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
The Safety Canopy will deploy duringsignificant side crashes or when a certainlikelihood of a rollover event is detectedby the rollover sensor. The Safety Canopyis mounted to the roof side-rail sheetmetal, behind the headliner, above eachrow of seats. In certain sideways crashesor rollover events, the Safety Canopy willbe activated, regardless of which seats areoccupied. The Safety Canopy is designedto inflate between the side window areaand occupants to further enhanceprotection provided in side impact crashesand rollover events.
The system consists of the following:
•Safety canopy curtain airbags abovethe trim panels over the front and rearside windows identified by a label orwording on the headliner or roof-pillartrim.
•A flexible headliner which opens abovethe side doors to allow air curtaindeployment
· Crash sensors and monitoringsystem with readiness indicator.See Crash Sensors and AirbagIndicator (page 52).
Always properly restrain children 12 yearsold and under in the rear seats. The SafetyCanopy will not interfere with childrenrestrained using a properly installed childor booster seat because it is designed toinflate downward from the headliner abovethe doors along the side window opening.
The design and development of the SafetyCanopy included recommended testingprocedures that were developed by agroup of automotive safety experts knownas the Side Airbag Technical WorkingGroup. These recommended testingprocedures help reduce the risk of injuriesrelated to the deployment of side airbags(including the Safety Canopy).
CRASH SENSORS AND
AIRBAG INDICATOR
WARNING: Modifying or addingequipment to the front of your vehiclecould affect the performance of theairbag system, increasing the risk ofinjury. This includes the hood, bumpersystem, frame, front body structure, towhooks, hood pins, push bar andsnowplows.
Your vehicle has a collection of crash andoccupant sensors which provideinformation to the restraints controlmodule. The restraints control moduledeploys (activates) the seatbeltpretensioners, driver airbag, passengerairbag, knee airbag(s), seat mounted sideairbags and the Safety Canopy. Based onthe type of crash, the restraints controlmodule deploys the appropriate safetydevices.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSupplementary Restraints System E75004 E67017
Car Finder
Press the button twice withinthree seconds. The horn soundsand the direction indicatorsflash. We recommend you use this methodto locate your vehicle, rather than usingthe panic alarm.
Sounding the Panic Alarm
Press the button to sound thepanic alarm. Press the buttonagain or switch the ignition on toturn it off.
Note:The panic alarm only operates whenthe ignition is off.
Remote Start (If Equipped)
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.
The remote start button is on theremote control.
This feature allows you to start yourvehicle from the outside. Your remotecontrol has an extended operating range.
If your vehicle has automatic climatecontrol, you can configure it to operatewhen you remote start your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 137).A manualclimate control system runs at the settingit was set to when you switched yourvehicle off.
Many states and provinces haverestrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provinciallaws for specific requirements regardingremote start systems.
The system does not work if:
•The ignition is on.
•The anti-theft alarm triggers.
•You disable the feature.
•The hood is open.
•The transmission is not in park (P).
•The battery voltage is below theminimum operating voltage.
•The service engine soon light is on.
Note: Do not use remote start if your fuellevel is low.
Remote Control Feedback (IfEquipped)
An LED on the remote control providesstatus feedback of remote start or stopcommands.
StatusLED
Remote startsuccessfulSolid green
Remote stopsuccessfulSolid red
Request failed orstatus not receivedBlinking red
Status incompleteBlinking green
Remote Starting Your Vehicle
Note: You must press each button withinthree seconds of each other. If you do notfollow this sequence, your vehicle does notstart remotely, the direction indicators donot flash twice and the horn does not sound.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingKeys and Remote ControlsE138623 E138624 E138625
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
You can use the power door lock controlor the remote control to lock and unlockyour vehicle.
Note:Do not use the door latch assemblyto attach any accessory, such as handles orsteps, as this can cause damage to yourvehicle.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock control is on the driverand front passenger door panels.
Unlock.A
Lock.B
Remote Control
You can use the remote control at anytime.
Unlocking the Doors
Press the button to unlock thedriver door.
Press the button again withinthree seconds to unlock all doors. Thedirection indicators flash.
