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
6
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingTable of Contents
WARNING: Do not connectwireless plug-in devices to the data linkconnector. Unauthorized third partiescould gain access to vehicle data andimpair the performance of safety relatedsystems. Only allow repair facilities thatfollow our service and repair instructionsto connect their equipment to the datalink connector.
We respect your privacy and arecommitted to protecting it. Theinformation contained in this publicationwas correct at the time of release, but astechnology rapidly changes, werecommend that you visit the local Fordwebsite for the latest information.
Your vehicle has electronic control unitsthat have data recording functionality andthe ability to permanently or temporarilystore data. This data could includeinformation on the condition and status ofyour vehicle, vehicle maintenancerequirements, events and malfunctions.The types of data that can be recorded aredescribed in this section. Some of the datarecorded is stored in event logs or errorlogs.
Note:Error logs are reset following a serviceor repair.
Note:We may provide information inresponse to requests from law enforcement,other government authorities and thirdparties acting with lawful authority orthrough a legal process. Such informationcould be used by them in legal proceedings.
Data recorded includes, for example:
•Operating states of systemcomponents, for example fuel level,tire pressure and battery charge level.
•Vehicle and component status, forexample wheel speed, deceleration,lateral acceleration and seatbeltstatus.
•Events or errors in essential systems,for example headlamps and brakes.
•System responses to driving situations,for example airbag deployment andstability control.
•Environmental conditions, for exampletemperature.
Some of this data, when used incombination with other information, forexample an accident report, damage to avehicle or eyewitness statements, couldbe associated with a specific person.
Services That We Provide
If you use our services, we collect and usedata, for example account information,vehicle location and driving characteristics,that could identify you. We transmit thisdata through a dedicated, protectedconnection. We only collect and use datato enable your use of our services to whichyou have subscribed, with your consent orwhere permitted by law. For additionalinformation, see the terms and conditionsof the services to which you havesubscribed.
For additional information about ourprivacy policy, refer to the local Fordwebsite.
Services That Third PartiesProvide
We recommend that you review the termsand conditions and data privacyinformation for any services equipped withyour vehicle or to which you subscribe. Wetake no responsibility for services that thirdparties provide.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingData Privacy
Note:Event data recorder data is recordedby your vehicle only if a non-trivial crashsituation occurs; no data is recorded by theevent data recorder under normal drivingconditions and no personal data orinformation (for example name, gender,age, and crash location) is recorded.However, parties, such as law enforcement,could combine the event data recorder datawith the type of personally identifying dataroutinely acquired during a crashinvestigation.
To read data recorded by an event datarecorder, special equipment is required,and access to the vehicle or the event datarecorder is needed. In addition to thevehicle manufacturer, other parties, suchas law enforcement, that have such specialequipment, can read the information if theyhave access to the vehicle or the eventdata recorder.
SETTINGS DATA
Your vehicle has electronic control unitsthat have the ability to store data basedon your personalized settings. The data isstored locally in the vehicle or on devicesthat you connect to it, for example, a USBdrive or digital music player. You can deletesome of this data and also choose whetherto share it through the services to whichyou subscribe. See Settings (page 458).
Comfort and Convenience Data
Data recorded includes, for example:
•Seat and steering wheel position.
•Climate control settings.
•Radio presets.
Entertainment Data
Data recorded includes, for example:
•Music, videos or album art.
•Contacts and corresponding addressbook entries.
•Navigation destinations.
CONNECTED VEHICLE DATA
The modem has a SIM. Themodem was enabled when yourvehicle was built and periodicallysends messages to stay connected to thecell phone network, receive automaticsoftware updates and send vehicle-relatedinformation to us, for example diagnosticinformation. These messages couldinclude information that identifies yourvehicle, the SIM and the electronic serialnumber of the modem. Cell phone networkservice providers could have access toadditional information, for example cellphone network tower identification. Foradditional information about our privacypolicy, visit www.FordConnected.com orrefer to your local Ford website.
Note:The modem continues to send thisinformation unless you disable the modemor stop the modem from sharing vehicledata by changing the modem settings. SeeConnected Vehicle (page 414).
Note:The service can be unavailable orinterrupted for a number of reasons, forexample environmental or topographicalconditions and data plan coverage.
Note:To find out if your vehicle has amodem, visit www.FordConnected.com.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingData Privacy
MOBILE DEVICE DATA
If you connect a mobile device to yourvehicle, you can display data from yourdevice on the touchscreen for example,music and album art. You can share yourvehicle data with mobile apps on yourdevice through the system. See Apps(page 455).
The mobile apps function operates by yourconnected device sending data to us in theUnited States. The data is encrypted andincludes, for example, the vehicleidentification number of your vehicle, theSYNC module serial number, odometer,enabled apps, usage statistics anddebugging information. We retain it onlyas long as necessary to provide the service,to troubleshoot, for continuousimprovement and to offer you productsand services that may be of interest to youaccording to your preferences and whereallowed by law.
If you connect a cell phone to the system,the system creates a profile that links tothat cell phone. The cell phone profileenables more mobile features and efficientoperation. The profile contains, forexample data from your phonebook, readand unread text messages and call history,including history of calls when your cellphone was not connected to the system.
If you connect a media device, the systemcreates and retains a media device indexof supported media content. The systemalso records a short diagnostic log ofapproximately 10 minutes of all recentsystem activity.
The cell phone profile, media device indexand diagnostic log remain in your vehicleunless you delete them and are generallyaccessible only in your vehicle when youconnect your cell phone or media device.If you no longer plan to use the system oryour vehicle, we recommend you use themaster reset function to erase the storedinformation. See Settings (page 458).
