2021 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual
Year:
2021
Make:
Ford
Model:
Explorer
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of contents
4
Copyright ©
2
Introduction
12
About This Manual
12
Symbols Glossary
12
Perchlorate
14
Ford Credit
14
Replacement Parts Recommendation
15
Special Notices
15
Mobile Communications Equipment
16
Export Unique Options
17
Data Privacy
18
Data Privacy
18
Service Data
19
Event Data
19
Settings Data
20
Connected Vehicle Data
20
Mobile Device Data
21
Emergency Call System Data
21
Environment
22
Protecting the Environment
22
At a Glance
23
At a Glance - ST
23
Instrument Panel
24
Child Safety
26
General Information
26
Installing Child Restraints
28
Booster Seats
36
Child Restraint Positioning
38
Child Safety Locks
39
Seatbelts
41
Principle of Operation
41
Fastening the Seatbelts
42
Seatbelt Height Adjustment
44
Seatbelt Warning Lamp and Indicator Chime
44
Seatbelt Reminder
45
Child Restraint and Seatbelt Maintenance
46
Seatbelt Extensions
47
Personal Safety System™
48
Personal Safety System™
48
Supplementary Restraints System
49
Principle of Operation
49
Driver and Passenger Airbags
50
Front Passenger Sensing System
51
Side Airbags
53
Driver and Passenger Knee Airbags
54
Safety Canopy™
54
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator
55
Airbag Disposal
56
Pedestrian Protection
57
Pedestrian Alert System
57
911 Assist
58
What Is 911 Assist
58
Emergency Call Requirements
58
Emergency Call Limitations
59
Keys and Remote Controls
60
General Information on Radio Frequencies
60
Remote Control
60
Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control
66
MyKey™
67
Principle of Operation
67
Creating a MyKey
68
Clearing All MyKeys
69
Checking MyKey System Status
69
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems
70
MyKey – Troubleshooting
70
Doors and Locks
72
Locking and Unlocking
72
Keyless Entry
75
Liftgate
77
Power Liftgate
77
Security
81
Passive Anti-Theft System
81
Anti-Theft Alarm
81
Steering Wheel
83
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Manual Adjustable Steering Column
83
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Power Adjustable Steering Column
83
Audio Control
85
Voice Control
85
Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go
85
Cruise Control - Vehicles With: Cruise Control
86
Information Display Control
86
Heated Steering Wheel
86
Horn
86
Wipers and Washers
87
Windshield Wipers
87
Autowipers
87
Windshield Washers
88
Rear Window Wiper and Washers
89
Lighting
90
General Information
90
Lighting Control
90
Autolamps
91
Instrument Lighting Dimmer
91
Headlamp Exit Delay
91
Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Configurable Daytime Running Lamps
92
Daytime Running Lamps - Vehicles With: Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
92
Front Fog Lamps
92
Adaptive Headlamps
93
Direction Indicators
93
Interior Lamps
94
Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 8 Inch Information and Entertainment Display Screen
95
Ambient Lighting - Vehicles With: 10.1 Inch Information and Entertainment Display Screen
95
Automatic High Beam Control
97
What Is Automatic High Beam Control
97
Switching Automatic High Beam Control On and Off
97
Automatic High Beam Control Indicators
97
Overriding Automatic High Beam Control
98
Windows and Mirrors
99
Power Windows
99
Global Opening
100
Exterior Mirrors - Excluding: ST
100
Exterior Mirrors - ST
101
Interior Mirror
103
Sun Visors
103
Moonroof
104
Instrument Cluster
106
Gauges - Vehicles With: 6.5 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
106
Gauges - Vehicles With: 12.3 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
107
Gauges - Vehicles With: 4.2 Inch Instrument Cluster Display Screen
109
Warning Lamps and Indicators
110
Audible Warnings and Indicators
114
Information Displays
115
General Information
115
General Information
117
General Information
120
Personalized Settings
122
Information Messages
124
Climate Control
140
Automatic Climate Control
140
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate
142
Rear Passenger Climate Controls
143
Heated Windshield
144
Heated Rear Window
145
Heated Exterior Mirrors
145
Remote Start
145
Interior Air Quality
146
What Is the Cabin Air Filter
146
Replacing the Cabin Air Filter
146
Seats
147
Sitting in the Correct Position
147
Head Restraints
147
Manual Seats
150
Power Seats
151
Memory Function
153
Rear Seats
155
Heated Seats
159
Ventilated Seats
160
Rear Occupant Alert System
162
What is the Rear Occupant Alert System
162
How Does the Rear Occupant Alert System Work
162
Rear Occupant Alert System Precautions
162
Rear Occupant Alert System Limitations
162
Switching Rear Occupant Alert System On and Off
162
Rear Occupant Alert System Indicators
163
Rear Occupant Alert System Audible Warnings
163
Garage Door Opener
164
Universal Garage Door Opener
164
Auxiliary Power Points
169
Auxiliary Power Points
169
Wireless Accessory Charger
170
Storage Compartments
173
Cup Holders
173
Overhead Console
173
Starting and Stopping the Engine
174
General Information
174
Ignition Switch
174
Keyless Starting
174
Starting a Gasoline Engine
175
Starting a Hybrid Electric Vehicle System
178
Engine Block Heater
180
Unique Driving Characteristics
182
Auto-Start-Stop
182
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
184
