Ford Explorer 2013 Owner's Manual
Table of Contents 1
Information Provided by:
Introduction 9
Child Safety 18
Child seats ...........................................20
Child seat positioning ...................................20
Booster seats .........................................22
Installing child seats with lap and shoulder belts................25
Installing child safety seats with lower anchors and tethers for
children.............................................30
Installing child safety seats with tether straps..................32
Child safety locks ......................................36
Safety Belts 37
Fastening the safety belts ................................39
Safety belt height adjustment .............................42
Safetybeltwarninglightandindicatorchime..................43
Safety belt-minder .....................................43
Rear inflatable safety belt ................................46
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance ...................47
Personal Safety System 48
Supplementary Restraints System 49
Driver and passenger airbags..............................51
Front passenger sensing system............................53
Side airbags ..........................................55
Safety canopy curtain airbags .............................57
Crash sensors and airbag indicator..........................59
Airbag disposal ........................................60
Keys and Remote Control 61
General information on radio frequencies .....................61
Remote control........................................62
Keys ...............................................62
Replacing a lost key or remote control .......................68
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2 Table of Contents
Information Provided by:
MyKey 69
Settings, MyKey .......................................69
Creating.............................................70
Clearing .............................................71
System status .........................................71
Remote start, MyKey ...................................71
Troubleshooting, MyKey .................................73
Locks 75
Locking and unlocking ..................................75
SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad .........................84
Security 86
SecuriLock威 passive anti-theft system .......................86
Anti-theft alarm .......................................89
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
Lighting 98
Lighting control .......................................98
Autolamps ...........................................99
Instrument lighting dimmer ...............................99
Headlamp exit delay ...................................100
Daytime running lamps .................................100
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Table of Contents 3
Information Provided by:
Automatic high beam control .............................101
Front fog lamps ......................................102
Directionindicators....................................103
Interior lamps ........................................103
Windows and Mirrors 106
Power windows.......................................106
Exteriormirrors......................................108
Interiormirrors.......................................111
Sun visors ..........................................111
Moonroof ...........................................112
Instrument Cluster 114
Gauges .............................................114
Warning lamps and indicators ............................115
Audible warnings and indicators ..........................121
Information Displays 122
Controls ............................................122
Trip computer........................................125
Information messages ..................................133
Audio System 144
MyFord™ system .....................................146
Auxiliary input jack....................................152
USBport ...........................................154
Satellite radio information ...............................155
Climate Control 158
Manual heating and air conditioning ........................158
Dual automatic temperature control ........................160
Auxiliary passenger climate control ........................163
Rear window defroster .................................166
Cabin air filter .......................................166
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4 Table of Contents
Information Provided by:
Seats 168
Sitting in the correct position ............................168
Head restraints .......................................169
Front manual seats ....................................172
Power seats .........................................173
Memory function......................................174
Heated seats.........................................175
Heated and cooled seats ................................176
Rear seats ..........................................178
Universal Garage Door Opener 189
Car2U威 home automation system..........................189
HomeLink威 wireless control system ........................194
Auxiliary Power Points 199
Storage Compartments 202
Center console .......................................202
Overhead console .....................................203
Starting and Stopping the Engine 204
Ignition switch .......................................205
Keyless starting ......................................205
Engine block heater ...................................208
Fuel and Refueling 210
Fuel quality .........................................211
Running out of fuel ....................................213
Refueling...........................................214
Fuel consumption .....................................216
Transmission 220
Automatic transmission .................................220
Hill start assist .......................................226
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Table of Contents 5
Information Provided by:
Four-Wheel Drive 227
Four wheel drive......................................227
Brakes 234
Brakes .............................................234
Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes ......................235
Parking brake ........................................235
Traction Control 236
TractionControl™ ....................................236
Stability Control 237
AdvanceTrac威........................................238
Terrain Response 239
Hill descent control....................................240
Parking Aids 242
Sensing system .......................................242
Active park assist .....................................244
Rear-view camera system ...............................248
Cruise Control 253
Using cruise control ...................................253
Using Adaptive Cruise Control ............................254
Driving Aids 262
Driveralert..........................................262
Lane keeping system...................................264
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA) .............................................268
Collision warning system ................................273
Steering............................................277
Load Carrying 279
Cargo net ...........................................279
Roof racks and load carriers .............................279
Vehicle loading .......................................280
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Information Provided by:
Towing 288
Trailertowing........................................288
Wrecker towing.......................................293
Recreational towing....................................294
Driving Hints 296
Economical driving ....................................296
Floormats..........................................298
Roadside Emergencies 300
Getting roadside assistance ..............................300
Hazard warning flashers ................................301
Fuel cut-off switch ....................................302
Jump-starting the vehicle ...............................302
Customer Assistance 305
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................312
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) .....................312
