Get Instrument Cluster -> STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Instrument Cluster

STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)

Your vehicle’s message center allows

you to configure/personalize certain

vehicle options to suit your needs.

The message center is also capable

of monitoring many vehicle systems

and will alert you to potential

vehicle problems and various conditions with an informational message

followed by a long indicator chime.

The message center display is located in the instrument cluster.

Selectable features (information menu)

Press and release the

SELECT/RESET stem to scroll and

reset the following functions. Select

or reset the function by holding the

SELECT/RESET stem for more than

two seconds:

TRIP A/B

Registers the distance of individual journeys. Press the SELECT/RESET

stem once to switch from the odometer to the TRIP A feature. Press the

control again to select the TRIP B feature. To reset the trip, press and

hold the stem until it resets.

Refer to UNITS later in this section to switch the display from Metric to

English.

MILES (km) TO EMPTY

This displays an estimate of approximately how far you can drive with

the fuel remaining in your tank under normal driving conditions.

Remember to turn the ignition off when refueling to allow this feature to

correctly detect the added fuel.

FUEL LEVEL LOW will display and sound a tone for one second when

you have approximately 50 miles (80 km) to empty. If you reset this

warning message, this display and tone will return within 10 minutes.

The distance to empty is calculated using a running average fuel

economy, which is based on your recent driving history of 500 miles

(800 km). This value is not the same as the average fuel economy

display. The running average fuel economy is reinitialized to a factory

default value if the battery is disconnected.

21

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

AVERAGE FUEL XX.X MPG / (L/100km)

Average fuel economy displays your average fuel economy in miles/gallon

or liters/100 km.

If you calculate your average fuel economy by dividing miles traveled by

gallons of fuel used (liters of fuel used by 100 kilometers traveled), your

figure may be different than displayed for the following reasons:

• Your vehicle was not perfectly level during fill-up

• Differences in the automatic shut-off points on the fuel pumps at

service stations

• Variations in top-off procedure from one fill-up to another

• Rounding of the displayed values to the nearest 0.1 gallon (liter)

1. Drive the vehicle at least 5 miles (8 km) with the speed control

system engaged to display a stabilized average.

2. Record the highway fuel economy for future reference.

It is important to press the SELECT/RESET stem (press and hold for

two seconds in order to reset the function) after setting the speed

control to get accurate highway fuel economy readings.

SETUP MENU HOLD RESET

When this appears, press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to reach

the setup menu.

Briefly press the SELECT/RESET stem to scroll through the setup menu

items. If the SELECT/RESET stem is not pressed within four seconds,

the message center returns to the info menu.

• System Check

• AWD Lock (4.6L engine vehicles only)

• Units (English/Metric)

• Language

• Autolamp

• Autolock

• Autounlock

• Park Aid (if equipped)

• Trailer sway control

• Oil Life Reset and Start Value

• Compass display

22

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

• Compass zone adjustment

• Compass calibration adjustment

SYSTEM CHECK HOLD RESET

Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to select system check when

this is displayed in the message center. The message center will cycle

through each of the systems being monitored. For each of the monitored

systems, the message center will indicate either an OK message or a

warning message for two seconds.

Pressing the SELECT/RESET stem cycles the message center through

each of the systems being monitored.

The sequence of the system check report and how it appears in the

message center is as follows:

1. OIL LIFE

2. CHARGING SYSTEM

3. WASHER FLUID

4. DOOR AJAR

5. EXTERIOR LAMP

6. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL

7. PARK BRAKE

8. MILES TO EMPTY

9. FUEL LEVEL LOW (will only display if 50 miles [80 km] or less to

empty)

AWD AUTO / LOCKED (4.6L engine vehicles only)

This displays the AWD locked function.

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem within four seconds to turn

the AWD system to the auto / locked mode.

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

Note: When the AWD system is in the LOCKED mode, the 4X4 indicator

will be illuminated.

UNITS

Displays the current units English or Metric.

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to change from English to

Metric.

23

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

ENGLISH / SPANISH / FRENCH / JAPANESE

Allows you to choose which language the message center will display in.

Selectable languages are English, Spanish, French, or Japanese.

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to select a new language.

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

AUTOLAMP

This feature keeps your headlights on for up to three minutes after the

ignition is switched off.

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to select the new autolamp

delay time (in seconds) values of 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 180.

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

AUTOLOCK

This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when the vehicle is

shifted into any gear and when the vehicle is in motion over 13 mph

(20 km/h) or higher.

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to to turn autolock on or off.

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

AUTOUNLOCK

This feature automatically unlocks all vehicle doors when the driver’s

door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition being turned off.

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to to turn autounlock on or

off.

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem switch for the next setup menu item

or wait for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

PARK AID (if equipped)

This feature sounds a warning tone to warn the driver of obstacles near

the rear bumper, and functions only when R (Reverse) gear is selected.

