2023 FORD EXPLORER overheating

CRUISE CONTROL - VEHICLES
WITH: STOP AND GO
See How Does Adaptive Cruise ControlWith Stop and Go Work (page 241).
INFORMATION DISPLAY
CONTROL
See Information Displays (page 110).
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (IF
EQUIPPED)
The heated steering wheel button is on theclimate controls.
Press the button to switch theheated steering wheel on andoff.
Note:You can use the heated steeringwheel only when the engine is running.
Note:The system uses a sensor and isdesigned to control the temperature of thesteering wheel and to prevent it fromoverheating.
Note:In warm temperatures, the steeringwheel quickly reaches its maximumtemperature and the system reduces thecurrent to the heating element. This couldcause you to think that the system hasstopped working but it has not. This isnormal.
HORN
Press on the center of thesteering wheel near the horn iconto activate the horn.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingSteering WheelE289570 E280795 E256621 E270945

Transmission
ActionMessage
You switched the engine off and shift select lever is in any positionother than park (P).Shift to Park
Transmission is too cold. Wait for it to warm up before you drive.TransmissionWarming UpPlease Wait
Displays when the brake pedal needs to be depressed.Press Brake Pedal
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’s possible.Transmission OverTemperature StopSafely
Have the system checked as soon as possible.TransmissionService Required
The transmission is overheating and needs to cool. Stop in a safeplace as soon as it’s possible.Transmission TooHot Press Brake
The transmission has limited functionality. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.TransmissionLimited FunctionSee Manual
A reminder to shift into park. In addition, this message is typicalafter reconnecting or recharging the battery until you cycle theignition to the on mode. See Changing the 12V Battery (page329).
Transmission Notin Park
Displays when there is a system fault and the park brake needs tobe depressed before exiting the vehicle. Have the system checkedas soon as possible.
SHIFT SYS FAULTConfirm ParkBrake Apply BeforeExiting the Vehicle
Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTService Required
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto park. Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTVehicle is Shiftingto Park
Displays when there is a system fault while the vehicle is shiftingto reverse. Have the system checked as soon as possible.SHIFT SYS FAULTReverse Unavail-able ServiceRequired
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

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

Note:If programming a garage door openeror gate operator, it is advised to unplug thedevice during the “cycling” process toprevent possible overheating.
PROGRAMMING THE GARAGE
DOOR OPENER TO YOUR
HAND-HELD TRANSMITTER
This process is to program your in-vehicleHomeLink function button with yourhand-held transmitter.
Note:The programming steps belowassume you will be programming HomeLinkthat was not previously programmed. If yourHomeLink was previously programmed, youmay need to erase your HomeLink buttons.See Clearing the Garage Door Opener(page 162).
1.With your vehicle parked outside of thegarage, switch your ignition to the onposition, but do not start your vehicle.
2.Press and release one of the threeHomeLink function buttons that youwould like to program.
3.Hold your hand-held garage doortransmitter 1–3 in (2–8 cm) away fromthe HomeLink button you want toprogram.
4.Press and hold the hand-heldtransmitter button you want toprogram while watching the indicatorlight on HomeLink. Continue to holdthe hand-held button until theHomeLink indicator light flashes rapidlyor is continuously on.
Note:You may need to use a differentmethod if you live in Canada or havedifficulties programming your gate operatoror garage door opener. See Programmingthe Garage Door Opener to Your GateOpener Motor (page 162).
5.Press and hold the HomeLink buttonyou programmed for two seconds, thenrelease. You may need to do this twiceto activate the door.
Note:If the indicator light stays on, theprogramming is complete.
Note:If the HomeLink indicator flashesrapidly, repeat step 5.
Note:If your device still does not operate,you must program your garage door. SeeProgramming the Garage Door Opener toYour Garage Door Opener Motor (page161).
6.To program additional buttons, repeatSteps 1 – 4.
PROGRAMMING THE GARAGE
DOOR OPENER TO YOUR
GARAGE DOOR OPENER
MOTOR
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingGarage Door Opener (If Equipped)E188212 E142659

