Ford Explorer Quiz
Infection Transmission

Manual Park Release (MPR)

In this manual: Infection Transmission
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
11steps
~66min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 11

Use the manual park release to move the transmission out of Park (P) in the event of an electrical system malfunction or emergency.

Activating the Manual Park Release Cable

  1. Locate the manual park release cable access cover in the bottom of the storage compartment in the center console.
  2. Using a tool, carefully open the access cover.
  3. Fully press and hold the brake pedal; do not release it.
  4. Press the manual lever to release the lock, then pull the lever until it locks in the park override position. If done correctly, the instrument cluster displays the message Park Override Enabled, confirming the parking brake is applied.

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Operation

  1. Fully press and hold the brake pedal; do not release it.
  2. Pull the release lever back until the lock is released, then release the lever to return it to the park position.
  3. Install the access cover.
  4. Fully press the brake pedal, then start the vehicle. Confirm that your vehicle is in Park (P) and that the instrument cluster indicates Park (P).
  5. If the instrument cluster does not show Park (P) or a message that Park is unavailable, apply the parking brake before exiting your vehicle.
  6. Make sure the manual park release cable is in its original position. If the park release cable is not in its original position, your vehicle requires service.
  7. Release the parking brake to tow the vehicle with a tow truck. Refer to Electric Parking Brake.

If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked free by shifting between forward and reverse gears, pausing between shifts in a steady pattern. Lightly press the accelerator pedal in each gear.

Test yourself

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