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2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Audio System



Audio System

General Information

WARNING   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 hand-held 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.

 

Radio Frequencies and Reception Factors

Note:   Listening to loud audio for long periods of time could damage your hearing.

 

Radio Reception Factors  
Distance and strength   The further you travel from an AM or FM station, the weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.  
Terrain   Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can interfere with the reception.  
Station overload   When you pass a ground-based broadcast repeating tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in the audio system muting.  

 Audio Unit



Audio Unit

Note:   Depending on your vehicle option package, the controls may look different from what you see here.

Note:   Some features, such as satellite radio, may not be available in your location. Check with an authorized dealer.

Note:   The touchscreen system controls most of the audio features.

Adjusting the Volume

Adjusting the Volume

Turn to adjust the volume.

Changing Radio Stations

Tune Dial

In radio mode, turn to search through the radio frequency band.

In satellite radio mode, turn to find the previous or next available satellite radio station.

Switching the Audio Unit On and Off

Power ON/OFF  Press and release the button.  

Using Seek, Fast Forward and Reverse

Skip And Seek Previous Icon  Skip And Seek Next 

In radio mode, select a frequency band and press and release either button. The system stops at the first station it finds in that direction.

In satellite radio mode, press and release to select the next or previous satellite radio station. If you select a specific category, such as jazz, rock or news, press to find the next or previous station in that category.

Digital Radio (If Equipped)

Note:   HD Radio broadcasts are not available in all markets.

HD Radio technology is the digital evolution of analog AM/FM radio. Your system has a special receiver that allows it to receive digital broadcasts, where available, in addition to the analog broadcasts, it already receives. Digital broadcasts provide a better sound quality than analog broadcasts with free, crystal-clear audio and no static or distortion. For more information, and a guide to available stations and programming, please visit www.hdradio.com.

When HD Radio is on and you tune to a station broadcasting HD Radio technology, you may notice the HD Radio logo on your screen. When this logo is available, you may also see Title and Artist fields on-screen.

The multicast indicator appears in FM mode, only, if the current station is broadcasting multiple digital broadcasts. The highlighted numbers signify available digital channels where new or different content is available. HD1 signifies the main programming status and is available in analog and digital broadcasts. Other multicast stations, HD2 through HD7, are only available digitally.

When HD Radio broadcasts are active, you can access the following functions:

  • Memory presets allow you to save an active channel as a memory preset. Touch and hold a memory preset slot until the sound returns. There is a brief mute while the radio saves the station. Sound returns when finished. When switching to an HD2 or HD3 memory preset, the sound mutes before the digital audio plays, because the system has to reacquire the digital signal.

Note:   As with any saved radio station, you cannot access the saved station if your vehicle is outside the station’s reception area.

HD Radio Reception and Station Troubleshooting

 

Potential Reception Issues  
Reception area   If you are listening to a multicast station and you are on the fringe of the reception area, the station may mute due to weak signal strength.  
If you are listening to HD1, the system switches back to the analog broadcast until the digital broadcast is available again. However, if you are listening to any of the possible HD2-HD7 multicast channels, the station mutes and stays muted unless it is able to connect to the digital signal again.  
Station blending   When the system first receives a station, aside from HD2-HD7 multicast stations, it first plays the station in the analog version. Once the receiver verifies the station is an HD Radio station, it shifts to the digital version. Depending on the station quality, you may hear a slight sound change when the station changes from analog to digital. Blending is the shift from analog to digital sound or digital back to analog sound.  

 

In order to provide the best possible experience, use the contact form to report any station issues found while listening to a station broadcasting with HD Radio technology. Independent entities own and operate each station. These stations are responsible for the accuracy of all audio streams and data fields.

 

Potential Station Issues  
Issues   Cause   Action  
Echo, stutter, skip or repeat in audio.   Increase or decrease in audio volume.   This is poor time alignment by the radio broadcaster.   No action required.This is a broadcast issue.  
Sound fading or blending in and out.   The radio is shifting between analog and digital audio.   No action required.The reception issue may clear up as you continue to drive.  
There is an audio mute delay when selecting HD2 or HD3, multicast preset or direct tune.   The digital multicast is not available until the HD Radio broadcast is decoded. Once decoded, the audio is available.   No action required.This is normal behavior.Wait until the audio is available.  
Cannot access the HD2 or HD3 multicast channels when recalling a preset or from a direct tune.   The previously stored multicast preset or direct tune is not available in your current reception area.   No action required.The station is not available in your current location.  
Text information does not match currently playing audio.   Data service issue by the radio broadcaster.   Fill out the station issue form at website listed below. 1  
There is no text information shown for currently selected frequency.   Data service issue by the radio broadcaster.   Fill out the station issue form at website listed below.1  

 

1http://hdradio.com/stations/feedback.