1.Press the learn button on the garagedoor opener motor, you have 30seconds to complete the next twosteps.
2.Return to your vehicle.
3.Press and hold one of the threeHomeLink function buttons you wantto program for two seconds, thenrelease. Repeat this step. Dependingon your brand of garage door opener,you may need to repeat this sequencea third time.
PROGRAMMING THE GARAGE
DOOR OPENER TO YOUR GATE
OPENER MOTOR
Gate Operator / CanadianProgramming
Canadian radio-frequency laws requiretransmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)after several seconds of transmission –which may not be long enough forHomeLink to pick up the signal duringprogramming. Similar to this Canadian law,some U.S. gate operators “time-out” in thesame manner.
Note:If programming a garage door openeror gate operator, it is advised to unplug thedevice during the “cycling” process toprevent possible overheating.
1.Press and release, every two seconds,your hand-held transmitter until theHomeLink indicator light changes to arapidly blinking or continuously on light.
2.Release the hand-held transmitterbutton.
3.Press and hold the HomeLink functionbutton you want to program for twoseconds, then release. You may needto do this twice to activate the door.
Note:If the indicator light stays on, theprogramming is complete.
Note:If the HomeLink indicator flashesrapidly, repeat Step 3.
Note:If your device still does not operate,you must program your garage door. SeeProgramming the Garage Door Opener toYour Garage Door Opener Motor (page161).
4.To program additional buttons, repeatSteps 1 – 4.
CLEARING THE GARAGE DOOR
OPENER
1.Press and hold the outer two functionbuttons simultaneously forapproximately 10 seconds until theindicator light above the buttonsflashes rapidly.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingGarage Door Opener (If Equipped)E188212 E188213

Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts causes an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles could make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you willuse. Do not drive over the crest of a hillwithout seeing what conditions are on theother side. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn aroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power can causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950 E143949

WARNING: Pay close attention tochanging road conditions such asentering or leaving a highway, on roadswith intersections or roundabouts, roadswithout visible lanes of travel, roads thatare winding, slippery, unpaved, or steepslopes.
WARNING: The system does notcontrol speed in low traction conditionsor extremely steep slopes. The systemis designed to be an aid and does notrelieve you of your responsibility to drivewith due care and attention. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: The system is not acrash warning or avoidance system.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwhen towing a trailer that hasaftermarket electronic trailer brakecontrols. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not use tire sizesother than those recommended becausethis can affect the normal operation ofthe system. Failure to do so may resultin a loss of vehicle control, which couldresult in serious injury.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwith a snow plow blade installed.
WARNING: Do not use the systemin poor visibility, for example fog, heavyrain, spray or snow.
When Following a Vehicle
WARNING: When following avehicle that is braking, your vehicle doesnot always decelerate quickly enough toavoid a crash without driver intervention.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when thesystem is active in situations such asprolonged downhill driving on steepgrades, for example in mountainous areas.The system needs additional enginebraking in these situations to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent it from overheating.
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes foran extended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES
WITH: LANE CENTERING
Adaptive cruise control limitations applyto lane centering unless stated otherwiseor contradicted by a lane centeringlimitation. See Adaptive Cruise ControlLimitations (page 243).
The system may not correctly operate inany of the following conditions:
•The lane is too narrow or wide.
•The system does not detect at leastone lane marking or when lanes mergeor split.
•Limited steering torque input is applied.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingAdaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem, there is no fluid reservoir, nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle, this increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage tothe steering system. You do not lose theability to steer your vehicle manually.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool and return tonormal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning (If Equipped)
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates withthe brake system to help operateadvanced stability control and accidentavoidance systems. Additionally, wheneverthe battery is disconnected or a newbattery installed, you must drive yourvehicle a short distance before the systemrelearns the strategy and reactivates allsystems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingDriving Aids