2012 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 318

Driving TERRAIN MANAGEMENT (IF EQUIPPED) Terrain management adapts the responses of the vehicle's engine, transmission, 4WD system, suspension, and stability control systems to match the demands of the terrain. The system optimizes drivability and comfort as well as maximizing traction. Turn the control located on the center console to choose between the following modes: 1. Grass/Gravel/Snow 1 2. Sand 2 3. Mud/Ruts 4. Normal 3 4 • Normal - This mode is for on-road conditions. If not already active, Normal should be selected before driving on surfaces which are similar to a hard road surface. This mode should be selected once the need for a special mode has passed. Use Normal mode when towing a trailer. Note: Cruise control is available only in Normal and Snow modes. • Grass/Gravel/Snow - This mode should be used where a firm surface is covered with loose or slippery material. Surfaces covered in packed snow, ice, water, grass, gravel, or a thin coating of sand for example. For deep gravel, it is recommended that the Sand mode is selected. If the vehicle is unable to gain traction in deep snow, switching traction control off may help. Traction control should be switched on again as soon as the difficulty is overcome. See Switching Off AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC earlier in this chapter. Note: The Mud/Ruts and Sand modes are for off-road use only. Note: In Mud/Ruts and Sand mode, the ESC off light will illuminate solid. In these modes, ESC has reduced sensitivity compared to the fully active system. Note: Curve Control is unavailable when the Mud/Ruts or Sand modes are selected. 318 2012 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)