Hybrid Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions
186
Fuel and Refueling
188
Safety Precautions
188
Fuel Quality - E85
188
Fuel Quality - Gasoline
190
Fuel Filler Funnel Location
190
Running Out of Fuel
190
Refueling - Excluding: Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
192
Refueling - Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
195
Fuel Consumption
197
Engine Emission Control
199
Emission Law
199
Catalytic Converter
200
High Voltage Battery
203
General Information
203
Transmission
204
Automatic Transmission
204
Four-Wheel Drive
210
Principle of Operation
210
Using Four-Wheel Drive
210
Rear Axle
216
Limited Slip Differential
216
Brakes
217
General Information
217
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
218
Electric Parking Brake
218
Hill Start Assist
220
Auto Hold
221
Reverse Braking Assist
223
What Is Reverse Braking Assist
223
Reverse Braking Assist Precautions
223
Switching Reverse Braking Assist On and Off
224
Overriding Reverse Braking Assist
224
Reverse Braking Assist Indicators
224
Reverse Braking Assist – Troubleshooting
225
Traction Control
227
Principle of Operation
227
Using Traction Control
227
Stability Control
228
Principle of Operation
228
Using Stability Control
229
Hill Descent Control
231
What Is Hill Descent Control
231
Switching Hill Descent Control On and Off
231
Setting the Hill Descent Speed
231
Hill Descent Control Indicator
232
Parking Aids
233
Principle of Operation
233
Rear Parking Aid
233
Front Parking Aid
235
Side Sensing System
237
Active Park Assist
238
Rear View Camera
241
360 Degree Camera
244
Cruise Control
247
What Is Cruise Control
247
Switching Cruise Control On and Off
247
Setting the Cruise Control Speed
247
Canceling the Set Speed
248
Resuming the Set Speed
248
Cruise Control Indicators
248
Adaptive Cruise Control
249
How Does Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go Work
249
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering
249
What Is Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
249
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering
249
Adaptive Cruise Control Precautions - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go
249
Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering
250
Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go
251
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On and Off
253
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Speed
253
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Control Gap
254
Canceling the Set Speed
255
Resuming the Set Speed
255
Overriding the Set Speed
255
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Lane Centering
256
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go
256
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicators - Vehicles With: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
256
Switching From Adaptive Cruise Control to Cruise Control
256
Switching Lane Centering On and Off
257
Switching Intelligent Mode On and Off
258
Adjusting the Set Speed Tolerance
258
Adaptive Cruise Control – Troubleshooting
259
Driving Aids
262
Driver Alert
262
Lane Keeping System
263
Blind Spot Information System
267
Cross Traffic Alert
271
Speed Sign Recognition
274
Steering
276
Pre-Collision Assist
276
Drive Mode Control
281
What Is Drive Mode Control
281
Selecting a Drive Mode
281
Drive Modes
281
Load Carrying
283
Rear Under Floor Storage
283
Cargo Nets
283
Luggage Covers
284
Roof Racks and Load Carriers
284
Load Limit
285
Towing
291
Towing a Trailer
291
Trailer Sway Control
292
Recommended Towing Weights
292
Essential Towing Checks
295
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels
297
Driving Hints
298
Reduced Engine Performance
298
Economical Driving
298
Cold Weather Precautions
299
Breaking-In
299
Driving Through Water
299
Floor Mats
300
Roadside Emergencies
301
Roadside Assistance
301
Hazard Flashers
302
Fuel Shutoff
302
Jump Starting the Vehicle
303
Collision, Damage or Fire Event
305
Post-Crash Alert System
306
Transporting the Vehicle
306
Customer Assistance
308
Getting the Services You Need
308
In California (U.S. Only)
309
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only)
310
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)
311
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada
311
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature
313
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)
313
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)
313
Fuses
315
Fuse Specification Chart
315
Changing a Fuse
323
Maintenance
325
General Information
325
Opening and Closing the Hood
325
Under Hood Overview - 2.3L EcoBoost™
326
Under Hood Overview - 3.0L
327
Under Hood Overview - 3.3L
328
Engine Oil Dipstick - 2.3L EcoBoost™
329
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.0L
329
Engine Oil Dipstick - 3.3L
329
Engine Oil Check
329
Oil Change Indicator Reset
330
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 2.3L EcoBoost™
331
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.0L
332
Changing the Engine Air Filter - 3.3L
333
Engine Coolant Check
334
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check
338
Brake Fluid Check
338
Power Steering Fluid Check
339
Changing the 12V Battery
339
Adjusting the Headlamps
341
Washer Fluid Check
343
Fuel Filter
343
Checking the Wiper Blades
343
Changing the Front Wiper Blades
