Contents

Table of Contents
Introduction
- Congratulations
- Safety and Environment Protection
  - Warning symbols in this guide
  - Warning symbols on your vehicle
  - Protecting the environment
- PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
- Breaking-in your vehicle
- SPECIAL NOTICES
  - New Vehicle Limited Warranty
  - Special instructions
  - Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
  - Using your vehicle with a snowplow
  - Using your vehicle as an ambulance
- DATA RECORDING
  - Service Data Recording
  - Event Data Recording
- CELL PHONE USE
- EXPORT UNIQUE (NONUNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Instrument Cluster
- Warning lights and chimes
- Gauges
- Base message center (if equipped)
  - Main menu
    - System warnings and status messages
- Optional message center (if equipped)
  - Main menu
    - SelectShift Automatic transmission (SST)
    - Settings/Vehicle Settings
    - Information
    - System warnings and status messages
- System warnings and status messages
Entertainment Systems
- MyFord system (if equipped)
  - Radio
  - SIRIUS? satellite radio (if equipped)
  - Satellite radio information (if activated)
  - Playing a disc
  - Auxiliary input jack (line in)
  - USB port (if equipped)
  - Media hub (if equipped)
  - Phone
- MyFord Touch (if equipped)
- SYNC? (if equipped)
Climate Controls
- Single zone manual system with rear climate controls (if equipped)
  - Operating tips
- Automatic Temperature Control Systems
  - Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) Sony system (if equipped)
  - Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) system with MyTemp (if equipped)
  - Operating tips
  - Touchscreen features
- Auxiliary system
- Rear window defroster
- Remote start climate operation (if equipped)
- Cabin air filter
Lights
- Headlamp Control
  - Autolamp control (if equipped)
    - Autolamp delay system (if equipped)
  - Fog lamp control
  - High beams
  - Flash-to-pass
  - Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
- PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
- Aiming the headlamps
  - Vertical aim adjustment
- TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
- Interior lamps
  - Front row map lamps (if equipped)
  - Second row dome/map lamps (if equipped)
    - Second row dome/courtesy lamps (if equipped)
    - Third row cargo lamp
- Bulb Replacement
  - Lamp assembly condensation
  - Using the right bulbs
  - Replacing interior bulbs
  - Replacing exterior bulbs
    - Replacing headlamp bulbs
    - Replacing HID headlamp bulbs (if equipped)
    - Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
    - Replacing sidemarker bulbs
    - Replacing turn/backup lamp bulbs
    - Replacing tail/brake lamp bulbs
    - Replacing fog lamp bulbs
    - Replacing license plate lamp bulb
    - Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulb
Driver Controls
- Windshield Wipers
  - Windshield wiper rainlamp feature (if equipped with autolamp)
  - Rear window wiper/washer controls
- Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
- Illuminated visor mirror (if equipped)
- Overhead console
  - Storage compartment
- Center console
  - Rear center console features (if equipped)
- Auxiliary power points (12V DC)
  - Power point (110V AC) (if equipped)
- Power Windows
  - One-touch down
    - One-touch up or down (front windows) (if equipped)
  - Bounce-back
    - Security override
  - Window lock
  - Accessory delay
- Interior mirror
  - Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
- Exterior Mirrors
  - Power side view mirrors
  - Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)
  - Fold-away mirrors
  - Signal indicator mirrors (if equipped)
  - Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)
- Power Adjustable Foot Pedals (if equipped)
- Speed control (if equipped)
  - Using speed control
    - Setting speed control
    - Disengaging speed control
    - Resuming a set speed
    - Increasing speed while using speed control
    - Reducing speed while using speed control
    - Turning off speed control
- ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) (IF EQUIPPED)
  - Using adaptive cruise control
    - Setting adaptive cruise control
    - Setting the gap distance
    - Disengaging adaptive cruise control
    - Overriding adaptive cruise control
    - Changing the set speed
    - Resuming the set speed
    - Low speed automatic cancellation
    - Hilly condition usage
    - Turning off cruise control
    - Detection issues
    - ACC Not Available
    - Blocked sensor
    - Switching to normal cruise control
- STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
  - Audio control features
  - Cluster display control features
- Dual panel moon roof and power sunscreen (if equipped)
- Universal garage door opener (if equipped)
  - Car2U? Home Automation System (if equipped)
    - Types of garage door openers (rolling code and fixed code)
    - Rolling code programming
    - Fixed code programming
    - Erasing the Car2U? Home Automation System buttons
    - FCC and RSS-210 Industry Canada Compliance
- Positive Retention Floor Mat
- Cargo Area Features
  - Cargo net (if equipped)
  - Utility hook
- Manual liftgate (if equipped)
- Power liftgate (if equipped)
- Roof Rack System (if equipped)
Locks and Security
- Keys
  - Intelligent Access Key (IA key) (if equipped)
- MyKey?
- Power door locks
  - Smart unlocks for integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT)
    - Smart unlocks for intelligent access keys (IA key) (if equipped)
  - Autolock feature (if enabled)
    - Deactivating/activating autolock feature
  - Autounlock feature (if enabled)
    - Deactivating/activating autounlock feature
- Childproof door locks
- Remote entry system
  - Intelligent access (if equipped)
  - Unlocking the doors/two-stage unlock
  - Locking the doors
  - Car finder
  - Sounding a panic alarm
  - Opening the power liftgate (if equipped)
  - Memory feature (if equipped)
    - Programming the memory feature to the transmitter
    - Deprogramming the memory feature from the transmitter
  - Replacing the battery
  - Replacing lost intelligent access keys (IA keys)
    - How to reprogram your intelligent access keys (IA keys)
  - Illuminated entry
  - Illuminated exit
  - Battery saver
