Ford Explorer 1 2015 Owner's Manual

fordowner.com ford.ca

2015 EXPLORER Owner’s Manual

September 2014

Second Printing

Owner’s Manual

Explorer

Litho in U.S.A.

FL2J 19A321 AA

Table of Contents 1

Introduction 10

Child Safety 18

Child seat positioning ...................................20

Booster seats .........................................22

Installing child seats ....................................25

Child safety locks ......................................37

Safety Belts 38

Fastening the safety belts ................................40

Safety belt height adjustment .............................43

Safetybeltwarninglightandindicatorchime..................44

Safety belt-minder .....................................44

Rear inflatable safety belt ................................46

Child restraint and safety belt maintenance ...................48

Personal Safety System 49

Supplementary Restraints System 50

Driver and passenger airbags .............................52

Front passenger sensing system ...........................54

Side airbags ..........................................57

Safety canopy curtain airbags .............................58

Crash sensors and airbag indicator .........................60

Airbag disposal........................................61

Keys and Remote Control 62

General information on radio frequencies.....................62

Remote control .......................................63

Keys ...............................................63

Replacing a lost key or remote control.......................68

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2 Table of Contents

MyKey 69

Settings, MyKey .......................................69

Creating.............................................70

Clearing.............................................71

System status.........................................71

Remote start, MyKey ...................................71

Troubleshooting, MyKey .................................72

Locks 73

Locking and unlocking ..................................73

SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad .........................82

Security 85

SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system.......................85

Anti-theft alarm .......................................88

Steering Wheel 90

Adjusting the steering wheel ..............................90

Steering wheel controls .................................92

Pedals 95

Adjustable pedals ......................................95

Wipers and Washers 96

Windshield wipers .....................................96

Rain-sensing wipers ....................................96

Windshield washers ....................................97

Rear-window wiper and washer ............................97

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Table of Contents 3

Lighting 98

Lighting control .......................................98

Autolamps ...........................................99

Instrument lighting dimmer ..............................100

Headlamp exit delay ...................................100

Daytime running lamps .................................101

Automatic high beam control.............................101

Front fog lamps ......................................103

Directionindicators ...................................103

Interior lamps........................................104

Windows and Mirrors 107

Power windows ......................................107

Exteriormirrors......................................109

Interior mirrors ......................................112

Sun visors ..........................................112

Moonroof ...........................................113

Instrument Cluster 115

Gauges.............................................115

Warning lamps and indicators ............................117

Audible warnings and indicators ..........................122

Information Displays 123

Controls............................................123

Trip computer .......................................127

Information messages ..................................133

Climate Control 144

Manual heating and air conditioning........................144

Dual automatic temperature control........................146

Rear window defroster .................................153

Cabin air filter .......................................153

Remote Start ........................................154

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4 Table of Contents

Seats 155

Sitting in the correct position ............................155

Head restraints.......................................156

Manual seats ........................................159

Power seats .........................................160

Memory function .....................................162

Heated seats ........................................163

Heated and ventilated seats..............................164

Rear seats ..........................................166

Universal Garage Door Opener (If Equipped) 177

HomeLink® wireless control system .......................178

Auxiliary Power Points 182

Storage Compartments 185

Center console .......................................185

Overhead console .....................................186

Starting and Stopping the Engine 187

Ignition switch .......................................188

Engine block heater ...................................192

Fuel and Refueling 194

Fuel quality .........................................195

Running out of fuel....................................197

Refueling...........................................198

Fuel consumption .....................................201

Transmission 205

Automatic transmission.................................205

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Table of Contents 5

Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) 212

Four wheel drive .....................................212

Brakes 219

Brakes .............................................219

Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes ......................220

Parking brake........................................220

Hill start assist .......................................221

Traction Control 222

TractionControl™....................................222

Stability Control 223

AdvanceTrac® .......................................224

Terrain Response 225

Hill descent control ...................................226

Parking Aids 228

Sensing system.......................................228

Active park assist .....................................230

Rear-view camera system ...............................234

Cruise Control 239

Using cruise control ...................................239

Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................240

Driving Aids 248

Driveralert .........................................248

Lane keeping system...................................250

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert

(CTA).............................................254

Collision warning system ................................259

Steering ............................................262

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6 Table of Contents

Load Carrying 264

Cargonet...........................................264

Roof racks and load carriers .............................264

Vehicle loading .......................................265

Towing 273

Trailertowing........................................273

Wrecker towing ......................................280

Recreational towing ...................................281

Driving Hints 283

Economical driving ....................................283

Floormats..........................................284

Roadside Emergencies 286

Getting roadside assistance ..............................286

Hazard warning flashers ................................288

Fuel cut-off switch ....................................288

Jump-starting the vehicle ...............................289

Customer Assistance 292

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) .......................299

