2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Starting and Stopping the Engine

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Starting and Stopping the Engine

General Information

WARNING:  Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage.    WARNING:  Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle on dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire.    WARNING:  Do not start the engine in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.    WARNING:  Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your vehicle inspected immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

 

The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field or radio noise.

Note:   If you use your vehicle regularly above the altitude of 5,000 ft (1,524 m) and under the temperature of -4.0 °F (-20 °C), it is recommended to use the alternative engine oil.   See   Capacities and Specifications. 

If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics for approximately 6 mi (10 km) after you reconnect it. This is because the engine management system must realign itself with the engine. You can disregard any unusual driving characteristics during this period.

When you start the engine, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal before and during operation. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have difficulty starting the engine.

Ignition Switch



0 (off) - The ignition is off.

Note:   When you switch the ignition off and leave your vehicle, do not leave your key in the ignition. This could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.

I (accessory) - Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to operate while the engine is not running.

Note:   Do not leave the ignition key in this position for too long.This could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.

II (on) - All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

III (start) - Cranks the engine.

Keyless Starting (If Equipped)

Note:   The system may not function if the remote control is close to metal objects or electronic devices, for example keys or a cell phone.

Note:   A valid remote control must be located inside your vehicle to switch the ignition on and start your vehicle.

Ignition Modes

The keyless starting system has three modes:

Off: Turns the ignition off.

• Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once when the ignition is in the on mode, or when your vehicle is running but is not moving.

On: All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and indicators illuminate.

• Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once.

Start: Starts your vehicle. The engine may not start when your vehicle starts.

• Press the brake pedal, and then press the button for any length of time.

Starting a Gasoline Engine

 When you start the engine, the idle speed increases. This helps to warm up the engine.If the engine idle speed does not slow down, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note:   You can crank the engine for a total of 60 seconds without the engine starting before the starting system temporarily disables.The 60 seconds does not have to be all at once.For example, if you crank the engine three times for 20 seconds each time, without the engine starting, you reached the 60-second time limit.A message appears in the information display alerting you that you exceeded the cranking time.You cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes.After 15 minutes, you are limited to a 15-second engine cranking time.You need to wait 60 minutes before you can crank the engine for 60 seconds again.

Before starting your vehicle, check the following:

• Make sure all occupants fasten their seatbelt.
• Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park (P).
• Switch the ignition on. For vehicles with a keyless ignition, see the following instructions.

Vehicles with an Ignition Key

Note:   Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

1. Turn the key to the start position to start your vehicle.

Note:   The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.

Note:   If you cannot start the engine on the first try, wait for a short period and try again.

Vehicles with Keyless Start

Note:   Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

Note:   You must have your intelligent access key in your vehicle in order to shift the transmission out of park (P).

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

The system does not function if:

• The passive key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Open the floor console storage compartment lid.

1. Insert the passive key into the backup slot.

1. With the key in this position, press the brake pedal then press the push button ignition switch to switch the ignition on and start your vehicle.

Fast Restart

The fast restart feature allows you to restart your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching it off, even if it does not detect a valid passive key.

 After 20 seconds, you can no longer start your vehicle if it does not detect a valid passive key.Within 20 seconds of switching the engine off, press the brake pedal and press the push button ignition switch.

 Once your vehicle starts, it remains running until you press the push button ignition switch, even if your vehicle does not detect a valid passive key.If you open and close a door while your vehicle is running, the system searches for a valid passive key. You cannot start your vehicle if the system does not detect a valid passive key within 20 seconds.

Failure to Start

If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and follow this procedure:

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.

1. Attempt to start your vehicle and wait until the engine stops cranking.

1. Release the accelerator pedal.

1. Start the engine.

Automatic Engine Shutdown

For vehicles with a keyless ignition, this feature shuts down the engine if it has been idling for an extended period. The ignition also turns off in order to save battery power.Before your vehicle shuts down, a message appears in the information display showing a timer counting down from 30 seconds. If you do not intervene within 30 seconds, your vehicle shuts down. Another message appears in the information display to inform you that your vehicle has shut down to save fuel.Start your vehicle as you normally do.

Automatic Engine Shutdown Override

You can stop the shutdown, or reset the timer, at any point before the 30-second countdown has expired by doing any of the following:

• You can reset the timer by interacting with your vehicle, for example pressing the brake or accelerator pedal.
• You can temporarily switch off the shutdown feature any time the ignition is on. Use the vehicle settings on your touchscreen to switch the 30min Max Idle on or off. The feature only remains off for the current ignition cycle.
• During the 30-second countdown, the system prompts you to press OK or RESET to temporarily switch the feature off for the current ignition cycle only.

Note:   You cannot permanently switch off the automatic shutdown feature. When you temporarily switch it off, it turns on at the next ignition cycle.

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary

Vehicles with an Ignition Key

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Switch the ignition off.

1. Apply the parking brake.

Vehicles with Keyless Start

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

1. Apply the parking brake.

Note:   The ignition, all electrical circuits and all warning lamps and indicators will be turned off.

Note:   If the engine is idling for 30 minutes, the ignition and engine automatically shut down.

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving

WARNING:  Switching off the engine when your vehicle is still moving results in a significant decrease in braking assistance. Higher effort is required to apply the brakes and to stop your vehicle. A significant decrease in steering assistance could also occur. The steering does not lock, but higher effort could be required to steer your vehicle. When you switch the ignition off, some electrical circuits, for example airbags, also turn off. If you unintentionally switch the ignition off, shift into neutral (N) and restart the engine.

