Ford Explorer Quiz
Driver Assistance

Cross-Traffic Alert

In this manual: Driver Assistance
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~3min read

The system alerts you to vehicles approaching from the rear of your vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).

Using Cross Traffic Alert

The system detects vehicles approaching at speeds from 6 km/h to 37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage is reduced when the sensors are partially, mostly, or completely blocked. Reversing slowly helps increase the coverage area and effectiveness.

The system turns on when you start the engine and shift into reverse (R). The system turns off when you shift out of reverse (R).

The left-side sensor is only partially blocked, and coverage on the right side is at its maximum.

Coverage is also reduced when parking at sharp angles. The left-side sensor is mostly blocked, and coverage on that side is greatly reduced.

Cross Traffic Alert Sensors

The sensors are located behind the rear bumper on both sides of the vehicle.

If the sensors are blocked, a message may appear in the information display when you shift into reverse (R).

Cross Traffic Alert System Limitations

The system may not operate correctly in the following cases:

  • The sensors are blocked.
  • Parked vehicles or objects are blocking the sensors.
  • Vehicles are approaching at speeds less than 4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 km/h mph (60 km/h).
  • Vehicle speed is above 12 km/h.

Reversing out of an angled parking space.

Cross Traffic Alert Behavior With a Trailer Attached

Cross Traffic Alert remains active when you attach a trailer to a vehicle with the Blind Spot Information System with Trailer Tow under the following conditions:

  • You attach a trailer.
  • The trailer is a bicycle rack or cargo rack with a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).
  • You set the trailer length to 3 ft (1 m) in the information display.

See Blind Spot Information System.

Switching the System On and Off

To turn the system on or off, adjust the setting. Depending on your vehicle's options, the setting may be as follows:

Information display. See General Information.

Touchscreen. See Settings.

Cross Traffic Alert Indicator

When the system detects an approaching vehicle, a chime sounds, the indicator light in the corresponding outside mirror illuminates, and arrows appear in the information display showing the direction the vehicle is coming from.

If the system is faulty, the warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a message appears in the information display. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages

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A quick Ford Explorer quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.