HD Radio Technology manufactured under license from iBiquity Digital Corporation and foreign patents. HD Radio and the HD and HD Radio logos are proprietary trademarks of DTS. Ford and DTS are not responsible for the content sent using HD Radio technology. Content may be changed, added or deleted at any time at the station owner's discretion.

Satellite Radio (If Equipped)

SiriusXM® Satellite Radio broadcasts a variety of music, news, sports, weather, traffic and entertainment satellite radio channels. For more information and a complete list of SiriusXM satellite radio channels, visit www.siriusxm.com in the United States, www.siriusxm.ca in Canada, or call SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.

Note:   This receiver includes the eCos real-time operating system. eCos is published under the eCos License.

Satellite Radio Reception Factors

 

Potential Satellite Radio Reception Issues  
Antenna obstructions   For optimal reception performance, keep the antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other material as far away from the antenna as possible.   Factory-installed and aftermarket vehicle structures including, but not limited to, roof racks and soft top roofs in a partially open position could reduce reception performance.  
Terrain   Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.  
Station overload   When you pass a ground-based broadcast-repeating tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and the audio system could mute.  
Satellite radio signal interference   Your display may show ACQUIRING . . . to indicate the interference and the audio system could mute.  

 

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service

Note:   SiriusXM reserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Neither SiriusXM and its affiliates nor Ford Motor Company and its affiliates will be liable to you or any third party for any such modification, suspension or termination.

SiriusXM Logo

SiriusXM satellite radio is a subscription-based satellite radio service that broadcasts a variety of music, sports, news, weather, traffic and entertainment programming. Your factory-installed SiriusXM satellite radio system includes hardware and a limited subscription term, which begins on the date of sale or lease of your vehicle. See an authorized dealer for availability.

For more information on extended subscription terms, a service fee is required, the online media player and a complete list of SiriusXM satellite radio channels, and other features, please visit www.siriusxm.com in the United States, www.siriusxm.ca in Canada, or call SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.

Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN)

You need your ESN to activate, modify or track your satellite radio account.

Locating Your ESN

  1. Select SiriusXM as the audio source.
  1. Tune to channel 0.

Troubleshooting

 

Message   Condition   Action  

Acquiring…

Radio requires more than two seconds to produce audio for the selected channel.   No action required.This message should disappear shortly.  

Satellite antenna fault

There is an internal module or system failure present.   If this message does not clear shortly, or with an ignition key cycle, your receiver may have a fault. See an authorized dealer for service.  

SIRIUS system failure

Invalid Channel

The channel is no longer available.   Tune to another channel or choose another preset.  

Unsubscribed Channel

Your subscription does not include this channel.   Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474 to subscribe to the channel, or tune to another channel.  

No Signal

The signal is lost from the SiriusXM satellite or SiriusXM tower to your vehicle antenna.   The signal is blocked. When you move into an open area, the signal should return.  

Updating…

Update of channel programming in progress.   No action required.The process may take up to three minutes.  

Questions? Call

Your satellite service is no longer available.   Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474 to resolve subscription issues.  

1-888-539-7474

None found

All the channels in the selected category are either skipped or locked.   Use the channel guide to turn off the Lock or Skip function on that station.  

Check Channel Guide

Subscription Updated

SiriusXM has updated the channels available for your vehicle.   No action required.  

 USB Port



WARNING   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 hand-held 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.

 

USB A

USB Port

USB C

USB Port

The USB port allows you to plug in media playing devices, memory sticks and charge devices.

Note:   We recommend using only USB-IF certified cables and adapters. Non-certified cables and adapters may not work.

Locating the USB Ports

The USB ports may be in the following locations:

  • Inside the media bin.
  • Inside the center console.
  • On the lower instrument panel.

Note:   The number and type of USB ports may vary depending on your vehicle.

Note:   Not all USB ports in your vehicle have data transfer capabilities.  


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