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2012 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 260

2012 Ford Explorer Manual

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Tires, Wheels and Loading Driving while you tow When towing a trailer: • Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing and don't make full-throttle starts. • Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. • Activate the tow/haul feature or the grade assist feature on your transmission to eliminate excessive transmission shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information, refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter. • Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate stops and brake gradually. Trailer towing tips • Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles. • To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park). • After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts. • If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective. • Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels. RECREATIONAL TOWING Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a truck). Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the Climate Controls chapter for more information. In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to Wrecker towing in the Roadside Emergencies chapter. These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly. 260 2012 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	4
Congratulations	4
Safety and Environment Protection	4
Warning symbols in this guide	4
Warning symbols on your vehicle	5
Protecting the environment	5
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	5
Breaking-in your vehicle	5
SPECIAL NOTICES	6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	6
Special instructions	6
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles	6
Using your vehicle with a snowplow	6
Using your vehicle as an ambulance	7
DATA RECORDING	7
Service Data Recording	7
Event Data Recording	7
CELL PHONE USE	9
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION	9
Instrument Cluster	12
Warning lights and chimes	12
Gauges	19
Base message center (if equipped)	22
Main menu	23
System warnings and status messages	26
Optional message center (if equipped)	26
Main menu	27
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)	30
Settings/Vehicle Settings	33
Information	35
System warnings and status messages	36
System warnings and status messages	36
Entertainment Systems	48
MyFord™ system (if equipped)	48
Radio	49
SIRIUS? satellite radio (if equipped)	51
Satellite radio information (if activated)	53
Playing a disc	55
Auxiliary input jack (line in)	57
USB port (if equipped)	58
Media hub (if equipped)	58
Phone	59
MyFord Touch™ (if equipped)	59
SYNC? (if equipped)	59
Climate Controls	60
Single zone manual system with rear climate controls (if equipped)	60
Operating tips	62
Automatic Temperature Control Systems	63
Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) Sony system (if equipped)	63
Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) system with MyTemp (if equipped)	65
Operating tips	67
Touchscreen features	68
Auxiliary system	68
Rear window defroster	68
Remote start climate operation (if equipped)	69
Cabin air filter	70
Lights	71
Headlamp Control	71
Autolamp control (if equipped)	71
Autolamp delay system (if equipped)	71
Fog lamp control	72
High beams	72
Flash-to-pass	73
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	73
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	73
Aiming the headlamps	74
Vertical aim adjustment	74
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	76
Interior lamps	77
Front row map lamps (if equipped)	77
Second row dome/map lamps (if equipped)	77
Second row dome/courtesy lamps (if equipped)	77
Third row cargo lamp	78
Bulb Replacement	78
Lamp assembly condensation	78
Using the right bulbs	79
Replacing interior bulbs	80
Replacing exterior bulbs	80
Replacing headlamp bulbs	80
Replacing HID headlamp bulbs (if equipped)	81
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs	81
Replacing sidemarker bulbs	82
Replacing turn/backup lamp bulbs	83
Replacing tail/brake lamp bulbs	84
Replacing fog lamp bulbs	85
Replacing license plate lamp bulb	85
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulb	85
Driver Controls	86
Windshield Wipers	86
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature (if equipped with autolamp)	87
Rear window wiper/washer controls	87
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel	88
Illuminated visor mirror (if equipped)	89
Overhead console	89
Storage compartment	89
Center console	90
Rear center console features (if equipped)	90
Auxiliary power points (12V DC)	90
Power point (110V AC) (if equipped)	91
Power Windows	93
One-touch down	93
One-touch up or down (front windows) (if equipped)	93
Bounce-back	94
Security override	94
Window lock	94
Accessory delay	94
Interior mirror	95
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)	95
Exterior Mirrors	96
Power side view mirrors	96
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	96
Fold-away mirrors	97
Signal indicator mirrors (if equipped)	97
Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)	97
Power Adjustable Foot Pedals (if equipped)	98
Speed control (if equipped)	98
Using speed control	98
Setting speed control	99
Disengaging speed control	99
Resuming a set speed	99
Increasing speed while using speed control	99