Press and hold both the lock and unlockbuttons on the remote control for threeseconds to change between driver door orall doors unlock mode. The directionindicators flash twice to indicate a changeto the unlocking mode. Driver door mode
only unlocks the driver door when youpress the unlock button once. All doormode unlocks all doors when you pressthe unlock button once. The unlockingmode applies to the remote control,keyless entry keypad and intelligentaccess.
Locking the Doors
Press the button to lock alldoors. The direction indicatorsflash.
Press the button again within threeseconds to confirm that all the doorsclose. The doors lock again, the hornsounds and the direction indicators flashif all the doors and the liftgate close.
Mislock
If any door or the liftgate is open, or if thehood is open on vehicles with an anti-theftalarm or remote start, the horn soundstwice and the direction indicators do notflash.
Switching Mislock On and Off
1.Press Settings on the touchscreen.
2.Press Vehicle Settings.
3.Switch Mislock Chirp on or off.
Opening the Power Liftgate
Press the button twice withinthree seconds.
Opening a Rear Door from theInside
Pull the interior door handle twice tounlock and open a rear door. The first pullunlocks the door and the second pullopens the door.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingDoors and LocksE371493 E138629 E138623 E306276
PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT
SYSTEM
Note: The system is not compatible withnon-Ford aftermarket remote start systems.Use of these systems could result in vehiclestarting problems and a loss of securityprotection.
Note:Metallic objects, electronic devicesor a second coded key on the same keychain could cause vehicle starting problemsif they are too close to the key when startingthe engine. Prevent these objects fromtouching the coded key while starting theengine. Switch the ignition off, move allobjects on the key chain away from thecoded key and restart the engine if aproblem occurs.
Note:Do not leave a duplicate coded keyin the vehicle. Always take your keys andlock all doors when leaving the vehicle.
SecuriLock®
The system is an engine immobilizationsystem. It helps to prevent anyone fromstarting the engine without using a codedkey programmed to your vehicle. Using thewrong key could prevent the engine fromstarting. A message may appear in theinformation display.
If you are unable to start the engine with acorrectly coded key, there is a problem withthe system and a message could appearin the information display.
Automatic Arming
The vehicle arms immediately after youswitch the ignition off.
Automatic Disarming
Switching the ignition on with a coded keydisarms the vehicle.
Replacement Keys
Note:Your vehicle comes with twointegrated keyhead transmitters or twointelligent access keys.
The integrated keyhead transmitterfunctions as a programmed ignition keythat operates all the locks and starts thevehicle, as well as a remote control.
The intelligent access key functions as aprogrammed key that operates the driverdoor lock and activates the intelligentaccess with push button start system, aswell as a remote control.
If your programmed transmitters orstandard SecuriLock coded keys(integrated keyhead transmitters only) arelost or stolen and you do not have an extracoded key, you will need to have yourvehicle towed to an authorized dealer. Youneed to erase the key codes from yourvehicle and program new coded keys.
Store an extra programmed key away fromthe vehicle in a safe place to help preventany inconveniences. See your authorizeddealer to purchase additional spare orreplacement keys.
Programming a Spare IntelligentAccess Key (If Equipped)
See your authorized dealer to haveadditional keys programmed to yourvehicle.
ANTI-THEFT ALARM
The system will warn you of anunauthorized entry to your vehicle. It willbe triggered if any door, the luggagecompartment or the hood is openedwithout using the key, remote control orkeyless entry keypad.
The direction indicators will flash and thehorn will sound if unauthorized entry isattempted while the alarm is armed.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSecurity
ActionMessage
The blind spot information system and cross traffic alert systemsensors are blocked. See Cross Traffic Alert (page 263).Cross Traffic NotAvailable SensorBlocked SeeManual
A system error has occurred. Have the system checked as soon aspossible.Cross TrafficSystem Fault
The system automatically turns off and displays this message whenyou connect a trailer to the vehicle that does not have a trailer blindspot system or when you switch the trailer blind spot system offthrough the information display. See Cross Traffic Alert (page263).
Cross Traffic AlertDeactivated TrailerAttached
The system automatically turns off and displays this message whenyou connect a trailer to the vehicle that does not have a trailer blindspot system or when you switch the trailer blind spot system offthrough the information display. See Blind Spot InformationSystem (page 259).