 

Vehicles with an Ignition Key

1. Switch the ignition off.

1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

1. Apply the parking brake.

Vehicles with Keyless Start

1. Press and hold the push button ignition switch, or press it three times within two seconds.

1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

1. Shift into park (P).

1. Apply the parking brake.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

WARNING:  Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your vehicle inspected immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

 

Important Ventilating Information

If you stop your vehicle and then leave the engine idling for long periods, we recommend that you do one of the following:

• Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.

Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System

Before starting your vehicle, check the following:

• Make sure all occupants fasten their seatbelt.
• Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Make sure the transmission is in park (P).

Note:   Do not touch the accelerator pedal.

1. Fully press the brake pedal.

1. Press the push button ignition switch.

Note:   The green ready indicator illuminates letting you know that your vehicle is ready for driving. Since your vehicle comes with a silent key start, the engine may not start when your vehicle starts.   See   Hybrid Vehicle Operation - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). 

When the engine starts for the first time on your drive, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm up the engine.If the engine idle speed does not slow down, have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.

The system does not function if:

• The passive key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.

If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:

1. Open the floor console storage compartment lid.

1. Insert the passive key into the backup slot.

1. With the key in this position, press the brake pedal then press the push button ignition switch to switch the ignition on and start your vehicle.

Fast Restart

The fast restart feature allows you to restart your vehicle within 20 seconds of switching it off, even if it does not detect a valid passive key.

Within 20 seconds of switching your vehicle off, press the brake pedal and press the push button ignition switch. After 20 seconds, you can no longer start your vehicle if it does not detect a valid passive key.

 Once your vehicle starts, it remains running until you press the push button ignition switch, even if your vehicle does not detect a valid passive key. You cannot start your vehicle if the system does not detect a valid passive key within 20 seconds.

Automatic Engine Shutdown

For vehicles with a keyless ignition, this feature shuts down the engine if it has been idling for an extended period.The ignition also turns off in order to save battery power.Before your vehicle shuts down, a message appears in the information display showing a timer counting down from 30 seconds. If you do not intervene within 30 seconds, your vehicle shuts down. Another message appears in the information display to inform you that your vehicle has shut down to save fuel.Start your vehicle as you normally do.

Note:   Automatic Engine Shutdown may be more frequent for hybrid vehicles.

Automatic Engine Shutdown Override

Note:   You cannot permanently switch off the automatic shutdown feature. When you switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the next ignition cycle.

You can stop the shutdown, or reset the timer, at any point before the 30-second countdown expires by doing any of the following:

• You can reset the timer by interacting with your vehicle, for example pressing the brake or accelerator pedal.
• You can temporarily switch off the shutdown feature any time the ignition is on using the information display.   See   Information Displays.  The feature only remains off for the current ignition cycle.
• During the 30-second countdown, the system prompts you to press OK or RESET to temporarily switch the feature off for the current ignition cycle only.

Switching Off Your Vehicle When It Is Stationary

1. Put the transmission in park (P).

1. Press the push button ignition switch once.

1. Apply the parking brake.

Note:   This switches off the ignition, warning lamps and indicators.

Switching Off Your Vehicle When It Is Moving

WARNING:  Switching off the engine when your vehicle is still moving results in a significant decrease in braking assistance. Higher effort is required to apply the brakes and to stop your vehicle. A significant decrease in steering assistance could also occur. The steering does not lock, but higher effort could be required to steer your vehicle. When you switch the ignition off, some electrical circuits, for example airbags, also turn off. If you unintentionally switch the ignition off, shift into neutral (N) and restart the engine.

 

1. Put the transmission into neutral (N) and use the brakes to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

1. When your vehicle has stopped, put the transmission in park (P).

1. Press and hold the push button ignition switch for one second, or press it three times within two seconds.

1. Apply the parking brake.

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes

WARNING:  Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your vehicle inspected immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

 

Important Ventilating Information

If you stop your vehicle and then leave the engine idling for long periods of time, we recommend that you do one of the following:

• Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.

Engine Block Heater (If Equipped)

WARNING:  Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in property damage or serious personal injury.    WARNING:  Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of electrical shock.    WARNING:  Do not fully close the hood, or allow it to drop under its own weight when using the engine block heater. This could damage the power cable and may cause an electrical short resulting in fire, injury and property damage.

 

Note:   The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below 0 °F (-18 °C).

The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment includes a heater element, installed in the engine block and a wire harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120-volt AC electrical source.

We recommend that you do the following for a safe and correct operation:

• Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). This extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold temperatures, and be clearly marked Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances. Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. This could result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
• Use as short an extension cord as possible.
• Do not use multiple extension cords.
• Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could cause an electric shock or fire.
• If the block heater cord is under the hood, Do Not remove the wiring from its original location. Do Not close the hood on the extension wiring.
• Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of combustibles.
• Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly connected.
• Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
• Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before starting and driving your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before winter.

Using the Engine Block Heater

Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with a dry cloth if necessary.

The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The system does not have a thermostat. It achieves maximum temperature after approximately three hours of operation. Using the heater longer than three hours does not improve system performance and unnecessarily uses electricity.

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