FORD Explorer 2012 User Manual v.1

Table of Contents

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12 Gauges 19 Message center 22
Entertainment Systems 48
MyFord™ system 48 Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 57 USB port 58 SYNC 59
Climate Controls 60
Lights 71
Headlamps 71 Turn signal control 76 Bulb replacement 78
Driver Controls 86
Windshield wiper/washer control 86 Steering wheel adjustment 88 Power windows 93 Mirrors 94 Speed control 98 Adaptive cruise control 100 Moon roof 110
Locks and Security 126
Keys 126 Locks 133 Anti-theft system 148
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Table of Contents
Seating and Safety Restraints 154
Seating 154 Personal Safety System™ 176 Safety belt system 179 Front safety belt height adjustment 187 Airbags 193 Child restraints 207
Tires, Wheels and Loading 229
Tire information 231 Tire inflation 234 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 246 Vehicle loading 251 Trailer towing 258 Recreational towing 262
Driving 264
Starting 264 Brakes 272 AdvanceTrac 275 Hill descent control 280 Transmission operation 285 Reverse sensing system 291 Rear-view camera system 293
Roadside Emergencies 322
Getting roadside assistance 322 Hazard flasher control 323 Fuel pump shut-off 324 Fuses and relays 324 Changing tires 334 Wheel lug nut torque 342 Jump starting 343 Wrecker towing 346
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Table of Contents
Customer Assistance 348
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 355 Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 355
Cleaning 356
Maintenance and Specifications 364
Engine compartment 366 Engine oil 370 Battery 373 Engine coolant 376 Fuel information 383 Air filter(s) 398 Part numbers 401 Maintenance product specifications and capacities 402 Engine data 405
Accessories 408
Ford Extended Service Plan 410
Scheduled Maintenance 414
Normal scheduled maintenance and log 420
Index 433
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.
Copyright © 2011 Ford Motor Company
2012 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide, 1st Printing USA (fus)
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Introduction

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.
For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the following website:
In the United States: www.ford.com
In Canada: www.ford.ca
In Australia: www.ford.com.au
In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx
Additional owner information is given in separate publications.
This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe options before they are generally available.
Remember to pass on this Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.
WARNING: Fuel pump shut-off: In the event of an accident
this feature will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine. It can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g. collision when parking). To restart your vehicle, refer to Fuel pump shut-off in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
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Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is imperative that you consult the relevant section of this guide before touching or attempting adjustment of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste, cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, 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

Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, safety belt pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material – Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
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Introduction
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil usage.

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, refer to the Warranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Special instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic controls.
WARNING: Please read the section Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the Seating and Safety Restraints
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 Guide carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this 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.
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Introduction
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package.

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. 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 your SYNCsupplement for more information.

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; and
How fast the vehicle was travelling; and
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.
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Introduction
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.
Note: Including to the extent that any law pertaining to Event Data Recorders applies to SYNCor 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 SYNCsupplement 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
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Introduction
not want Ford or its vendors to receive this information, do not activate the service. Ford Motor Company and the vendors it uses to provide you with this information do not store your vehicle travel information. For more information, see Traffic, Directions and Information, Terms and Conditions. See your SYNC supplement for more information.

CELL PHONE USE

The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However, drivers must not compromise their 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, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that you use extreme caution when using any device or feature 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 that you comply with all applicable laws.

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 Guide. 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 Guide is written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets. Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built for Export. Refer to this Owner’s Guide for all other required
information and warnings.
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Introduction
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
Fasten Safety Belt Airbag - Front
Airbag - Side
Child Seat Tether Anchor
Anti-Lock Brake System Parking Brake System
Brake Fluid ­Non-Petroleum Based
Stability Control System Speed Control
Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment
See Owner’s Guide
Child Seat Lower Anchor
Brake System
Parking Aid System
Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield Defrost/Demist
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Rear Window Defrost/Demist
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Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Introduction
Power Windows Front/Rear
Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock
Power Window Lockout
Interior Luggage Compartment Release
Panic Alarm Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Engine Coolant Temperature
Do Not Open When Hot Battery
Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks
Battery Acid
Explosive Gas Fan Warning
Power Steering Fluid
Maintain Correct Fluid Level
Service Engine Soon Engine Air Filter
MAX
MIN
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Check Fuel Cap
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Jack
Low Tire Pressure Warning
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Instrument Cluster