    - Accessory mode battery saver for intelligent access keys (if equipped)
  - Remote start (if equipped)
- SecuriCode keyless entry system (if equipped)
  - Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory feature
  - Erasing personal code
  - Anti-scan feature
  - Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry
- Securilock? passive anti-theft system
  - Automatic arming
  - Automatic disarming
  - Replacement of integrated keyhead transmitters (IKT) or intelligent access keys
  - Programming spare integrated keyhead transmitter (IKT) keys
    - Programming spare intelligent access keys (if equipped)
- Perimeter alarm system (if equipped)
- Arming the system
Seating and Safety Restraints
- Front seats
  - Adjustable head restraints
  - Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)
  - Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)
  - Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
  - Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)
  - Dual setting heated seats (if equipped)
  - Three-position heated and cooled seats (if equipped)
    - Heated seats
    - Cooled seats
    - Climate controlled seats air filter replacement (if equipped)
  - Memory feature (if equipped)
  - Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)
- Rear seats
  - Second and third row head restraints
  - Adjusting second row bucket and bench seat back
    - Adjusting second row seats (sixpassenger vehicles only)
    - Accessing the third row seats
    - 2nd row power fold and tumble seat (sixpassenger vehicles only)
    - Exiting the third row seat
  - Stowing the third row seat (manual seat)
    - Unstowing the third row seat
    - PowerFold? 3rd-row seat (if equipped)
- Personal Safety System
  - How does the Personal Safety System work?
    - Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints
    - Front crash severity sensor
    - Drivers seat position sensor
    - Front passenger sensing system
    - Front safety belt usage sensors
    - Front safety belt pretensioners
    - Front safety belt energy management retractors
    - Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational
- Safety Belt System
  - Combination lap and shoulder belts (standard belts shown, 2nd row inflatable belts similar-if equipped)
    - Restraint of pregnant women
  - Safety belt locking modes
  - Rear Inflatable Safety Belt (if equipped)
    - How does the rear inflatable safety belt system work?
  - Energy management feature front outboard
  - Safety belt pretensioner
  - Safety belt extension assembly
  - SAFETY BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
  - Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
    - Conditions of operation
  - Belt-Minder?
    - Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder? feature
- AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
  - Important SRS precautions
  - Children and airbags
  - How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
  - Front passenger sensing system
    - Determining if the system is operational
  - Seat-mounted side airbag system
    - How does the side airbag system work?
  - Safety Canopy? System
    - How does the Safety Canopy? System work?
    - Determining if the system is operational
  - SOS Post-Crash Alert System
  - Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners and inflatable safety belts)
- Safety restraints for children
  - Important child restraint precautions
    - Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children
  - Transporting children
- Safety seats for children
  - Infant and/or toddler seats
  - Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts
  - Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments
    - Use of inboard lower anchors from the outboard seating positions (center seating use)
    - Combining safety belt and LATCH lower anchors for attaching child safety seats
  - Attaching child safety seats with tether straps
  - Child booster seats
    - When children should use booster seats
    - Types of booster seats
    - The importance of shoulder belts
  - Child restraint and safety belt maintenance
Tires, Wheels and Loading
- Notice to utility vehicle and truck owners
- Vehicle characteristics
  - Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (if equipped)
  - How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
- Information about uniform tire quality grading
  - Treadwear
  - Traction AA A B C
  - Temperature A B C
- Tires
  - Glossary of tire terminology
- Inflating your tires
- Tire care
  - Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems
  - Tire wear
  - Damage
  - U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
  - Tire replacement requirements
  - Safety practices
    - Highway hazards
  - Tire and wheel alignment
  - Tire rotation
- Information contained on the tire sidewall
  - Information on P type tires
  - Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for LT type tires
  - Information on T type tires
  - Location of the tire label
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
  - Changing tires with a TPMS
  - Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
    - When your temporary spare tire is installed
    - When you believe your system is not operating properly
    - When inflating your tires
    - How temperature affects your tire pressure
- Snow tires and cables
- Vehicle loading with and without a trailer
  - Special loading instructions for owners of pick-up trucks and utility-type vehicles
- Trailer towing
  - Trailer hitch cover
  - Preparing to tow
  - Hitches
    - Weight-distributing hitch
  - Safety chains
  - Trailer brakes
  - Trailer lamps
  - Driving while you tow
  - Trailer towing tips
- Recreational towing
Driving
- Starting
  - Positions of the ignition (if equipped)
  - Preparing to start your vehicle
    - Important safety precautions
  - Starting the engine
    - Push button start system (if equipped)
  - Guarding against exhaust fumes
  - Important ventilating information
- Engine block heater (if equipped)
- Brakes
  - Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
    - Using ABS
    - Brake assist
    - ABS warning lamp
  - Brake over accelerator
  - Parking brake
- AdvanceTrac? with Roll Stability Control (RSC?) stability enhancement system
- Hill descent control (if equipped)
- Steering
- Preparing to drive
