2023 Ford Explorer Owners Manual - Unique Driving Characteristics

Unique Driving Characteristics

Auto-Start-Stop (If Equipped)

 The system helps reduce fuel consumption by automatically stopping and restarting the engine when your vehicle has stopped. The engine restarts automatically when you release the brake pedal.

In some situations, your vehicle may restart automatically, for example:

• To maintain interior comfort.
• To recharge the battery.

Note:   Power assist steering turns off when the engine is off.

Note:   If your vehicle is flex fuel capable, Auto-Start-Stop will be inhibited for a short time after a refuel event while the system is verifying the fuel type being used.

WARNING:  Apply the parking brake, shift into park (P), switch the ignition off and remove the key before you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.    WARNING:  Apply the parking brake, shift into park (P), switch the ignition off and remove the key before you open the hood or have any service or repair work completed. If you do not switch the ignition off, the engine could restart at any time. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or death.    WARNING:  The system may require the engine to automatically restart when the auto-start-stop indicator illuminates green or flashes amber. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury.

The Auto-Start-Stop system status is available at a glance within the information display.  See   Information Displays. 

Enabling Auto-Start-Stop

The system automatically enables every time you start your vehicle if:

• You do not press the Auto-Start-Stop button (not illuminated).
• Your vehicle exceeds an initial speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) after you have initially started your vehicle.
• You have stopped your vehicle.
• Your foot is on the brake pedal.
• The driver door is closed.
• The interior compartment has cooled or warmed to an acceptable level.
• The front windshield defroster is off.
• You have not turned the steering wheel rapidly or you do not have it at a sharp angle.
• The vehicle is not on a steep road grade.
• The battery is within optimal operating conditions (battery state of charge and temperature in range).
• The engine coolant is near operating temperature.
• Elevation is below about 12,000 ft (3,650 m).
• Ambient temperature is moderate.
• The trailer is not connected.
• If you select Normal, Eco, Snow/Wet or Grass/Gravel/Snow modes.
• You are not in 4H or 4L.
• You have not selected Manual shift mode.
• Hill descent control is not active.
• You have not selected Tow haul, Sport, Sand or Mud/Rut modes.

Note:   Note when in Sport mode it can be enabled by pressing the Auto-Start-Stop button.

The green Auto-Start-Stop indicator light on the instrument cluster will illuminate to indicate when the automatic engine stop occurs.

If the instrument cluster is equipped with a grey Auto-Start-Stop indicator light, it illuminates when automatic engine stop is not available due to one of the above noted conditions not being met.

Automatic Engine Restart

Any of the following conditions will result in an automatic restart of the engine:

• You have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
• You press the accelerator pedal.
• You press the accelerator and the brake pedal at the same time.
• The driver safety belt becomes unfastened or the driver door is ajar.
• Your vehicle is moving.
• The interior compartment does not meet customer comfort when air conditioning or heat is on.
• Fogging of the windows could occur and the air conditioning is on.
• The battery is not within optimal operating conditions.
• You have exceeded the maximum engine off time.
• When you press the Auto-Start-Stop button with the engine automatically stopped.
• The front defroster is turned to the Max setting.
• When you shift into park (P), the engine will restart.

Any of the following conditions may result in an automatic restart of the engine:

• You have increased the blower fan speed or changed the climate control temperature.
• You have an electrical accessory turned on or plugged in.

Note:   You may notice that the climate seat fan fluctuates during an automatic restart.

Disabling Auto-Start-Stop

Press the Auto-Start-Stop button on the center console to switch the system off. The button will illuminate. Deactivating using the button lasts only 1 key cycle. Press the button again to restore Auto-Start-Stop function.

Note:   If the Shift to park (P), Restart Engine message appears and the amber Auto-Start-Stop indicator light flashes, this indicates automatic restart is unavailable. You must restart the vehicle manually.   See   Information Displays. 

If your vehicle is in engine off Auto-Start-Stop, shifting from drive (D) to reverse (R) will not cause a restart if you do not press the brake pedal. The message Auto-Start-Stop Press Brake to Start Engine appears. You must press the brake pedal within 60 seconds or the system requires you to shift into park (P) and manually restart your vehicle.

Hybrid Vehicle Operation - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

This hybrid vehicle combines electric and gasoline propulsion to provide breakthrough performance and improved efficiency. Familiarizing yourself with these unique characteristics provides an optimal driving experience from your vehicle.

Starting

When you start your vehicle, a green READY indicator light appears in the instrument cluster letting you know that your vehicle is ready for driving. The engine may not start because your vehicle has a silent key start feature. This fuel saving feature allows your vehicle to be ready to drive without requiring the gas engine to be running. The indicator remains on when your vehicle is on, whether the engine is running or not, to indicate your vehicle is capable of movement using the electric motor, gas engine or both. Typically, the engine does not start unless the vehicle is cold, a climate control change is requested or you press the accelerator pedal.

Driving

The gas engine automatically starts and stops to provide power when needed and to save fuel when not needed. When coasting at low speeds, coming to a stop, or standing, the gas engine normally shuts down and your vehicle operates in electric-only mode.

Conditions that may cause the engine to start up or remain running include:

• Considerable vehicle acceleration.
• Climbing a hill.
• Charge level of high voltage battery is low.
• High or low outside temperatures in order to provide system heating or cooling.
• Engine not warm enough to provide passenger requested cabin temperature.
• Towing a trailer.
• Selectable drive modes: Certain selectable drive modes may cause the engine to run.  See   What Is Drive Mode Control. 
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters while in drive (D) may cause the engine to run.   See   Automatic Transmission. 

Stopping

The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel as you come to a stop. Restarting your vehicle is not required. Simply step on the accelerator when you are ready to drive.

Transmission Operation

The engine and electric motor together propel the vehicle through the automatic transmission. This is normal hybrid operating and helps deliver fuel efficiency and performance.

Battery

Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage battery. A cool battery maintains battery life and provides the best possible performance. The high voltage battery is cooled by the vehicle's air conditioning system. When the air conditioning system is on, you may notice a slight increase in air temperature coming from the climate control vents while the battery is cooling. You may also notice cool air flowing from the vents when the air conditioning or blower is off.

Braking

Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your transmission and it captures brake energy and stores it in the high voltage battery.

You may also notice during extending downhill driving that your engine continues to run instead of shutting off. During this engine braking, the engine stays on, but it is not using any fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle when operating your vehicle. This is the normal operation of the electric motor in the hybrid system.

Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy

Note:   Having your engine running is not always an indication of inefficiency. In some cases, it is actually more efficient than driving in electric mode.

Your fuel economy should improve throughout your hybrid's break-in period. As with any vehicle, your driving habits and accessory usage can significantly impact your fuel economy. For best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep the tires properly inflated and only use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the amount of energy required to move your vehicle. In general, you can achieve better fuel economy with mild to moderate acceleration and deceleration. Moderate braking is particularly important since it allows you to maximize the energy captured by the regenerative braking system.

Additional Tips:

• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external accessories that may increase aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive immediately after starting.

Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)