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Base instrument cluster with standard measure shown; metric similar
5
4
3
2
1
6
7
F
E
0
OFF
80
60
40
20
100
120
100
80
60
140
120
140
180
160
200
220
40
20
0
km/h
0
MPH
Optional instrument cluster with standard measure shown; metric similar
120
60
40
80
100
120
80
20
100
140
60
40
160
140
180
200
20
0
km/h
0
MPH
OFF
Warning lights can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
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Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the indicators work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for additional information.
Note: Some warning lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicators. These indicators display in the lower line of the message center near the odometer reading. They function the same as a warning light but do not display on startup.
Service engine soon: The service engine soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced power (RTT): Illuminates when a
powertrain or an 4WD fault has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Instrument Cluster
Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on position when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system: If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness: If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned to on, continues to flash or remains on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. A chime will sound when there is a malfunction in the indicator light.
Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt. Refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
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BRAKE
P!
ABS
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Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range, refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
AdvanceTrac威: Displays when the AdvanceTrac/Traction control is active. If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately, refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
AdvanceTracoff light:
Illuminates when AdvanceTrac/Traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure is low. If the light remains on at start up or while driving, the tire pressure should be checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure that it is working. If the light does not turn on or begins to flash, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. For more information on this system, refer to Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
Low fuel (RTT): Illuminates when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near empty. Refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter.
OFF
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Instrument Cluster
Engine coolant temperature (RTT): Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Speed control (RTT): The speed control system indicator light changes color to indicate what mode the system is in:
On (gray light): Illuminates when the speed control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.
Engaged (green light): Illuminates when the speed control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
Adaptive cruise control (RTT) (if equipped): The speed control
system indicator light changes color to indicate what mode the system is in:
On (gray light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.
Engaged (green light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
Door ajar (RTT): Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely closed.
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Liftgate ajar (RTT): Displays when the ignition is in the on position and the trunk is open.
Low washer fluid (RTT):
Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.
Turn signal: Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams: Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.
Fog lamps: Illuminates when the fog lamps are turned on.
Grade assist (RTT) (if equipped): Illuminates when grade
assist is turned on.
Transmission Tow/Haul Feature (RTT) (if equipped): Displays
when the Tow/Haul feature has been activated. Refer to the Driving chapter for transmission function and operation. If the light flashes steadily, have the system serviced immediately, damage to the transmission could occur.
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Instrument Cluster
Hill descent (RTT) (if equipped): Illuminates when hill
descent is turned on.
Heads up display (if equipped):
A red beam of lights will illuminate on the windshield in certain instances when using adaptive cruise control and/or the collision warning system. It will also illuminate momentarily when you start your vehicle to make sure the display works. See Using adaptive cruise control in the Driving chapter for more information.
Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on chime: Sounds when the parking brake is left on and the vehicle is driven. If the warning stays on after the park brake is off, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Instrument Cluster

GAUGES

Base cluster shown in standard measure – metric similar
100
120
100
80
20
32
120
140
180
160
200
140
60
40
220
20
0
km/h
0
MPH
1
5
4
3
2
1
6
7
F
E
0
80
60
40
4
1. Tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.
2. Multifunction display: This displays the engine coolant temperature, 4WD gauge, odometer/trip meter and other vehicle features. This is also used to configure different vehicle personalization options and display the status of various vehicle functions. See Base message center in this chapter for more information.
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Instrument Cluster
Engine coolant temperature gauge (if enabled): Indicates
engine coolant temperature. At normal operating temperature, the level indicator will be in the normal range. The indicator will change colors indicating blue for cool, gray for normal and red for hot. If the engine coolant temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let then engine cool.
The engine coolant temperature gauge can be enabled or disabled. See Base message center in this chapter for information on changing the display settings.
4WD gauge (if equipped and enabled): D isplays power
distribution between the front and rear wheels. More power to either front or rear wheels will be displayed by more area filled in. Symbols indicate the current terrain management mode that is active.
See Four wheel drive (4wd) system in the Driving chapter for information.
3. Speedometer: Indicates the current vehicle speed.
4. Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the on position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
H
C
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Instrument Cluster
Optional cluster Shown in standard measure. Metric similar.
100
120
80
20
100
140
60
40
160
2
120
140
180
200
20
0
km/h
0
MPH
1 3
80
60
40
1. Multifunction display: This displays the fuel gauge, tachometer, engine coolant temperature, odometer/trip meter and other vehicle features. This is also used to configure different vehicle personalization options and display the status of various vehicle functions. See Uplevel message center in this chapter for more information.
2. Speedometer: Indicates the current vehicle speed.
3. Infotainment display: This display is used for the entertainment, phone, navigation and climate systems. See the MyFord Touch supplement for more information.
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Instrument Cluster