Fuses 313
Changing a fuse ......................................313
Fuses and relays ......................................313
Fuse specification chart.................................314
Maintenance 323
General information ...................................323
Opening and closing the hood ............................324
Under hood overview ..................................325
Engine oil dipstick ....................................327
Engine oil check ......................................327
Engine coolant check ..................................328
Automatic transmission fluid check ........................333
Brake fluid check .....................................336
Power steering fluid check ..............................336
Fuel filter ...........................................336
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Table of Contents 7
Information Provided by:
Washer fluid check ....................................337
Battery.............................................337
Checking the wiper blades...............................339
Air filter(s)..........................................341
Adjusting the headlamps ................................342
Changing a bulb ......................................344
Bulb specification chart.................................349
Vehicle Care 350
Cleaning products .....................................350
Cleaning the exterior...................................350
Waxing.............................................352
Repairing minor paint damage ............................352
Cleaning the engine ...................................352
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades .....................353
Cleaning the interior ...................................353
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens .......354
Cleaning leather seats ..................................355
Cleaning the alloy wheels ...............................355
Vehicle storage .......................................356
Wheels and Tires 359
Tire care ...........................................362
Using snow chains.....................................377
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)....................378
Changing a road wheel .................................383
Technical specifications .................................391
Wheel lug nut torque ..................................391
Capacities and Specifications 392
Part numbers........................................397
Vehicle identification number.............................397
Vehicle certification label................................398
Transmission code designation ............................399
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8 Table of Contents
Information Provided by:
Accessories 400
Accessories..........................................400
Ford Extended Service Plan 403
Scheduled Maintenance 407
Normal scheduled maintenance and log .....................412
SYNC姞 426
Pairing your phone for the first time .......................431
911 Assist™ .........................................446
Vehicle Health Report ..................................449
MyFord Touch™ 472
Infotainment display ...................................479
Voice recognition .....................................480
Listening to music.....................................486
Phone features .......................................509
Information Menu .....................................516
Menu features........................................527
Settings............................................529
Climate features ......................................536
Navigation system .....................................539
Appendices 551
Index 569
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.
© Ford Motor Company 2011
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Introduction 9
Information Provided by:
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 a range of product features and options,
sometimes before they are generally available. Therefore, you may find
options in this manual that are not found on your vehicle.
Note: Some of the illustrations in this manual may be used for different
models, so they may appear different than your vehicle.. However, the
essential information in the illustrations is always correct.
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.
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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10 Introduction
Information Provided by:
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING: You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
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
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Engine
coolant
Front airbag Front fog
Engine
coolant
temperature
lamps
Introduction 11
Information Provided by:
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Fuel pump
reset
Heated rear
window
Lighting
control
Panic alarm Parking aid
Fuse
compartment
Interior
luggage
compartment
release
Low tire
pressure
warning
system
Hazard
warning
flasher
Jack
Maintain
correct fluid
level
Parking
brake system
Power
steering fluid
Service
engine soon
Windshield
defrost and
demist
Power
windows
front and
rear
Side airbag Stability
Windshield
washer and
wiper
Power
window
lockout
control
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12 Introduction
Information Provided by:
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威
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 SYNC威 supplement 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.
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
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Introduction 13
Information Provided by:
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 SYNC威 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威 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. 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威
supplement for more information.
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14 Introduction
Information Provided by:
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.
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 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.
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Introduction 15
Information Provided by:
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 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, refer to the terms and
conditions of the Ford Warranty.
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
Manual 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.
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16 Introduction
Information Provided by:
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.
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, 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, encourage the use of voice operated systems when
possible and that you become aware of applicable state and local laws
that may affect use of electronic devices while driving.
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Introduction 17
Information Provided by:
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. Refer to this Owner’s Manual for all other required
information and warnings.
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18 Child Safety
Information Provided by:
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 purchased separately from the 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 consult your pediatrician to make sure your
child seat is appropriate for your child, and is compatible with and
properly installed in the 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, your
local St. John Ambulance office at http://www.sfa.ca, 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.
Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children
Child size, height, weight, or age
Infants
or
toddlers
Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or less
(generally age four or younger).
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Recommended
restraint type
Use a child safety
seat (sometimes
called an infant
carrier, convertible
seat, or toddler
seat).