Reporting safety defects (Canada only) .....................299

Fuses 300

Changing a fuse ......................................300

Fuse specification chart ................................300

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Table of Contents 7

Maintenance 310

General information ...................................310

Opening and closing the hood ............................311

Under hood overview ..................................312

Engine oil dipstick ....................................315

Engine oil check......................................316

Engine coolant check ..................................316

Automatic transmission fluid check ........................322

Brake fluid check .....................................326

Fuel filter...........................................327

Washer fluid check ....................................327

Battery ............................................327

Checking the wiper blades ..............................330

Air filter(s) .........................................331

Adjusting the headlamps ................................333

Changing a bulb ......................................335

Bulb specification chart.................................339

Vehicle Care 341

Cleaning products.....................................341

Cleaning the exterior ..................................341

Waxing.............................................343

Repairing minor paint damage ............................343

Cleaning the engine ...................................343

Cleaning the windows and wiper blades .....................344

Cleaning the interior ...................................345

Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens .......345

Cleaning leather seats ..................................346

Cleaning the alloy wheels ...............................347

Vehiclestorage.......................................348

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8 Table of Contents

Wheels and Tires 351

Tirecare ...........................................353

Using snow chains ....................................370

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ...................371

Changing a road wheel .................................375

Technical specifications.................................382

Wheel lug nut torque ..................................382

Capacities and Specifications 384

Engine specifications ..................................384

Part numbers ........................................391

Vehicle identification number ............................392

Vehicle certification label ...............................393

Transmission code designation............................393

Accessories 394

Accessories .........................................394

Extended Service Plan 396

Audio System 399

MyFord™ system .....................................401

Satellite radio information ...............................412

Auxiliary input jack ...................................414

USB port ...........................................416

SYNC® 417

Pairing your phone for the first time .......................422

911 Assist™ .........................................436

Vehicle Health Report ..................................439

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Table of Contents 9

MyFord Touch® (If Equipped) 466

Voice recognition .....................................474

Listening to music ....................................478

Phone features .......................................499

Information Menu .....................................506

Settings............................................518

Climatefeatures......................................530

Navigation system.....................................533

Appendices 552

Scheduled Maintenance 571

Normal scheduled maintenance and log .....................576

Index 588

The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. In the interest of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications, design or equipment at any time without notice or obligation. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our written permission. Errors and omissions excepted.

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10 Introduction

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Thank you for choosing Ford. We recommend that you take some time to get to know your vehicle by reading this manual. The more that you know about it, the greater the safety and pleasure you will get from driving it.

WARNING: Always drive with due care and attention when using and operating the controls and features on your vehicle.

Note: This manual describes product features and options available throughout the range of available models, sometimes even before they are generally available. It may describe options not fitted to your vehicle.

Note: Some of the illustrations in this manual may show features as used in different models, so may appear different to you on your vehicle.

Note: Always use and operate your vehicle in line with all applicable laws and regulations.

Note: Pass on this manual when selling your vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.

This manual may qualify the location of a component as left-hand side or right-hand side. The side is determined when facing forward in the seat.

A. Right-hand side B. Left-hand side

Protecting the Environment

You must play your part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste, cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps toward this aim.

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Introduction 11

SYMBOL GLOSSARY

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description

Safety alert See Owner’s

Manual

Avoid smoking, flames, or sparks

Brake fluid – non petroleum base

Check fuel cap

Child seat tether anchor

Battery Battery acid

Brake system Cabin air

Child Safety Door Lock and Unlock

Cruise control

Anti-lock braking system

filter

Child seat lower anchor

Do not open when hot

Engine air filter

Engine oil Explosive gas Fan warning

Fasten safety belt

Fuel pump reset

Heated rear window

Engine coolant

Front airbag Front fog

Fuse compartment

Interior luggage compartment release

Engine coolant temperature

lamps

Hazard warning flasher

Jack

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12 Introduction

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description

Lighting control

Panic alarm Parking aid

Low tire pressure warning

system

Maintain correct fluid level

Parking brake system

Power steering fluid

Service engine soon

Windshield defrost and demist

DATA RECORDING

Service Data Recording

Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially includes information about the performance or status of various systems and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may access or share among them vehicle diagnostic information received through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle. Additionally, when your vehicle is in for service or repair, Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may access or share among them data for vehicle improvement purposes. For U.S. only (if equipped), if you choose to use the SYNC® Vehicle Health Report, you consent that certain diagnostic information may also be accessed electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford authorized service facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be used for any purpose. See the SYNC® chapter for more information.

