2023 FORD EXPLORER four wheel drive

Auxiliary Power Points
Auxiliary Power Points...............................164
Wireless Accessory Charger
What Is the Wireless Accessory Charger........................................................................166
Wireless Accessory Charger Precautions........................................................................166
Locating the Wireless Accessory Charger........................................................................166
Charging a Wireless Device.....................166
Storage Compartments
Cup Holders...................................................167
Overhead Console.......................................167
Starting and Stopping theEngine
General Information...................................168
Ignition Switch..............................................168
Keyless Starting...........................................169
Starting a Gasoline Engine......................169
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System..........................................................................172
Engine Block Heater....................................174
Unique Driving Characteristics
Auto-Start-Stop...........................................176
Hybrid Vehicle Operation - HybridElectric Vehicle (HEV)...........................178
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently AskedQuestions - Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV)..........................................................180
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions......................................181
Fuel Quality - E85........................................181
Fuel Quality - Gasoline..............................183
Fuel Filler Funnel Location.......................183
Running Out of Fuel...................................183
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV)...........................................185
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)........................................................................188
Fuel Consumption........................................191
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law................................................192
Catalytic Converter.....................................193
High Voltage Battery
General Information - Hybrid ElectricVehicle (HEV)...........................................196
Transmission
Automatic Transmission...........................197
Four-Wheel Drive
Principle of Operation...............................203
Using Four-Wheel Drive...........................203
Rear Axle
Limited Slip Differential...........................209
Brakes
General Information...................................210
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes..........................................................................211
Electric Parking Brake..................................211
Hill Start Assist.............................................213
Auto Hold........................................................214
Reverse Braking Assist
What Is Reverse Braking Assist..............216
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions......216
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On andOff..................................................................217
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist.........217
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators..........217
Reverse Braking Assist –Troubleshooting.......................................218
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents

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

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

4WD
ActionMessage
The four wheel drive system has automatically disabled itself dueto the system overheating.4WD TemporarilyDisabled
The four wheel drive system is locking up the torque transfer clutchto help reduce clutch temperature.4WD TemporarilyLocked
Displays when the system automatically disables to protect itself.This may be caused by operating the vehicle with a mini spare tireinstalled, if the system detects dissimilar size tires, or if there is anissue with another vehicle system preventing 4WD operation. Thesystem resumes normal operation and clears this message afteryou cycle the ignition on and off and drive a short distance with theroad tire re-installed or after the other vehicle system issues areresolved.
4WD Off
Displays after the system cools and the four wheel drive systemresumes normal function.4WD Restored
The four wheel drive system is not operating properly and thepowertrain fault indicator illuminates. If the warning stays illumin-ated or continues to illuminate, contact an authorized dealer assoon as possible.
4WD Fault ServiceRequired
Displayed when the transfer case fluid requires service.Change 4WDPower TransferUnit Lube
Displayed when the transfer case fluid has been changed and resetto new.4WD PowerTransfer Unit LubeSet to New
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It hasthe ability to anticipate wheel slip andtransfer torque to the front wheels beforeslip occurs. Even when wheel slip is notpresent, the system is continuouslyadjusting to the torque distribution, in anattempt to improve straight line andcornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on everytime you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,a message appears in the informationdisplay.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The intelligent 4WD system continuouslymonitors vehicle conditions and adjuststhe power distribution between the frontand rear wheels. It combines transparentall-surface operation with highly capablefour-wheel drive.
The 4WD system is always active andrequires no driver input. It is capable ofhandling all road conditions includingstreet and highway driving as well asoff-road and winter driving. You canoptimize more 4WD control by selectingdifferent drive modes. See Selecting aDrive Mode (page 273).
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display when a 4WD systemfault is present. See InformationMessages (page 119). A 4WD system faultcauses the 4WD system to default torear-wheel drive only mode. When thiswarning message is displayed, have yourvehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:A warning message displays in theinformation display if the 4WD systemoverheats. See Information Messages(page 119). This condition could occur if thevehicle is operated in extreme conditionswith excessive wheel slip, such as deepsand. To resume normal 4WD function assoon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safelocation and stop the engine for at least 10minutes. After the engine is restarted andthe 4WD system is adequately cooled, thewarning message turns off and normal 4WDfunction returns.
Operating Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire otherthan the tire provided. If the mini-spare tireis installed, the 4WD system will disableand enter rear-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components. Somelimited 4WD traction could be provided ifthe mini-spare is installed on one of thefront wheels. If you are in driving conditionswhere limited 4WD traction is neededwhile the mini-spare is installed, it isrecommended the mini-spare be installedon the front axle. See InformationMessages (page 119).
If the mini-spare is installed, this conditionis indicated by a warning in the informationdisplay. If there is a warning message inthe information display from using thespare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling or replacing the normalroad tire and cycling the ignition off andon. We recommended reinstalling or
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

