2023 FORD EXPLORER spare wheel

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
136
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingInformation Displays

FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate onregular unleaded gasoline with a minimumpump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
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.
•Fuel containing more than 15% ethanolor E85 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.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheelstorage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage notcovered by the vehicle Warranty.
183
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuel and RefuelingE161513

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
203
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.
204
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Protected ComponentFuse RatingFuse or RelayNumber
Trailer brake control module.30A42
Body control module.60A43
Brake on and off switch.10A44
Battery charger control module (hybridelectric vehicle).15A46
Heated backlite.40A50
Heated steering wheel.20A54
Trailer tow park lamps.20A55
Trailer tow battery charge.30A57
Trailer tow backup lamps.10A58
Multi-contour seat module.15A61
Headlamp washer pump.15A62
Four-wheel drive module.40A64
Front window wiper motor.30A69
Rear window wiper motor.15A71
Not used (spare).20A72
Driver door module.30A73
Left-hand heated windshield.50A78
Right-hand heated windshield.50A79
Trailer tow.20A80
Not used (spare).20A82
Rear blower motor.20A88
Trailer tow lighting module.20A91
Integrated spark control (hybrid electricvehicle).15A95
Not used (spare).15A96
Electric AC (hybrid electric vehicle).10A97
308
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingFuses

GENERAL INFORMATION
The recommended tire inflation pressuresare found on the Tire Label which islocated on the B-pillar or the edge of thedriver door. This information can also befound on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label, affixed to either thedoor hinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets the door-latch post,next to the driver’s seating position.
We strongly recommend maintaining thesetire pressures at all times. Failure to followthe tire pressure recommendations cancause uneven treadwear patterns, reducedfuel economy, and adversely affect theway your vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at leastonce per month.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, set thepressure to the highest value given for yourvehicle and tire size combination.
Use only approved wheels and tire sizes;using other sizes could damage yourvehicle.
If you change the diameter of the factoryinstalled tires, the speedometer coulddisplay the incorrect speed. This couldeffect the functionality of the 4WD system(if equipped). Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer and have the enginemanagement system reprogrammed.
If you intend to change the size of thefactory installed tires, check the suitabilitywith an authorized dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found in the Wheels and Tiresection. See Tire Care (page 349).
Self-Sealing Tires (If Equipped)
Self-Sealing tires are a special type of tirethat have a material on the inside of thetire that can seal punctures up to 0.2 in(6 mm) in diameter in the tread area. Thismaterial does not protect from damage orpunctures in the sidewall of the tire.Self-sealing tires can be identified by thetire manufacturer with a special mark.
If your TPMS warning light comes on,inspect your tires for damage and re-inflateyour tires to the pressure indicated on thetire placard. See Tire PressureMonitoring System (page 364). If yourtires are damaged or continue to lose air,take your vehicle to the nearest authorizeddealer to have your tires inspected andrepaired/replaced as necessary.
Note:Replace self-sealing tires withself-sealing tires to maintain thefunctionality provided.
Note:Do not drive on a deflatedself-sealing tire. This damages the tirebeyond repair.
Notice to utility vehicle and truckowners
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.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, anunbelted person is significantly morelikely to die than a person wearing aseatbelt.
347
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

Utility vehicles and trucks handledifferently than passenger cars in thevarious driving conditions that areencountered on streets, highways andoff-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are notdesigned for cornering at speeds as highas passenger cars any more than low-slungsports cars are designed to performsatisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Study your owner's manual and anysupplements for specific information aboutequipment features, instructions for safedriving and additional precautions toreduce the risk of an accident or seriousinjury.
Four-Wheel Drive system (ifequipped)
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel Drivehas the ability to use all four wheels topower itself. This increases traction whichmay enable you to safely drive over terrainand road conditions that a conventionaltwo-wheel drive vehicle cannot. Power issupplied to all four wheels through atransfer case. Four-wheel drive vehiclesallow you to select different modes asnecessary. You can find more informationon transfer case operation, drive modeselection, and transfer case maintenancein this manual. See Four-Wheel Drive(page 203). You should become thoroughlyfamiliar with this information before youoperate your vehicle.
We recommend installing the temporaryspare wheel and tire on the front axle whenpossible. This could provide limited 4WDtraction.
Four-wheel drive: Never use a spare tire ofa different size than the one provided withyour vehicle. This could cause thefour-wheel drive system to default torear-wheel drive.
How your vehicle differs fromother vehicles
Sport utility vehicles and trucks can differfrom some other vehicles in a fewnoticeable ways. Your vehicle may be:
•Higher - to allow higher load carryingcapacity and to allow it to travel overrough terrain without getting hung upor damaging underbody components.
•Shorter - to give it the capability toapproach inclines and drive over thecrest of a hill without getting hung upor damaging underbody components.All other things held equal, a shorterwheelbase may make your vehiclequicker to respond to steering inputsthan a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
•Narrower - to provide greatermaneuverability in tight spaces,particularly in off-road use.
As a result of the above dimensionaldifferences, sport utility vehicles and trucksoften have a higher center of gravity and agreater difference in center of gravitybetween the loaded and unloadedcondition. These differences that makeyour vehicle so versatile also make ithandle differently than an ordinarypassenger car.
348
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and Tires

TIRE CARE
Information About UniformTire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.The Quality grades can be foundwhere applicable on the tiresidewall between tread shoulderand maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades aredetermined by standards that theUnited States Department ofTransportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.They do not apply to deep tread,winter-type snow tires,space-saver or temporary usespare tires, light truck or LT typetires, tires with nominal rimdiameters of 10 to 12 inches orlimited production tires as definedin Title 49 Code of FederalRegulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department ofTransportation Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires us to giveyou the following informationabout tire grades exactly as thegovernment has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on thewear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150would wear 1½ times as well onthe government course as a tiregraded 100. The relativeperformance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of theiruse, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING: The tractiongrade assigned to this tire isbased on straight-ahead brakingtraction tests, and does notinclude acceleration, cornering,hydroplaning or peak tractioncharacteristics.
349
2023 Explorer (CTW) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202209, First-PrintingWheels and TiresE142542