on) - All electrical circuits areoperational and the warning lamps andindicators illuminate.
III (start) - Cranks the engine.
168
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStarting and Stopping the EngineE304650
Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 orregular unleaded gasoline blended with amaximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those inhigh altitude areas, offer fuels posted asregular unleaded gasoline with an octanerating below 87. The use of these fuelscould result in engine damage that will notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engineperformance, premium fuel with an octanerating of 91 or higher is recommended. Theperformance gained by using premium fuelis most noticeable in hot weather as wellas other conditions, for example whentowing a trailer. See Towing (page 283).
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if theengine knocks heavily while using fuel withthe recommended octane rating, contactan authorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
We recommend Top Tier detergentgasolines, where available to help minimizeengine deposits and maintain optimalvehicle and engine performance. Foradditional information, refer towww.toptiergas.com.
Note:Use of any fuel for which the vehiclewas not designed can impair the emissioncontrol system, cause loss of vehicleperformance, and cause damage to theengine which may not be covered by thevehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuels containing more than 85%ethanol or E100 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel isprohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Switching Between E85 andGasoline
We do not recommend repeatedlyalternating between E85 and gasoline. Ifyou switch from using E85 to gasoline, orfrom gasoline to E85, add as much fuel aspossible, at least half a tank. Drive yourvehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi(8 km) to allow it to adapt to the changein ethanol concentration. If you use E85exclusively, we recommend that you fillthe fuel tank with regular unleadedgasoline at each scheduled oil change.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and RefuelingE161513