replacing the normal road tire as soon aspossible. Major dissimilar tire sizesbetween the front and rear axles couldcause the 4WD system to stop functioningand default to rear-wheel drive or damagethe 4WD system.
The slip response system could activate ifthe mini spare is installed on the frontwheels. If the mini spare was installed onthe rear wheels the slip response systemwill fully disable. In situations where thereis a wintery mix or an off road situation,and you need to use a mini spare, you mustinstall the mini spare in the front tireposition and move a full size tire to the reartire position for the slip response systemto function.
Operating Four-Wheel drive (4WD)Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacementtires and wheels that are the same size,load index, speed rating and type (suchas P-metric versus LT-metric orall-season versus all-terrain) as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Therecommended tire and wheel size maybe found on either the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixedto either the door hinge pillar, door-latchpost, or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driver'sseating position), or the Tire Label whichis located on the B-Pillar or edge of thedriver's door. If this information is notfound on these labels, then you shouldcontact your authorized dealer as soonas possible. Use of any tire or wheel notrecommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of your vehicle,which could result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the frontand rear axles (for example, 17 inch lowprofile tires on the front axle and 22 inchhigh profile tires on the rear axle) couldcause the 4WD system to stop functioningand default to rear-wheel drive or damagethe 4WD system.
For optimum 4WD Performance, it isrecommended to follow the tire rotationmaintenance schedule. To avoid potential4WD malfunction or 4WD system damage,it is recommended to replace all four tiresrather than mixing significantly worn tireswith new tires. For example, using 3 worntread tires and 1 new tread tire all of thesame original tire size/brand, can betolerated by the 4WD system as long asthe worn tires still have usable tread depth.
How Your Vehicle Differs fromOther Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ fromsome other vehicles. Your vehicle could behigher to allow it to travel over roughterrain without getting hung up ordamaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle soversatile also make it handle differentlythan an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at alltimes, especially in rough terrain. Sincesudden changes in terrain can result inabrupt steering wheel motion, make sureyou grip the steering wheel from theoutside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damagefrom concealed objects such as rocks andstumps.
You should either know the terrain orexamine maps of the area before driving.Map out your route before driving in thearea. To maintain steering and brakingcontrol of your vehicle, you must have allfour wheels on the ground and they mustbe rolling, not sliding or spinning.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Driving in Special Conditions WithFour-Wheel drive (4WD)
Note:Use of the 4WD system in slippery,deep snow, and sand drive modes on drysurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, or excessive tire wear asthese drive modes are intended for slipperyand loose surfaces.
Note:The design of 4WD vehicles are fordriving on sand, snow, mud and rough roadsand have operating characteristics that aresomewhat different from conventionalvehicles, both on and off the highway.
Basic Operating Principles in SpecialConditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicleback onto the pavement only afterreducing your speed. Do not turn thesteering wheel too sharply whilereturning to the road surface.
•It could be safer to stay on the apronor shoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You could lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often could be less risky to strikesmall objects, such as highwayreflectors, with minor damage to yourvehicle rather than attempt a suddenreturn to the pavement which couldcause the vehicle to slide sideways outof control or rollover. Remember, yoursafety and the safety of others shouldbe your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou leave your vehicle. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury or death.
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snowyou can rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle comes with AdvanceTrac®with Roll Stability Control™, it could bebeneficial to disengage the AdvanceTrac®with Roll Stability Control™ system whileattempting to rock the vehicle.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid"over-driving" your vehicle (forexample, turn the steering wheel onlyas rapidly and as far as required toavoid the emergency). Excessivesteering can result in less vehiclecontrol, not more. Additionally, smoothvariations of the accelerator and/orbrake pedal pressure should be utilizedif changes in vehicle speed are called
for. Avoid abrupt steering, accelerationor braking which could result in anincreased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.Use all available road surface to returnthe vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop,avoid skidding the tires and do notattempt any sharp steering wheelmovements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e., from concreteto gravel) there is a change in the waythe vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking).Again, avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance could be requiredfrom another vehicle. Remember, youcould be able to back out the way youcame if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability couldbe limited.
Note:Driving through deep water coulddamage your vehicle.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the hubs (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle could stall.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)