- Brake-shift interlock
- Automatic transmission operation
  - Automatic transmission adaptive learning
  - Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6speed automatic transmission
    - Understanding your SelectShift Automatic Transmission (SST)
  - Hill start assist (HSA)
  - If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
- Reverse sensing system (if equipped)
- Rearview camera system (if equipped)
- Collision warning system (if equipped)
- Active park assist (APA) (if equipped)
- Blind spot mirrors (if equipped)
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS?) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) (if equipped)
- Four Wheel Drive (4WD) system (if equipped)
  - Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
    - How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
    - Basic operating principles
    - If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
    - If your vehicle gets stuck
    - Emergency maneuvers
    - Sand
    - Mud and water
    - Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
    - Driving on snow and ice
    - Maintenance and modifications
- Terrain management (if equipped)
- Driving through water
Roadside Emergencies
- ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
  - Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance
  - Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance
  - Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance
  - Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance
- Hazard flasher control
- Fuel Pump Shut-off
- Fuses and relays
  - Fuses
    - Standard fuse amperage rating and color
  - Passenger compartment fuse panel
  - Power distribution box
- Changing the tires
  - Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
  - Stopping and securing the vehicle
    - Removing the spare tire and jack
  - Tire change procedure
    - Stowing the mini-spare and jack
    - Stowing the flat tire
- Wheel lug nut torque specifications
- Running out of fuel
- Jump starting
  - Preparing your vehicle
  - Connecting the jumper cables
  - Jump starting
  - Removing the jumper cables
- Wrecker towing
  - Emergency towing
Customer Assistance
- GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
  - Away from home
    - Additional assistance
- IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
- THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
- UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
- GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
- ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNERS LITERATURE
  - Obtaining a French Owners Guide
- REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
- REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)
Cleaning
- Washing the exterior
- Waxing
- Paint chips
- Aluminum wheels and wheel covers
- Engine
- Plastic (non-painted) exterior parts
- Windows and wiper blades
- Instrument panel/Interior trim and cluster lens
- Interior
- Leather seats (if equipped)
- Underbody
- Ford and Lincoln car care products
Maintenance and Specifications
- Service recommendations
- Precautions when servicing your vehicle
  - Working with the engine off
  - Working with the engine on
- Opening the hood
- Identifying components in the engine compartment
- Windshield washer fluid
  - Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
- Changing the wiper blades
  - Changing the rear window wiper blade
- Engine oil
  - Checking the engine oil
  - Adding engine oil
  - Engine oil and filter recommendations
    - Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil
    - Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
- Battery
  - Battery management system
    - Electrical accessory installation
- Engine coolant
  - Checking engine coolant
  - Adding engine coolant
  - Recycled engine coolant
  - Coolant refill capacity
  - Severe climates
  - Engine fluid temperature management (if equipped)
  - What you should know about fail-safe cooling
    - How fail-safe cooling works
    - When fail-safe mode is activated
- Fuel Filter
- What you should know about automotive fuels
  - Important safety precautions
    - Refueling
  - Easy Fuel? no cap fuel system
  - Choosing the right fuel
  - Octane recommendations
  - Fuel quality
  - Cleaner air
  - Running out of fuel
    - Refilling with a portable fuel container
- Essentials of good fuel economy
  - Measuring techniques
  - Filling the tank
  - Calculating fuel economy
  - Driving style good driving and fuel economy habits
    - Habits
    - Maintenance
    - Conditions
- EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
  - On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)
  - Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
  - Checking automatic transmission fluid (6F50/6F55) (if equipped)
    - Low fluid level
    - Correct fluid level
    - High fluid level
    - Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
  - Checking automatic transmission fluid (6F35) (if equipped)
- Air filter
  - Changing the air filter element
- Vehicle storage
- Motorcraft part numbers
- Maintenance product specifications and capacities
- Engine data
  - Engine drivebelt routing
- Identifying your vehicle
  - Safety Compliance Certification Label
  - Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Transmission code designations
Accessories
- Ford Custom Accessories for your vehicle
  - Exterior style
  - Interior style
  - Lifestyle
  - Peace of mind
Ford Extended Service Plan
- FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)
- FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)
Scheduled Maintenance
- GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
  - Why maintain your vehicle?
  - Protecting your investment
    - Oils, fluids and flushing
  - Genuine Ford parts and service
    - Convenience
    - Factory-trained technicians
    - Genuine Ford and Motorcraft? replacement parts
    - Value shopping for your vehicles maintenance needs
  - Owner checks and services
  - Multi-point inspection
- NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
  - Intelligent Oil Life Monitor
  - Maintenance schedule log
- SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
  - Special operating condition log
- EXCEPTIONS
- ENGINE COOLANT CHANGE RECORD
  - Engine coolant change log
Index

