Driving -> BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Driving  
PREPARING TO DRIVE  
WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover  
rate than other types of vehicles.  
WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is  
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.  
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground  
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger  
car.  
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as  
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a  
lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for  
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung  
sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road  
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in  
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased  
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and  
death.  
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,  
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload  
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower  
speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased  
stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over-loading  
or loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability  
and contribute to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.  
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK  
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents  
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is  
in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed.  
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in  
the on position and the brake pedal pressed:  
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to off, then remove the key.  
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2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)  
Driving  
2. Remove the rubber pad at the  
bottom of the cup holder to locate  
the access cap of the floor shifter  
assembly.  
3. Using a screwdriver (or  
equivalent), remove the access  
panel and depress the shifter lever  
on the shift mechanism.  
4. Apply the brake and shift into N  
(Neutral).  
5. Return the cover plug to the console access hole. Start the vehicle.  
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,  
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not  
operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside  
Emergencies chapter.  
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the  
brakelamps are working.  
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure  
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off  
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.  
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake  
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be  
working properly. See your authorized dealer.  
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION  
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)  
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission control strategy.  
This adaptive transmission control strategy offers the optimal  
transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has  
been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will  
need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to  
reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been  
disconnected. The adaptive transmission control strategy allows the  
transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process  
could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this  
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2010 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing  
USA (fus)