BASE MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take their focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. We recommend against the use of any handheld device while driving and that you comply with all applicable laws.
Your vehicle’s message center is capable of monitoring many vehicle systems and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various conditions with informational messages and/or warnings.
The message center is also used to program/configure the different features of your vehicle. The message center display is located in the instrument cluster.
Use the left steering wheel controls to navigate through the message center.
Press the up/down arrow buttons to move up/down through the message center choices.
Press the left/right arrow buttons to move left/right through the message center choices.
Press the OK button to select highlighted options and confirm choices/messages.
F
E
km/h
MPH
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Instrument Cluster

Main menu

Scroll up/down to highlight one of the options, then press the right arrow key or OK to enter into that menu option. Press the left arrow key as needed to exit back to the main menu.
*Trip1or2
Trip Odometer – shows the accumulated trip distance. Trip Timer – shows the elapsed trip time. This timer will stop when the
vehicle is turned off and will restart when the vehicle is restarted. Distance to E – shows the approximate distance the vehicle can travel
before running out of fuel. Inst Fuel Econ – shows instantaneous fuel usage. Average Fuel – shows the average distance traveled per unit of fuel
used for a given trip. Fuel Used – shows the amount of fuel used for a given trip.
Press and hold OK to reset the current trip, distance time, average MPG, and fuel used.
*Note: Some items are optional and may not appear.
*Information
Intelligent 4WD – Indicates 4WD status. MyKeyDistance (if MyKeyis programmed) MyKeyInformation (number of MyKeysand admin keys
programmed) Coolant Temperature – The indicator will change colors indicating: blue
for cool, gray for normal and red for hot. If the engine coolant temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
*Note: Some items are optional and may not appear.
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Instrument Cluster
*Settings
Driver Assist Traction Ctrl
Blind Spot Collision Warning Sensitivity (if
MyKey is programmed)
Chimes (not selectable if using a MyKey)
Warning (not selectable if using a
MyKey) Cross Traffic Rear Park Aid Trailer Sway
Display Language English, Español or Français
Units Distance Miles and Gal, or
Temperature Fahrenheit (°F)
Convenience Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
DTE Calculation Normal or Towing
High, Normal or Low
Km and Liters
or Celsius (°C)
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*Settings (cont’d)
Convenience
(cont’d)
MyKey Create MyKey Hold OK to Create MyKey
System Reset Hold OK to Reset
*Note: Some items are optional and may not appear.
Easy Entry/Exit Locks Autolock
Autounlock Remote Unlock All Doors or Driver
First Oil life Reset Set 10-100% Power Liftgate Switch Enabled or Disabled Remote Start Climate Control Heater – A/C
Auto or Last
Setting
Climate Control Front Defrost
Auto or Off
Climate Control Rear Defrost
Auto or Off
Climate Control Driver Seat
Auto or Off
Climate Control Passenger Seat
Auto or Off
Duration (5, 10 or
15 minutes)
Quiet Start System
Wipers Courtesy Wipe
Rain Sensing Reverse Wiper
Traction Control Always On or User Selectable Max Speed 80 MPH (130 km/h) or Off Speed Warning 45 mph (75 km/h), 55 mph (90 km/h),
65 mph (105 km/h) or Off Volume Limiter Clear MyKeys Hold OK to Clear MyKeys
Factory Default to Factory Defaults
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*System Check
Oil Life Washer Fluid Doors Liftgate Blind spot Cross Traffic Brakes Fuel
The number of warnings will be listed first. All active warnings will display first if applicable. The system check menu may appear different based upon equipment options and current vehicle status. Use the up/down arrow buttons to scroll through the list; press the right arrow button to display specific information on the highlighted warning.
*Note: Some items are optional and may not appear.
System warnings and status messages
See System warning and status messages later in this chapter for more information.

OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take their focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. We recommend against the use of any handheld device while driving and that you comply with all applicable laws.
Your vehicle’s message center is capable of monitoring many vehicle systems and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various conditions with informational messages and/or warnings.
The message center is also used to program/configure the different features of your vehicle.
The message center display is located in the instrument cluster. Use the left steering wheel controls to navigate through the message
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Instrument Cluster
Press the up/down arrow buttons to move up/down through the message center choices.
Press the left/right arrow buttons to move left/right through the message center choices.
Press the OK button to select highlighted options and confirm choices/messages.

Main menu

From the main menu screen you can choose the following:
Display Mode Trip1&2 Fuel Economy
Settings
Information
Scroll up/down to highlight one of the options, then press the right arrow key or OK to enter into that menu option.
Menu Control: You can choose a different menu control operation to suit your needs. In any screen which shows these category icons (other than the Main menu screen) and:
km/h
MPH
Standard is set– then scrolling up and down will scroll through the main categories.
Memory on is set– then scrolling up and down will scroll through the last selected sub-category/screen within a main category.
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Instrument Cluster
To change the Menu Control between Standard or Memory On, refer to Vehicle and Menu Control found in the table under the Settings section later in this chapter.
Display Mode
Press the right arrow on the left steering wheel mounted button when display mode is selected. The boxes in the upper right corner of the screen indicate that there are multiple screens that you can navigate through. Each press of the right arrow will navigate to the next screen until the last screen is reached. The white highlighted box indicates which of the screens you are currently viewing:
Note: Regardless of display mode chosen, when SST is activated, the cluster will change to the tachometer if not already selected, and the M will light up in the shift select indicator and also in the message center. Refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter.
Distance to empty (DTE) + Fuel gauge + Bar tachometer
01234.5mi
6
F
4
RPM
+
1000
2
0
E
Distance to empty (DTE): Shows approximate fuel level before the fuel tank reaches empty. The value is dynamic and can change (raise or lower) depending on driving style.
Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. When the fuel level becomes low (50 miles [80 km] to empty), the level indicator will change to amber. When the fuel level becomes critically low (0 miles [0 km] to empty), the level indicator will change to red. Note: When a MyKeyis in use, low fuel warnings will display earlier .
Bar tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.
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Instrument Cluster
Note: You can also choose to have only the fuel gauge show in this mode. Refer to Display > Gauge Display found in the table under the Settings section later in this chapter.
Round analog tachometer + Fuel gauge
For descriptions of the tachometer and fuel gauge, see the description listed previously.
i
Round analog tachometer + Fuel gauge + Engine coolant temperature gauge
For descriptions of the tachometer and fuel gauge, see the description listed previously.
Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant temperature. At normal operating temperature, the level indicator will be in the normal range. If the engine coolant temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Intelligent 4WD (if equipped) + other gauges
Intelligent 4WD
For a description of the other gauges, see the descriptions listed previously.
Intelligent all-wheel drive: shows the 4WD mode that the vehicle is in. Refer to Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) system and Terrain management in the Driving
chapter.
F
F
E
F
RPM
+
1000
E
E
H
C
6
4
2
0
2012 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide, 1st Printing USA (fus)
29
Instrument Cluster
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST)
This feature allows you to manually shift gears. If your vehicle is equipped with this feature it will be denoted by an M instead of an L located in the shift selector indicator.
Regardless of display mode chosen, when SST is activated, the cluster will change to the tachometer if not already selected, and the M will light up in the shift select indicator and also in the message center. Refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter.
The selected gear will be displayed at the bottom of the vertical bar tachometer (if selected).
The selected gear will be displayed within the full analog tachometer (if selected).
RPM
1000
6
4
2
0
Trip1&2
Press the right arrow on the left steering wheel mounted button when trip1&2isselected.Theboxes in the upper right corner of the screen indicate that there are multiple screens that you can navigate through. Each press of the right arrow will navigate to the next screen until the last screen is reached. The white highlighted box indicates which of the screens you are currently viewing:
Choose the standard or enhanced display. See the Settings chart following to reach the trip display settings.
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2012 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide, 1st Printing USA (fus)
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