343
Changing the Rear Wiper Blades
344
Changing a Bulb
344
Vehicle Care
346
General Information
346
Cleaning Products
346
Cleaning the Exterior
347
Waxing
348
Cleaning the Engine
348
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades
348
Cleaning the Interior
349
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens
349
Cleaning Leather Seats
350
Repairing Minor Paint Damage
351
Cleaning the Wheels
351
Vehicle Storage
351
Body Styling Kits
353
Wheels and Tires
354
General Information
354
Tire Care
356
Using Summer Tires
369
Using Snow Chains
369
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
371
Changing a Road Wheel
377
Technical Specifications
383
Capacities and Specifications
385
Engine Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™
385
Engine Specifications - 3.0L
386
Engine Specifications - 3.0L, ST
386
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline
388
Engine Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
389
Transmission Specifications - ST
389
Motorcraft Parts - 2.3L EcoBoost™
391
Motorcraft Parts - 3.0L
392
Motorcraft Parts - 3.3L
393
Vehicle Identification Number
394
Capacities and Specifications - 2.3L EcoBoost™
394
Capacities and Specifications - 3.0L
401
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Gasoline
408
Capacities and Specifications - 3.3L, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
415
Bulb Specification Chart
422
Connected Vehicle
424
What Is a Connected Vehicle
424
Connected Vehicle Requirements
424
Connected Vehicle Limitations
424
Connecting the Vehicle to a Mobile Network
424
Connecting the Vehicle to a Wi-Fi Network - Vehicles With: SYNC 3
424
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: Modem
425
Connected Vehicle – Troubleshooting - Vehicles With: SYNC 3
426
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
428
Creating a Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
428
Changing the Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot Name or Password
428
Audio System
429
General Information
429
Audio Unit
429
Digital Radio
430
Satellite Radio
432
USB Port
435
SYNC™ 3
436
General Information
436
Using Voice Recognition
438
Entertainment
444
Climate
454
Phone
456
Navigation
458
Electric Vehicle Information
463
Apps
464
Settings
467
SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting
469
Accessories
482
Accessories
482
Ford Protect
483
Ford Protect
483
Scheduled Maintenance
485
General Maintenance Information
485
Normal Scheduled Maintenance
488
Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance
491
Appendices
494
Electromagnetic Compatibility
494
End User License Agreement
497
Declaration of Conformity
522
Declaration of Conformity - Vehicles With: SYNC 3
522
Type Approvals
523
Index
544
2021 Ford Explorer Overview
Introduction
The 2021 Ford Explorer combines rugged capabilities with modern sophistication, making it the ideal choice for families and adventurers alike. With its striking design, advanced technology, and spacious interior, the Explorer stands out in the competitive midsize SUV segment. Whether navigating the urban jungle or exploring off the beaten path, the 2021 Explorer has the versatility to meet all your travel needs.
Powertrains
The 2021 Ford Explorer offers a range of robust powertrains to match different driving preferences. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four engine delivers an impressive 300 horsepower, providing a perfect balance of efficiency and performance. For those seeking greater power, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is available, generating up to 400 horsepower for a thrilling drive. Additionally, the all-new Explorer Hybrid combines a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, generating a total output of 318 horsepower while promoting fuel efficiency.
Trims
The Explorer comes in multiple trims, each designed to cater to specific tastes and requirements. The base XLT trim boasts practical features, while the Limited trim adds luxury touches such as leather upholstery and advanced tech. For adventure enthusiasts, the Timberline trim offers off-road enhancements, and the ST trim delivers a performance-oriented experience with sporty styling and dynamic handling. Finally, the Platinum trim provides the ultimate in luxury with its premium materials and advanced features.
Features
The 2021 Explorer is packed with innovative features that enhance comfort and safety. Standard technology includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while available features include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system. Advanced safety technologies such as Ford Co-Pilot360 offer peace of mind with features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2021 Ford Explorer serves as an essential guide for maximizing your ownership experience. It provides detailed information on vehicle maintenance, operation of features, safety guidelines, and troubleshooting tips. This resource ensures that owners can take full advantage of their SUV’s capabilities while maintaining its reliability and performance.
User manual download
The Ford Explorer owner manual for the 2021 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2021 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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