System data cannot be accessed withoutspecial equipment and access to yourvehicle's module.
For additional information about ourprivacy policy, refer to the local Fordwebsite.
Note:To find out if your vehicle hasconnectivity technology, visitwww.FordConnected.com.
EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
DATA
When the emergency call system is active,it may disclose to emergency services thatyour vehicle has been in a crash involvingthe deployment of an airbag or activationof the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versionsor updates to the emergency call systemmay also be capable of electronically orverbally disclosing to emergency servicesoperators your vehicle location or otherdetails about your vehicle or crash to assistemergency services operators to providethe most appropriate emergency services.If you do not want to disclose thisinformation, do not activate the emergencycall system.
Note:You cannot deactivate emergencycall systems that are required by law.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingData Privacy
ActionMessage
Indicates a driver door fault that requires manually opening thedoor by the override lever. Have the system checked as soon aspossible.
Driver Door FaultUse Inside Over-ride Lever In MapPocket
Indicates a fault with the electronic door system. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.Door Fault ServiceRequired
There is a system malfunction with the child locks. Have the systemchecked as soon as possible.Child LockMalfunctionService Required
Indicates that the rear seat interior door release switches and powerwindows are switched off, preventing rear seat occupants fromopening the doors or windows.
Child Lock ON
Indicates that the rear seat interior door release switches and powerwindows are switched on, allowing the rear seat occupants to openthe doors and windows.
Child Lock OFF
The factory keypad code displays in the information display afterthe system resets the keypad. See Passive Anti-Theft System(page 77).
Factory KeypadCode {X X X X X}
Driver Alert
ActionMessage
Stop and rest as soon as it is safe to do so.Driver AlertWarning Rest Now
Take a rest soon.Driver AlertWarning RestSuggested
Fuel
ActionMessage
An early reminder of a low fuel condition.Fuel Level Low
The fuel fill inlet may not be properly closed.Check Fuel FillInlet
Wait for up to 15 seconds while the fuel system depressurizes.Fuel Door Opening
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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
WARNING: Battery posts,terminals and related accessoriescontain lead and lead compounds,chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancer andreproductive harm.Wash your handsafter handling.
WARNING: This vehicle may havemore than one battery. Removing thebattery cables from only one batterydoes not disconnect your vehicleelectrical system. Make sure youdisconnect the battery cables from allbatteries when disconnecting power.Failure to do so may cause seriouspersonal injury or property damage.
WARNING: For vehicles withAuto-Start-Stop the battery requirementis different. You must replace the batterywith one of exactly the samespecification.
The battery is in the engine compartment.See Under Hood Overview (page 317).
Your vehicle has a maintenance-freebattery. It does not require additionalwater during service.
If the vehicle battery has a cover and venthose, make sure you correctly install it aftercleaning or replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry and thebattery cables tightly fastened to thebattery terminals. If any corrosion ispresent on the battery or terminals, removethe cables from the terminals and cleanwith a wire brush. You can neutralize theacid with a solution of baking soda andwater.
We recommend that you disconnect thenegative battery cable terminal from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period.
Note:If you only disconnect the negativebattery cable terminal, make sure it isisolated or placed away from the batteryterminal to avoid unintended connection orarcing.
If you replace the battery make sure itmatches the electrical requirements ofyour vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, it must relearn its adaptivestrategy. Because of this, the transmissionmay shift firmly when first driven. This isnormal operation while the transmissionfully updates its operation to optimumshift feel.
Battery Sensor Reset
When you install a new battery, reset thebattery sensor by doing the following:
1.Switch the ignition on, and leave theengine off.
Note:Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10seconds.
2.Flash the high beam headlamps fivetimes, ending with the high beams off.
3.Press and release the brake pedal threetimes.
The battery warning lamp flashes threetimes to confirm that the reset issuccessful.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The system monitors battery conditionsand takes actions to extend battery life. Ifexcessive battery drain is detected, thesystem temporarily disables someelectrical systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
•Heated rear window.
•Heated seats.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenance
Your vehicle has a maintenance-freebattery. It does not require additionalwater during service.
If the vehicle battery has a cover and venthose, make sure you correctly install it aftercleaning or replacing the battery.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep thetop of the battery clean and dry and thebattery cables tightly fastened to thebattery terminals. If any corrosion ispresent on the battery or terminals, removethe cables from the terminals and cleanwith a wire brush. You can neutralize theacid with a solution of baking soda andwater.
We recommend that you disconnect thenegative battery cable terminal from thebattery if you plan to store your vehicle foran extended period.
Note:If you only disconnect the negativebattery cable terminal, make sure it isisolated or placed away from the batteryterminal to avoid unintended connection orarcing.
If you replace the battery make sure itmatches the electrical requirements ofyour vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, it must relearn its adaptivestrategy. Because of this, the transmissionmay shift firmly when first driven. This isnormal operation while the transmissionfully updates its operation to optimumshift feel.
Battery Sensor Reset
When you install a new battery, reset thebattery sensor by doing the following:
1.Switch the ignition on, and leave theengine off.
Note:Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10seconds.
2.Flash the high beam headlamps fivetimes, ending with the high beams off.
3.Press and release the brake pedal threetimes.
The battery warning lamp flashes threetimes to confirm that the reset issuccessful.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The system monitors battery conditionsand takes actions to extend battery life. Ifexcessive battery drain is detected, thesystem temporarily disables someelectrical systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
•Heated rear window.
•Heated seats.
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2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingMaintenance E371794