Get Driving -> STARTING Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Driving

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. Off— locks the gearshift lever

and allows key removal. This

position also shuts the engine and

all electrical accessories off.

2. Accessory— allows the electrical

accessories such as the radio to

operate while the engine is not

running.

3. On— all electrical circuits

operational. Warning lights

illuminated. Key position when driving.

4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.

This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard

requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio

noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before

or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty

starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to

Starting the engine in this chapter.

WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce

very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,

creating the risk of fire or other damage.

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass

or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in

other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open

the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against

exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

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WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have

your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If

the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle

checked.

If the vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing snow

conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged with

snow and/or ice. If this occurs the engine may experience a significant

reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear all snow

and/or ice away for the air induction inlet.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more

information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating

and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

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• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

O

/D

P

R

N

D

3

2

1

3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without

turning the key to 4 (start).

Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and

chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information

regarding the warning lights.

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Starting the engine

1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without

turning the key to 4 (start). If there

is difficulty in turning the key,

rotate the steering wheel until the

key turns freely. This condition may

occur when:

• the front wheels are turned

• a front wheel is against the curb

2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then

release the key as soon as the

engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking

system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from

the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to

10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.

Note: Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off

position.

3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the

brake, shift into gear and drive.

Note: If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off

position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to

start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the

accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above

cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off

in case the engine is flooded with fuel.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid

its dangerous effects.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have

your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you

smell exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of

time, open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or

air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

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Driving -> STARTING for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

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