Reducing speed while using speed control	99
Turning off speed control	100
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) (IF EQUIPPED)	100
Using adaptive cruise control	101
Setting adaptive cruise control	101
Setting the gap distance	103
Disengaging adaptive cruise control	103
Overriding adaptive cruise control	103
Changing the set speed	104
Resuming the set speed	104
Low speed automatic cancellation	104
Hilly condition usage	104
Turning off cruise control	104
Detection issues	105
ACC Not Available	106
Blocked sensor	107
Switching to normal cruise control	108
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS	108
Audio control features	108
Cluster display control features	109
Dual panel moon roof and power sunscreen (if equipped)	110
Universal garage door opener (if equipped)	111
Car2U? Home Automation System (if equipped)	111
Types of garage door openers (rolling code and fixed code)	112
Rolling code programming	113
Fixed code programming	114
Erasing the Car2U? Home Automation System buttons	116
FCC and RSS-210 Industry Canada Compliance	117
Positive Retention Floor Mat	117
Cargo Area Features	118
Cargo net (if equipped)	118
Utility hook	119
Manual liftgate (if equipped)	119
Power liftgate (if equipped)	120
Roof Rack System (if equipped)	124
Locks and Security	126
Keys	126
Intelligent Access Key (IA key) (if equipped)	126
MyKey?	127
Power door locks	133
Smart unlocks for integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT)	133
Smart unlocks for intelligent access keys (IA key) (if equipped)	133
Autolock feature (if enabled)	134
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	134
Autounlock feature (if enabled)	134
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	134
Childproof door locks	135
Remote entry system	135
Intelligent access (if equipped)	136
Unlocking the doors/two-stage unlock	137
Locking the doors	138
Car finder	138
Sounding a panic alarm	138
Opening the power liftgate (if equipped)	138
Memory feature (if equipped)	139
Programming the memory feature to the transmitter	139
Deprogramming the memory feature from the transmitter	139
Replacing the battery	140
Replacing lost intelligent access keys (IA keys)	141
How to reprogram your intelligent access keys (IA keys)	141
Illuminated entry	141
Illuminated exit	142
Battery saver	142
Accessory mode battery saver for intelligent access keys (if equipped)	142
Remote start (if equipped)	142
SecuriCode™ keyless entry system (if equipped)	145
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory feature	145
Erasing personal code	146
Anti-scan feature	146
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	146
Securilock? passive anti-theft system	147
Automatic arming	147
Automatic disarming	147
Replacement of integrated keyhead transmitters (IKT) or intelligent access keys	148
Programming spare integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT) keys	148
Programming spare intelligent access keys (if equipped)	150
Perimeter alarm system (if equipped)	151
Arming the system	151
Seating and Safety Restraints	153
Front seats	153
Adjustable head restraints	153
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	155
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	156
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	156
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)	158
Dual setting heated seats (if equipped)	158
Three-position heated and cooled seats (if equipped)	159
Heated seats	159
Cooled seats	160
Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)	160
Memory feature (if equipped)	162
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)	162
Rear seats	163
Second and third row head restraints	163
Adjusting second row bucket and bench seat back	165
Adjusting second row seats (six–passenger vehicles only)	165
Accessing the third row seats	165
Exiting the third row seat	168
Stowing the third row seat (manual seat)	170
Unstowing the third row seat	171
PowerFold? 3rd-row seat (if equipped)	173
Personal Safety System™	174
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?	175
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	175
Front crash severity sensor	175
Driver’s seat position sensor	176
Front passenger sensing system	176
Front safety belt usage sensors	176
Front safety belt pretensioners	177
Front safety belt energy management retractors	177
Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational	177
Safety Belt System	178
Combination lap and shoulder belts (standard belts shown, 2nd row inflatable belts similar-if equipped)	179
Restraint of pregnant women	180
Safety belt locking modes	180
Rear Inflatable Safety Belt (if equipped)	182
How does the rear inflatable safety belt system work?	183
Energy management feature — front outboard	184
Safety belt pretensioner	184
Safety belt extension assembly	185
SAFETY BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT	185
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	186
Conditions of operation	186
Belt-Minder?	186
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder? feature	189
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	191
Important SRS precautions	191
Children and airbags	193
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	193
Front passenger sensing system	195
Determining if the system is operational	199
Seat-mounted side airbag system	200
How does the side airbag system work?	200
Safety Canopy? System	202
How does the Safety Canopy? System work?	203