Blind Spot AlertDeactivated TrailerAttached
Doors and Locks
ActionMessage
The driver door is not completely closed.Driver Door Ajar
The passenger door is not completely closed.Passenger DoorAjar
The rear left door is not completely closed.Rear Left Door Ajar
The rear right door is not completely closed.Rear Right DoorAjar
The liftgate is not completely closed.Liftgate Ajar
The hood is not completely closed.Hood Ajar
The system has disabled the door switches.Switches InhibitedSecurity Mode
Displays when the door lock is turned on and you attempt to openthe door.Doors LockedUnlock BeforeOpening
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays
could be required to steer your vehicle.When you switch the ignition off, someelectrical circuits, for example airbags,also turn off. If you unintentionally switchthe ignition off, shift into neutral (N) andrestart the engine.
1.Put the transmission into neutral (N)and use the brakes to bring your vehicleto a safe stop.
2.When your vehicle has stopped, putthe transmission in park (P).
3.Press and hold the push button ignitionswitch for one second, or press it threetimes within two seconds.
4.Apply the parking brake.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
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.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and then leave theengine idling for long periods of time, werecommend that you do one of thefollowing:
•Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Failure to follow engineblock heater instructions could result inproperty damage or serious personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not use your heaterwith ungrounded electrical systems ortwo-pronged adapters. There is a risk ofelectrical shock.
WARNING: Do not fully close thehood, or allow it to drop under its ownweight when using the engine blockheater. This could damage the powercable and may cause an electrical shortresulting in fire, injury and propertydamage.
Note:The heater is most effective whenoutdoor temperatures are below 0°F(-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid bywarming the engine coolant. This allowsthe climate control system to respondquickly. The equipment includes a heaterelement, installed in the engine block anda wire harness. You can connect thesystem to a grounded 120-volt ACelectrical source.
We recommend that you do the followingfor a safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cordthat is product certified byUnderwriter’s Laboratory (UL) orCanadian Standards Association(CSA). This extension cord must besuitable for use outdoors, in cold
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingStarting and Stopping the Engine
AUTO-START-STOP (IF EQUIPPED)
The system helps reduce fuel consumptionby automatically stopping and restartingthe engine when your vehicle has stopped.The engine restarts automatically whenyou release the brake pedal.
In some situations, your vehicle may restartautomatically, for example:
•To maintain interior comfort.
•To recharge the battery.
Note:Power assist steering turns off whenthe engine is off.
Note:If your vehicle is flex fuel capable,Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a shorttime after a refuel event while the systemis verifying the fuel type being used.
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: Apply the parkingbrake, shift into park (P), switch theignition off and remove the key beforeyou open the hood or have any serviceor repair work completed. If you do notswitch the ignition off, the engine couldrestart at any time. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injuryor death.
WARNING: The system mayrequire the engine to automaticallyrestart when the auto-start-stopindicator illuminates green or flashesamber. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury.
The Auto-Start-Stop system status isavailable at a glance within the informationdisplay. See Information Displays (page110).
Enabling Auto-Start-Stop
The system automatically enables everytime you start your vehicle if:
•You do not press the Auto-Start-Stopbutton (not illuminated).
•Your vehicle exceeds an initial speedof 3 mph (5 km/h) after you haveinitially started your vehicle.
•You have stopped your vehicle.
•Your foot is on the brake pedal.
•The driver door is closed.
•The interior compartment has cooledor warmed to an acceptable level.
•The front windshield defroster is off.
•You have not turned the steering wheelrapidly or you do not have it at a sharpangle.
•The vehicle is not on a steep roadgrade.
•The battery is within optimal operatingconditions (battery state of charge andtemperature in range).
•The engine coolant is near operatingtemperature.
•Elevation is below about 12,000 ft(3,650 m).
•Ambient temperature is moderate.
•The trailer is not connected.
•If you select Normal, Eco, Snow/Wetor Grass/Gravel/Snow modes.
•You are not in 4H or 4L.
•You have not selected Manual shiftmode.
•Hill descent control is not active.
•You have not selected Tow haul, Sport,Sand or Mud/Rut modes.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingUnique Driving Characteristics