Ford Explorer Quiz
Unique Driving Characteristics

Hybrid Vehicle Operation (if equipped)

In this manual: Unique Driving Characteristics
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

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

Getting Started

When you start the engine, the green READY indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster and a message appears showing that the vehicle is ready to drive.

The engine may not start because your vehicle has a Quiet Start feature. This fuel-saving feature allows your vehicle to be ready to drive without requiring the gasoline engine to run. The indicator remains illuminated while your vehicle is on, whether or not the engine is running, to show that the vehicle can move using the electric motor, the gasoline engine, or both. Normally the engine does not start if the vehicle is not cold, a climate control change is requested, or you press the accelerator pedal.

Driving

The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically to provide power when needed and to save fuel when it is not required. When coasting at low speeds, stopped, or standing, the gasoline engine typically shuts off and your vehicle operates on electric power only.

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

  • Significant vehicle acceleration.
  • Driving uphill.
  • Low high-voltage battery charge.
  • High or low outside air temperature requiring heating or cooling of the system.
  • Engine not warm enough to provide the cabin temperature requested by the passenger.
  • Towing a trailer.
  • Selectable drive modes: some selectable drive modes may cause the engine to run. See Drive Mode Control.
  • Live in Drive: Using the paddle shifters while in Drive (D) may cause the engine to start. See Transmission.

Stopping

The gasoline engine may shut off to save fuel when you stop. Restarting your vehicle is not required. Simply press the accelerator pedal when you are ready to drive.

Transmission Operation

The engine and electric motor work together to propel the vehicle through the automatic transmission. This is normal hybrid operation, which helps provide fuel economy and performance.

Battery

Your hybrid is equipped with a high-voltage battery. A cool battery maintains battery life and provides the best performance. The high-voltage battery is cooled by the vehicle air conditioning system. When the air conditioning system is on, you may notice a slight rise in air temperature from the vents while the battery is cooling. You may also notice a flow of cool air from the vents when the air conditioner or fan is off.

You may also notice that during extended driving downhill, the engine continues to run rather than shutting off. During engine braking, the engine remains on but does not use any fuel. You may also hear a slight whine or whistle while your vehicle is operating. This is normal operation of the electric motor in the hybrid system.

Braking

Your hybrid is equipped with standard hydraulic braking and regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is performed by your transmission and captures braking energy and stores it in the high-voltage battery. You may notice a change in transmission gear when braking. This is normal and is used to capture the maximum amount of energy back into the high-voltage battery.

Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy

Your fuel economy should improve during the break-in period of your hybrid. As with any vehicle, your driving habits and use of accessories can significantly affect your fuel economy. For best results, keep these tips in mind:

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

Additional tips:

  • Do not carry unnecessary cargo.
  • Remember that adding external accessories may increase aerodynamic drag.
  • Observe posted speed limits.
  • Perform all scheduled maintenance.
  • It is not necessary to wait for the engine to warm up. The vehicle is ready to move immediately after starting.

Test yourself

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