Determining if the system is operational	204
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™	205
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners and inflatable safety belts)	205
Safety restraints for children	205
Important child restraint precautions	205
Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children	208
Transporting children	209
Safety seats for children	210
Infant and/or toddler seats	210
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	211
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments	216
Use of inboard lower anchors from the outboard seating positions (center seating use)	217
Combining safety belt and LATCH lower anchors for attaching child safety seats	218
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	218
Child booster seats	222
When children should use booster seats	222
Types of booster seats	223
The importance of shoulder belts	224
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance	225
Tires, Wheels and Loading	226
Notice to utility vehicle and truck owners	226
Vehicle characteristics	227
Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (if equipped)	227
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	228
Information about uniform tire quality grading	229
Treadwear	229
Traction AA A B C	229
Temperature A B C	230
Tires	230
Glossary of tire terminology	230
Inflating your tires	231
Tire care	233
Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems	233
Tire wear	234
Damage	234
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	235
Tire replacement requirements	235
Safety practices	237
Highway hazards	237
Tire and wheel alignment	238
Tire rotation	238
Information contained on the tire sidewall	239
Information on “P” type tires	239
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	242
Information on “T” type tires	243
Location of the tire label	243
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	244
Changing tires with a TPMS	245
Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	245
When your temporary spare tire is installed	245
When you believe your system is not operating properly	246
When inflating your tires	247
How temperature affects your tire pressure	247
Snow tires and cables	248
Vehicle loading – with and without a trailer	248
Special loading instructions for owners of pick-up trucks and utility-type vehicles	255
Trailer towing	256
Trailer hitch cover	257
Preparing to tow	258
Hitches	258
Weight-distributing hitch	258
Safety chains	259
Trailer brakes	259
Trailer lamps	259
Driving while you tow	260
Trailer towing tips	260
Recreational towing	260
Driving	262
Starting	262
Positions of the ignition (if equipped)	262
Preparing to start your vehicle	262
Important safety precautions	263
Starting the engine	265
Push button start system (if equipped)	265
Guarding against exhaust fumes	268
Important ventilating information	268
Engine block heater (if equipped)	268
Brakes	270
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	270
Using ABS	270
Brake assist	271
ABS warning lamp	271
Brake over accelerator	271
Parking brake	272
AdvanceTrac? with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC?) stability enhancement system	273
Hill descent control™ (if equipped)	279
Steering	280
Preparing to drive	281
Brake-shift interlock	282
Automatic transmission operation	283
Automatic transmission adaptive learning	283
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission	284
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (SST)	287
Hill start assist (HSA)	288
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow	289
Reverse sensing system (if equipped)	289
Rearview camera system (if equipped)	291
Collision warning system (if equipped)	295
Active park assist (APA) (if equipped)	298
Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)	304
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS?) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) (if equipped)	305
Four Wheel Drive (4WD) system (if equipped)	311
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles	311
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	311
Basic operating principles	312
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	312
If your vehicle gets stuck	313
Emergency maneuvers	313
Sand	314
Mud and water	314
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	315
Driving on snow and ice	316
Maintenance and modifications	317
Terrain management (if equipped)	318
Driving through water	319
Roadside Emergencies	320
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	320
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance	320
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance	321
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance	321
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance	321
Hazard flasher control	322
Fuel Pump Shut-off	322
Fuses and relays	323
Fuses	323
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	323
Passenger compartment fuse panel	324
Power distribution box	327
Changing the tires	332
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	332
Stopping and securing the vehicle	334
Removing the spare tire and jack	335
Tire change procedure	337
Stowing the mini-spare and jack	338
Stowing the flat tire	339
Wheel lug nut torque specifications	340
Running out of fuel	340
Jump starting	341
Preparing your vehicle	341
Connecting the jumper cables	342
Jump starting	343
Removing the jumper cables	343
Wrecker towing	344
