2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Reverse Brake Assist (If Equipped)

Reverse Brake Assist (If Equipped)

What Is Reverse Brake Assist

Reverse brake assist is designed to reduce impact damage or assist in avoiding a collision while in reverse (R). Using sensors on the rear of the vehicle, it can detect a possible collision and apply the brakes. If full braking occurs, the system attempts to stop the vehicle a safe distance from the obstacle.

Reverse Brake Assist Precautions

WARNING:  You are responsible for controlling your vehicle at all times. The system is designed to be an aid and does not relieve you of your responsibility to drive with due care and attention. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.    WARNING:  To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in reverse (R) and when using the sensing system.    WARNING:  The system may not operate properly during severe weather conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy rain and spray. Always drive with due care and attention. Failure to take care may result in a crash.    WARNING:  Traffic control systems, fluorescent lamps, inclement weather, air brakes, external motors and fans may affect the correct operation of the sensing system. This may cause reduced performance or false alerts.    WARNING:  Some situations and objects prevent hazard detection. For example low or direct sunlight, inclement weather, unconventional vehicle types, and pedestrians. Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death.    WARNING:  Do not use the system with accessories that extend beyond the front or rear of your vehicle, for example a trailer hitch or bike rack. The system is not able to make corrections for the additional length of the accessories.

The system only applies the brakes for a short period of time when an event occurs. Act as soon as you notice the brakes apply to remain in control of the vehicle. If you do not intervene the vehicle may start to move again.

Note:   Certain add-on devices around the bumper or fascia may create false alerts. For example, large trailer hitches, bicycle or surfboard racks, license plate brackets, bumper covers or any other device that may block the normal detection zone of the system. Remove the add-on device to prevent false alerts.

Note:   The system does not react to small or moving objects, particularly those close to the ground.

Note:   The system does not operate during hard acceleration or steering.

Note:   If your vehicle sustains damage to the bumper or fascia leaving it misaligned or bent, it could alter the sensing zone causing inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alerts.

Note:   Vehicle loading and suspension changes can impact the angle of the sensors and may change the normal detection zone of the system resulting in inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alerts.

Note:   When you connect a trailer, the system may detect the trailer and provide an alert, or the system turns off. If the system does not turn off, manually switch the system off after you connect the trailer.

Note:   You may experience reduced system performance on road surfaces that limit deceleration. For example, roads with ice, loose gravel, mud or sand.

Switching Reverse Brake Assist On and Off

You can switch the system on or off through the touchscreen.

Note:   The system is unavailable when rear parking aid or cross traffic alert is off.

Overriding Reverse Brake Assist

There could be instances when unexpected or unwanted braking occurs. Firmly pressing the accelerator pedal or switching the feature off overrides the system.

Reverse Brake Assist Indicators

If the system determines that a collision with an obstacle may occur, full braking may apply.

 Troubleshooting - Reverse Brake Assist – Information Messages

 Troubleshooting - Reverse Brake Assist – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is reverse brake assist unavailable?

• Make sure you switch the system on.   See   . 
• Make sure that the liftgate or tailgate, hood and all doors are closed.
• Make sure the cross traffic alert system is on.   See   . 
• Make sure the rear parking aid system is on.   See   . 
• Your vehicle may have sustained a rear end impact. Have the sensors checked for proper coverage and operation.
• Make sure the exterior cameras are not dirty or obstructed. If dirty, clean the cameras. If the reverse brake assist unavailable message still appears after cleaning the cameras, wait a short time for the message to clear. If the message does not clear, drive the vehicle on a straight road for a short period. If the message remains, have the system checked.
• Make sure the sensors are not blocked or faulted. See  Locating the Rear Parking Aid Sensors . 
  See  Locating the Cross Traffic Alert Sensors . 
• You recently had your vehicle serviced, or the battery disconnected. Drive your vehicle a short distance to resume system operation.
• The system does not function when you connect a trailer. Operation resumes when you disconnect the trailer.

Note:   If you are still having problems with reverse brake assist, have the system checked as soon as possible.