Power windows front and rear

Side airbag Stability

Windshield washer and wiper

Power window lockout

control

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Introduction 13

Event Data Recording

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle; this data will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:

• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were

buckled/fastened;

• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the brake pedal;

• How fast the vehicle was travelling;

• Where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.

Note: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data or information (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded (see limitations regarding 911 Assist and Traffic, Directions and Information privacy below). However, parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have such special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement, other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority. Other parties may seek to access the information independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.

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14 Introduction

Note: Including to the extent that any law pertaining to Event Data Recorders applies to SYNC® or its features, please note the following: Once 911 Assist (if equipped) is enabled (set ON), 911 Assist may, through any paired and connected cell phone, disclose to emergency services that the vehicle has been in a crash involving the deployment of an airbag or, in certain vehicles, the activation of the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versions or updates to 911 Assist may also be capable of being used to electronically or verbally provide to 911 operators the vehicle location (such as latitude and longitude), and/or other details about the vehicle or crash or personal information about the occupants to assist 911 operators to provide the most appropriate emergency services. If you do not want to disclose this information, do not activate the 911 Assist feature. See your SYNC® chapter for more information.

Additionally, when you connect to Traffic, Directions and Information (if equipped, U.S. only), the service uses GPS technology and advanced vehicle sensors to collect the vehicle’s current location, travel direction, and speed (“vehicle travel information”), only to help provide you with the directions, traffic reports, or business searches that you request. If you do not want Ford or its vendors to receive this information, do not activate the service. For more information, see Traffic, Directions and Information, Terms and Conditions. See your SYNC® chapter for more information.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Some constituents of engine exhaust, certain vehicle

components, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PERCHLORATE MATERIAL

Note: Certain components in your vehicle, such as airbag modules, safety belt pretensioners, and remote control batteries, may contain perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate for more information.

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Introduction 15

FORD CREDIT (U.S. ONLY)

Ford Credit offers a full range of financing and lease plans to help you acquire your vehicle. If you have financed or leased your vehicle through Ford Credit, thank you for your business.

For your convenience, we offer a number of ways to contact us, as well as help manage your account.

Phone: 1-800-727-7000 For more information regarding Ford Credit, as well as access to

Account Manager, please go to www.fordcredit.com.

REPLACEMENT PARTS RECOMMENDATION

Your vehicle has been built to the highest standards using quality parts. We recommend that you demand the use of genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts whenever your vehicle requires scheduled maintenance or repair. You can clearly identify genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts by looking for the Ford, FoMoCo or Motorcraft branding on the parts or their packaging.

Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs

One of the best ways for you to make sure that your vehicle provides years of service is to have it maintained in line with our recommendations using parts that conform to the specifications detailed in this owner’s manual. Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts meet or exceed these specifications.

Collision Repairs

We hope that you never experience a collision, but accidents do happen. Genuine Ford replacement collision parts meet our stringent requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance. During vehicle development, we validate that these parts deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system. A great way to know for sure you are getting this level of protection is to use genuine Ford replacement collision parts.

Warranty on Replacement Parts

Genuine Ford and Motorcraft replacement parts are the only replacement parts that benefit from a Ford Warranty. Damage caused to your vehicle as a result of the failure of non-Ford parts may not be covered by the Ford Warranty. For additional information, see the terms and conditions of the Ford Warranty.

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16 Introduction

SPECIAL NOTICES

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, see the warranty information that is provided to you along with your owner’s manual.

Special Instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic controls.

WARNING: Please read the Supplementary Restraints System

chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.

WARNING: Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats

should NEVER be placed in front of an active passenger airbag.

Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles

WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover

rate than other types of vehicles.

Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Manual carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate your vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.

Using your vehicle with a snowplow

Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.

Your vehicle is not equipped with a snowplowing package.

Using your vehicle as an ambulance

Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.

Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package.

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Introduction 17

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

Using mobile communications equipment is becoming increasingly important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However, you must not compromise your own or others’ safety when using such equipment. Mobile communications can enhance personal safety and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications equipment to avoid negating these benefits.

Mobile communication equipment includes, but is not limited to, cellular phones, pagers, portable email devices, text messaging devices and portable two-way radios.

WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle

control, crash and injury. We strongly recommend that you use extreme caution when using any device that may take your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of your vehicle. We recommend against the use of any handheld device while driving and encourage the use of voice-operated systems when possible. Make sure you are aware of all applicable local laws that may affect the use of electronic devices while driving.

EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with features and options that are different from the features and options that are described in this owner’s manual. A market unique supplement may be supplied that complements this book. By referring to the market unique supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features, recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This owner’s manual is written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets. Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built for Export. See this owner’s manual for all other required

information and warnings.

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18 Child Safety

GENERAL INFORMATION

See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children.

WARNING: Always make sure your child is secured properly in a

device that is appropriate for their height, age and weight. Child safety restraints must be bought separately from your vehicle. Failure to follow these instructions and guidelines may result in an increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

WARNING: All children are shaped differently. The

recommendations for safety restraints are based on probable child height, age and weight thresholds from NHTSA and other safety organizations, or are the minimum requirements of law. Ford recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and consulting your pediatrician to make sure your child seat is appropriate for your child, and is compatible with and properly installed in your vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station and CPST, contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local St. John Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further information, contact your provincial ministry of transportation, or locate your local St. John Ambulance office by searching for St. John Ambulance on the internet, or Transport Canada at 1–800–333–0371 (http://www.tc.gc.ca). Failure to properly restrain children in safety seats made especially for their height, age, and weight may result in an increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

WARNING: Do not leave children or animals unattended in the

vehicle. On hot days, the temperature in the trunk or vehicle interior can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particularly at risk.

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Child Safety 19

Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Child size, height, weight, or age

Infants or toddlers

Small children

Larger children

• You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and toddlers in the United States and Canada.

• Many states and provinces require that small children use approved booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall, or 80 pounds (36 kilograms). Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements about the safety of children in your vehicle.

• When possible, always properly restrain children twelve (12) years of age and under in a rear seating position of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in a front seating position. See Front Passenger Sensing System in the Supplementary Restraints System chapter for more information.

Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or less (generally age four or younger).

Children who have outgrown or no longer properly fit in a child safety seat (generally children who are less than 4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m) tall, are greater than age four (4) and less than age twelve (12), and between 40 lb (18 kg) and 80 lb (36 kg) and upward to 100 lb (45 kg) if recommended by your child restraint manufacturer).

Children who have outgrown or no longer properly fit in a belt-positioning booster seat (generally children who are at least 4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m) tall or greater than 80 lb (36 kg) or 100 lb (45 kg) if recommended by child restraint manufacturer).

Recommended restraint type

Use a child safety seat (sometimes called an infant carrier, convertible seat, or toddler seat).

Use a belt-positioning booster seat.

Use a vehicle safety belt having the lap belt snug and low across the hips, shoulder belt centered across the shoulder and chest, and seat back upright.

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20 Child Safety

CHILD SEAT POSITIONING

WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the vehicle seat upon which the child seat is installed all the way back. When possible, all children age 12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. If all children cannot be seated and restrained properly in a rear seating position, properly restrain the largest child in the front seat.

WARNING: Always carefully follow the instructions and

warnings provided by the manufacturer of any child restraint to determine if the restraint device is appropriate for your child’s size, height, weight, or age. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions and warnings provided for installation and use in conjunction with the instructions and warnings provided by your vehicle manufacturer. A safety seat that is improperly installed or utilized, is inappropriate for your child’s height, age or weight, or does not properly fit the child, may increase the risk of serious injury or death.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while your vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a crash, which may result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child.

They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a crash.

WARNING: Always restrain an unoccupied child seat or booster

seat. These objects may become projectiles in a crash or sudden stop, which may increase the risk of serious injury.

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Child Safety 21

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder

belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a crash.

WARNING: To avoid risk of injury, do not leave children or pets

unattended in your vehicle.

Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children

Use any attachment method as indicated

below by X.

LATCH

Combined Restraint Ty pe

Rear-facing child seat

Forward-facing child seat

Note: The child seat must rest tightly against the vehicle seat upon which it is installed. It may be necessary to lift or remove the head restraint. See the Seats chapter for information on head restraints.

weight of child and

child seat

Up to 65 lb (29.5 kg)

Over 65 lb (29.5 kg)

Up to 65 lb (29.5 kg)

Over 65 lb (29.5 kg)

(lower anchors and top tether anchor)

LATCH (lower anchors only)

XXX

Safety belt and top tether anchor

Safety belt and LATCH (lower anchors and top tether anchor)

Safety belt only

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22 Child Safety

BOOSTER SEATS

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder

belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a crash.

Note: Some booster seat safety belt guides may not accommodate the shoulder portion of the inflatable safety belt.