Emergency towing	345
Customer Assistance	346
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	346
Away from home	346
Additional assistance	347
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	348
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	349
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	350
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	350
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	352
Obtaining a French Owner’s Guide	352
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	353
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	353
Cleaning	354
Washing the exterior	354
Waxing	355
Paint chips	355
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers	355
Engine	356
Plastic (non-painted) exterior parts	357
Windows and wiper blades	357
Instrument panel/Interior trim and cluster lens	358
Interior	359
Leather seats (if equipped)	360
Underbody	360
Ford and Lincoln car care products	360
Maintenance and Specifications	362
Service recommendations	362
Precautions when servicing your vehicle	362
Working with the engine off	362
Working with the engine on	362
Opening the hood	363
Identifying components in the engine compartment	364
Windshield washer fluid	366
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate	366
Changing the wiper blades	367
Changing the rear window wiper blade	367
Engine oil	368
Checking the engine oil	368
Adding engine oil	369
Engine oil and filter recommendations	369
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil	369
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	370
Battery	371
Battery management system	373
Electrical accessory installation	374
Engine coolant	375
Checking engine coolant	375
Adding engine coolant	376
Recycled engine coolant	378
Coolant refill capacity	378
Severe climates	378
Engine fluid temperature management (if equipped)	379
What you should know about fail-safe cooling	380
How fail-safe cooling works	380
When fail-safe mode is activated	381
Fuel Filter	381
What you should know about automotive fuels	382
Important safety precautions	382
Refueling	383
Easy Fuel? “no cap” fuel system	384
Choosing the right fuel	385
Octane recommendations	385
Fuel quality	386
Cleaner air	386
Running out of fuel	386
Refilling with a portable fuel container	387
Essentials of good fuel economy	388
Measuring techniques	388
Filling the tank	388
Calculating fuel economy	389
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	389
Habits	389
Maintenance	390
Conditions	390
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	391
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)	392
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	393
Brake fluid	394
Transmission fluid	394
Checking automatic transmission fluid (6F50/6F55) (if equipped)	394
Low fluid level	395
Correct fluid level	395
High fluid level	395
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	396
Checking automatic transmission fluid (6F35) (if equipped)	396
Air filter	397
Changing the air filter element	397
Vehicle storage	398
Motorcraft part numbers	400
Maintenance product specifications and capacities	401
Engine data	404
Engine drivebelt routing	404
Identifying your vehicle	405
Safety Compliance Certification Label	405
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	405
Transmission code designations	406
Accessories	407
Ford Custom Accessories for your vehicle	407
Exterior style	407

Match case Limit results 1 per page

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:

•

Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles

(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.

•

Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off

automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.

•

Activate the tow/haul feature or the grade assist feature on your

transmission to eliminate excessive transmission shifting and assist in

transmission cooling. For additional information, refer to

Automatic

transmission operation

in the

Driving

chapter.

•

Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate

stops and brake gradually.

Trailer towing tips

•

Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to

get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make

wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.

•

To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot

weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).

•

After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your

hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.

•

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do

not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become

less effective.

•

Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must

park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.

RECREATIONAL TOWING

Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow

your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a

truck).

Note:

Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to

prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to the

Climate

Controls

chapter for more information.

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to

Wrecker towing

in the

Roadside Emergencies

chapter.

These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle after it

is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

260

2012 Explorer

(exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA

(fus)