Child Safety 19
Information Provided by:
Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children
Child size, height, weight, or age
Small
children
Larger
children
• You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and
toddlers in the U.S. and Canada.
• Many states and provinces require that small children use approved
booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 ft 9 in.
(1.45 meters) tall, or 80 lb (36 kg). Check your local and state or
provincial laws for specific requirements regarding 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.
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 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 feet 9 inches
(1.45 meters) tall or greater than 80 lb
(36 kg) or 100 lb (45 kg) if
recommended by child restraint
manufacturer).
Recommended
restraint type
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 seatback upright.
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20 Child Safety
Information Provided by:
CHILD SEATS
Use a child safety seat (sometimes
called an infant carrier, convertible
seat, or toddler seat) for Infants,
toddlers or children weighing 40 lb
(18 kg) or less (generally age four
or younger)
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 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 the 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 the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision, 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 collision.
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Child Safety 21
Information Provided by:
WARNING: Always restrain an unoccupied child seat or booster
seat. These objects may become projectiles in a collision or
sudden stop, which may increase the risk of serious injury.
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 collision.
WARNING: Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets
unattended in your vehicle.
Use any attachment method as indicated
below by X
LATCH
(lower
Restraint
Type
Rear
facing
child seat
Forward
facing
child seat
Forward
facing
child seat
Note: The child seat must rest tightly against the vehicle seat. It may be
necessary to lift or remove the head restraint. See the Seats chapter for
information on head restraints.
Child
Weight
Up to
48 lb
(21 kg)
Up to
48 lb
(21 kg)
Over
48 lb
(21 kg)
anchors
and
top
tether
anchor)
LATCH
(lower
anchors
only)
XX
XXX
Safety
belt
and
top
tether
anchor
Safety
belt and
LATCH
(lower
anchors
and top
tether
anchor)
XX
Safety
belt
only
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22 Child Safety
Information Provided by:
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 collision.
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 lb (18 kg) and 80 lb (36 kg)
and upward to 100 lb (45 kg) 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 lb (36 kg).
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 the vehicle seat back 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 the vehicle lap/shoulder
belt.
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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 seat back 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 seat back or
head restraint and lap/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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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, 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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INSTALLING CHILD SEATS WITH 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 all the way back.
WARNING: 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 and/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/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.
• 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 vehicle seat back in upright position.
• For second row seating positions, if needed, 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, if needed. Refer to Rear seats in the Seats
chapter for information on folding the head restraints.
• Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to 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.
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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. This vehicle does not require the
use of a locking clip.
1. Position the child safety seat in a
seat with a combination lap and
shoulder belt.
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.
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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.
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
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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.
• Inflatable safety belt: grasp the lap
portion of the inflatable safety belt
and pull upward until all of the belt
is pulled out.
Note: Unlike the standard safety belt, 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, e.g., 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 additional weight of the child is added to the child restraint. It also
helps to achieve the proper snugness of the child seat to the vehicle.
Sometimes, a slight lean towards the buckle will additionally help to
remove remaining slack from the belt.
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• Standard safety belt
• Inflatable safety belt
9. Attach the tether strap (if the child seat is equipped). Refer to
Installing child safety seats with tether straps later in this chapter.
10. Before placing the child in the
seat, forcibly move the seat forward
and back to make sure the seat is
securely held in place. To check
this, grab the seat at the belt path
and attempt to move it side to side
and forward and back. There should
be no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
movement for proper installation.
Ford recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger
Safety Technician (CPST) to make certain the child restraint is properly
installed. In Canada, check with your local St. John Ambulance office for
referral to a CPST.
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INSTALLING CHILD SAFETY SEATS WITH Lower Anchors AND Tethers FOR CHildren (LATCH)
WARNING: Never attach two child safety seats to the same
anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold
two child safety seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury
or death.
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 and/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.
The LATCH system is composed of three vehicle anchor points: two (2)
lower anchors located where the vehicle seat back and seat cushion meet
(called the “seat bight”) and one (1) top tether anchor located behind
that seating position.
LATCH compatible child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted
attachments that connect to the two lower anchors at the LATCH
equipped seating positions in your vehicle. This type of attachment
method eliminates the need to use safety belts to attach the child seat,
however the safety belt can still be used to attach the child seat. For
forward-facing child seats, the top tether strap must also be attached to
the proper top tether anchor, if a top tether strap has been provided with
your child seat.
Your vehicle has LATCH lower anchors for child seat installation at the
seating positions marked with the child seat symbol.
• Second row bucket seats and
third-row passenger side
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