Use a belt-positioning booster seat for children who have outgrown or no longer properly fit in a child safety seat (generally children who are less than 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall, are greater than age four (4) and less than age twelve (12), and between 40 pounds (18 kilograms) and 80 pounds (36 kilograms) and upward to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) if recommended by your child restraint manufacturer). Many state and provincial laws require that children use approved booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall, or 80 pounds (36 kilograms).

Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions when seated without a booster seat.

• Can the child sit all the way back against their vehicle seat with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat cushion?

• Can the child sit without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips?

• Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?

• Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

Always use booster seats in conjunction with your vehicle lap and shoulder belt.

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Child Safety 23

Types of Booster Seats

• Backless booster seats

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield. If a vehicle seating position has a low seatback or no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (as measured at the tops of the ears) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seatback or head restraint and lap and shoulder belts, or consider using a high back booster seat.

• High back booster seats

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

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24 Child Safety

Children and booster seats vary in size and shape. Choose a booster that keeps the lap belt low and snug across the hips, never up across the stomach, and lets you adjust the shoulder belt to cross the chest and rest snugly near the center of the shoulder. The following drawings compare the ideal fit (center) to a shoulder belt uncomfortably close to the neck and a shoulder belt that could slip off the shoulder. The drawings also show how the lap belt should be low and snug across the child’s hips.

If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat upon which it is being used, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition. Do not introduce any item thicker than this under the booster seat. Check with the booster seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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Child Safety 25

INSTALLING CHILD SEATS

Child Seats

Use a child safety seat (sometimes called an infant carrier, convertible seat, or toddler seat) for infants, toddlers or children weighing 40 pounds (18 kilograms) or less (generally age four or younger).

Using Lap and Shoulder Belts

WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat upon which the child seat is installed all the way back.

WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.

Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.

WARNING: Depending on where you secure a child restraint,

and depending on the child restraint design, you may block access to certain safety belt buckle assemblies or LATCH lower anchors, rendering those features potentially unusable. To avoid risk of injury, occupants should only use seating positions where they are able to be properly restrained.

When installing a child safety seat with combination lap and shoulder belts:

• Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position.

• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap

and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

2015 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014 USA (fus)

26 Child Safety

• Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.

• Place the vehicle seat upon which the child seat will be installed in the upright position.

• For second-row seating positions, the recliner may be adjusted slightly to improve child seat fit. If needed, the head restraints may be removed.

• For third-row seating positions, the head restraints may be stowed to improve child seat fit. See the Seats chapter for information on folding the head restraints.

• Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. See Step 5 below. This vehicle does not require the use of a locking clip.

Perform the following steps when installing the child seat with combination lap and shoulder belts:

Note: Although the child seat illustrated is a forward-facing child seat, the steps are the same for installing a rear-facing child seat.

Note: The lock-off device on some child restraints may not accommodate the shoulder portion of the inflatable safety belt. Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child restraint regarding the necessary and proper use of the lock-off device. In some instances these devices have been provided only for use in vehicles with safety belt systems that would otherwise require a locking clip.

1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

2015 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014 USA (fus)

Child Safety 27

2. After positioning the child safety seat in the proper seating position, do the following:

• Standard safety belt: pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together behind the belt tongue.

• Inflatable safety belt: grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together behind the belt tongue.

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

2015 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014 USA (fus)

28 Child Safety

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

• Standard safety belt buckle

• Inflatable safety belt buckle

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, do the following;

• Standard safety belt: grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is pulled out.

2015 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014 USA (fus)

Child Safety 29

• Inflatable safety belt: grasp the lap portion of the inflatable safety belt and pull upward until all of the belt is pulled out.

Unlike the standard safety belt,

Note:

the inflatable safety belt’s unique lap portion locks the child seat for installation. The ability for the shoulder portion of the belt to move freely is normal, even after the lap belt has been put into the automatic locking mode.

6. Allow the belt to retract to remove slack. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode.

7. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.

8. Remove remaining slack from the belt. Force the seat down with extra weight, for example, by pressing down or kneeling on the child restraint while pulling up on the shoulder belt (for standard safety belt) or pulling down on the lap belt (for inflatable safety belt) in order to force slack from the belt. This is necessary to remove the remaining slack that will exist once the extra weight of the child is added to the child restraint. It also helps to achieve the proper snugness of the child seat to your vehicle. Sometimes, a slight lean toward the buckle will provide extra help to remove remaining slack from the belt.

• Standard safety belt

2015 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, September 2014 USA (fus)

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