Ford Explorer 2012 Owners Guide

Pages 438

Year 2012

Language(s)

of 438

Ford Explorer 2012 Specification

The 2012 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that blends performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of delivering 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, catering to various driving preferences and conditions. The Explorer boasts a unibody construction, enhancing ride quality and handling compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Inside, the 2012 Explorer is designed with a focus on passenger comfort and technological integration. It accommodates up to seven passengers across three rows of seating, with available options for leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power-adjustable driver and passenger seats. The rear seats can be folded flat to expand cargo capacity, making it versatile for both family outings and hauling needs.

Technological features include Ford's SYNC system, which provides voice-activated controls for entertainment and communication functions, alongside an optional MyFord Touch interface that incorporates an 8-inch touchscreen. Additional amenities such as a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an available premium audio system enhance the driving experience.

Safety is paramount in the 2012 Explorer, equipped with standard features like stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive array of airbags, including front-seat side and full-length curtain airbags. The SUV also offers advanced safety options such as blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The exterior design of the 2012 Ford Explorer is characterized by its bold stance and modern lines, with options for various wheel sizes and trims that allow for a degree of customization. The vehicle's efficient design and suite of features make it a competitive choice in the mid-size SUV segment.

Ford Explorer 2012 F.A.Q.

What is the recommended oil type for a 2012 Ford Explorer?

The recommended oil type for a 2012 Ford Explorer is 5W-20 synthetic blend oil.

How do I reset the oil change light on a 2012 Ford Explorer?

To reset the oil change light, turn the ignition to the "on" position without starting the engine, press the gas and brake pedals simultaneously, and hold for about 25 seconds until the "Service: Oil Reset in Progress" message changes to "Service: Oil Reset Complete."

What is the towing capacity of the 2012 Ford Explorer?

The towing capacity of the 2012 Ford Explorer is up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Class III Trailer Tow Package.

How often should the transmission fluid be changed in a 2012 Ford Explorer?

It is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 150,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, if you frequently tow or drive in severe conditions, consider changing it more often.

Why is my 2012 Ford Explorer's check engine light on?

The check engine light can be triggered by various issues ranging from a loose gas cap to more serious engine problems. It's best to have the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system scanned for error codes to determine the exact cause.

How can I improve the fuel efficiency of my 2012 Ford Explorer?

To improve fuel efficiency, ensure regular maintenance like oil changes and air filter replacements, maintain proper tire pressure, and adopt smooth driving habits with gradual acceleration and braking.

What are common issues with the 2012 Ford Explorer's air conditioning system?

Common issues include refrigerant leaks, a malfunctioning compressor, or problems with the blower motor. It is advisable to have a professional inspect the system for precise diagnostics.

How do I replace a headlight bulb on a 2012 Ford Explorer?

To replace a headlight bulb, open the hood, locate the back of the headlight assembly, disconnect the power connector, remove the old bulb by twisting it counterclockwise, and install the new bulb by reversing the process.

What type of brake fluid does a 2012 Ford Explorer require?

The 2012 Ford Explorer requires DOT 4 brake fluid. Always use the specified type to ensure proper braking performance.

How do I pair my phone with the 2012 Ford Explorer's SYNC system?

To pair your phone, enable Bluetooth on your phone, press the "Phone" button on the SYNC system, and then select "Add a Device." Follow the prompts on both your phone and the SYNC screen to complete the pairing process.