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2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Introduction



Introduction

About This Manual

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

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.

 

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

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

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

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

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

Right and Left Hand Side

ARight-hand side.
BLeft-hand side.

Symbols Glossary

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

Airbag  Airbag Air Conditioning  Air conditioning system
Air Conditioning System Lubricant Type -Symbols Glossary  Air conditioning system lubricant type Antilock Braking System Warning Lamp  Anti-lock braking system
Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks  Avoid smoking, flames or sparks Ignition Warning Lamp  Battery
Battery Acid  Battery acid Ventilation Fan  Blower motor
Brake Fluid - Non-Petroleum Based  Brake fluid - non petroleum based Brake System Warning Lamp  Brake system
Brake System Indicator  Brake system Passenger Compartment Air Filter  Cabin air filter
Check Fuel Cap  Check fuel cap Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock  Child safety door lock or unlock
Child Seat Lower Anchor  Child seat lower anchor Child Seat Tether Anchor  Child seat tether anchor
Cruise Control  Cruise control Do Not Open When Hot  Do not open when hot
Parking Brake System  Electric Parking brake Engine Air Filter  Engine air filter
Engine Coolant  Engine coolant Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Lamp  Engine coolant temperature
Low Oil Pressure Warning Lamp  Engine oil Explosive Gas  Explosive gas
Fan Warning  Fan warning Seat Belt  Fasten seatbelt
Flammable - Symbols Glossary  Flammable Front Fog Lamp Indicator  Front fog lamps
Fuel Pump Reset  Fuel pump reset Fuse Compartment  Fuse compartment
Hazard Warning Flasher  Hazard flashers High Beam Indicator  Headlamp high beams
Headlamp Lower Beam  Headlamps on Heated Rear Screen  Heated rear window
Hill Decent  Hill descent control Horn Icon  Horn control
Interior Luggage Compartment Release  Interior luggage compartment release Jack Icon  Jack
No Walk  Keep out of reach of children Dipped Beam or Parking Light Switch  Lighting control
Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp  Low fuel level Low Tire Pressure Indicator  Low tire pressure warning
Maintain Correct Fluid Level  Maintain correct fluid level Engine Warning Lamp  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
Refer the Owners Manual  Note operating instructions Panic Alarm  Panic alarm
Parking Aid System  Parking aid Lamps ON Indicator  Parking lamps
Child Safety Warning Icon  Passenger airbag activated Front Passanger Airbag Deactivated  Passenger airbag deactivated
Power Steering Fluid  Power steering fluid Power Windows Front/Rear  Power windows front/rear
Power Window Lockout  Power window lockout Requires Registered Technician - Symbols Glossary  Requires registered technician
Warning Icon  Safety alert Warning Book  See Owner's Manual
Refer the Service Manual  See Service Manual Side Airbag  Side airbag
Shield the Eyes Icon  Shield the eyes Traction Control ON and OFF Button  Stability control
Stability Control System OFF  Stability control off Trail Control Icon  Trail control
Direction Indicator Warning Lamp  Turn Signal Windshield Defroster  Windshield defrosting system
Windshield Wiping System  Windshield wiping system Windshield Washing and Wiping System  Windshield wash and wipe

Replacement Parts Recommendation

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

Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs

One of the best ways for you to make sure that your vehicle provides years of service is to have it maintained in line with our recommendations using parts that conform to the specifications detailed in this Owner’s Manual.

 Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts meet or exceed these specifications.

Collision Repairs

We hope that you never experience a collision, but accidents happen sometimes.

 Genuine Ford replacement collision parts meet our stringent requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance. During vehicle development we validate that these parts deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system. A great way to know for sure you are getting this level of protection is to use genuine Ford replacement collision parts.

Warranty on Replacement Parts

 Genuine Ford and Motorcraft replacement parts are the only replacement parts that benefit from a Ford Warranty.

The Ford Warranty may not cover damage caused to your vehicle as a result of failed non-Ford parts.

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 by your New Vehicle Limited Warranty, see your warranty guide that is available online. For more information, refer to our website and download your copy of the warranty guide.

Special Instructions

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

WARNING   WARNING:  You risk death or serious injury to yourself and others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the warning symbol. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.
WARNING   WARNING:  NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in front of it, DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD can occur.

 

On Board Diagnostics Data Link Connector

WARNING   WARNING:  Do not connect wireless plug-in devices to the data link connector. Unauthorized third parties could gain access to vehicle data and impair the performance of safety related systems. Only allow repair facilities that follow our service and repair instructions to connect their equipment to the data link connector.

 

Your vehicle has an OBD Data Link Connector (DLC) that is used in conjunction with a diagnostic scan tool for vehicle diagnostics, repairs and reprogramming services. Installing an aftermarket device that uses the DLC during normal driving for purposes such as remote insurance company monitoring, transmission of vehicle data to other devices or entities, or altering the performance of the vehicle, may cause interference with or even damage to vehicle systems. We do not recommend or endorse the use of unapproved aftermarket plug-in devices. The vehicle Warranty will not cover damage caused by an aftermarket plug-in device.

Notice to Owners of Pickup Trucks and Utility Type Vehicles

WARNING   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 does not have a snowplowing package.

Using Your Vehicle as an Ambulance

Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.

Your vehicle does not have the Ambulance Preparation Package.

Mobile Communications Equipment

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.

 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.

Export Unique Options

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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