1. To disable/enable the reverse sensing system feature with the vehicle

in P (Park), select this function from the setup menu or put the vehicle

in R (Reverse).

24

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

2. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to turn park aid on or off.

3. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

TRAILER SWAY

This feature uses the electronic stability control to mitigate trailer sway,

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem to turn trailer sway on or

off.

2. Press the SELECT/RESET stem for the next setup menu item or wait

for more than four seconds to return to the info menu.

HOLD RESET IF NEW OIL

To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change

(approximately 7,500 miles [12,000 km] or six months) perform the

following:

1. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem for more than two seconds.

Oil life is set to 100% and OIL LIFE SET TO 100% is displayed.

Note: To change oil life 100% miles value from 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

or six months to another value, proceed to Step 3.

2. Once OIL LIFE SET TO 100% is displayed, release, press and hold the

SELECT/RESET stem for more than two seconds to change the oil life

start value. Each release, press and hold will reduce the value by 10%.

3. After setting the oil life start value, press the SELECT/RESET stem

for the next setup menu item or wait for more than four seconds to

return to the info menu.

Note: Oil Life Start Value of 100% equals 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or six

months. For example, setting oil life start value to 60% sets the oil life

start value to 3,000 miles (4,800 km) and 120 days.

COMPASS (if equipped)

The compass heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and

NW in the message center display.

The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large

buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic

or metallic objects placed in, on or near the vehicle may also affect

compass accuracy.

Usually, when something affects the compass readings, the compass will

correct itself after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal

conditions. If the compass still appears to be inaccurate, a manual

calibration may be necessary. Refer to Compass zone/calibration

adjustment.

25

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Most geographic areas (zones) have a magnetic north compass point that

varies slightly from the northerly direction on maps. This variation is four

degrees between adjacent zones and will become noticeable as the

vehicle crosses multiple zones. A correct zone setting will eliminate this

error. Do the following to set the proper zone:

Compass zone adjustment

1. Determine which magnetic zone

you are in for your geographic

location by referring to the zone

3 2

4

1

15

map.

14

13

2. Turn ignition to the on position.

5

12

6

7 8 91011

3. Press and release the SELECT/RESET stem to scroll through the

information menu until the message center displays HOLD RESET FOR

SETUP MENU.

4. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem until the message center

displays HOLD RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK. Do not hold the stem

down at this point as you do not want to enter the system check.

Instead, quickly release the stem and repeatedly press it again to scroll

through the setup menu until the message center displays COMPASS

ZONE XX.

5. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem for approximately two

seconds to enter the compass zone adjustment mode.

6. Press and release the SELECT/RESET stem until the desired zone

number appears.

7. Release the SELECT/RESET stem and allow the setup timer to expire

to exit the procedure.

Compass calibration adjustment

Perform compass calibration in an open area free from steel structures

and high voltage lines. For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical

accessories (heater/air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all

vehicle doors are shut.

1. Start the vehicle.

26

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

2. Press and release the SELECT/RESET stem to scroll through the

information menu until the message center displays HOLD RESET FOR

SETUP MENU.

3. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem until the message center

displays HOLD RESET FOR SYSTEM CHECK. Do not hold the stem

down at this point as you do not want to enter the system check.

Instead, quickly release the stem and repeatedly press it again to scroll

through the setup menu until the message center displays COMPASS

ZONE XX.

4. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem for approximately two

seconds until the message center to enter the compass zone adjustment

mode.

5. Press and hold the SELECT/RESET stem until the message center

displays CIRCLE SLOWLY TO CALIBRATE. This step may require up to

five circles to complete the calibration.

Note: If the SELECT/RESET stem is pressed during the calibration or

three minutes has elapsed since the beginning of the calibration without

driving the vehicle, the message center reverts back to normal operation

and the CAL will display until a successful calibration is carried out.

6. Slowly drive the vehicle in a circle less than 3 mph (5 km/h) until the

CIRCLE SLOWLY TO CALIBRATE message changes to CALIBRATION

COMPLETED.

System warnings

System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your

vehicle’s operating systems.

In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will

cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for four

seconds.

The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no

more warning messages.

Types of messages and warnings:

• Some messages will appear briefly to inform you of something you

may need to take action on or be informed of.

• Some messages will appear once and then again when the vehicle is

restarted.

• Some messages will reappear after clearing or being reset if a problem

or condition is still present and needs your attention.

27

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

• Some messages can be acknowledged and reset by pressing the

SELECT/RESET stem. This allows you to use the full message center

functionality by clearing the message.

DOOR AJAR — Displayed when a door is not completely closed.

REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT — Displayed when objects

are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the

seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

SERVICE RSC NOW — Displayed when the system is not operating

properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your

authorized dealer as soon as possible.

CHECK FUEL FILL INLET — Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may

not be properly closed. Refer to Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system in

the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM — Displayed when the electrical system

is not maintaining proper voltage when the engine is running. If you are

operating electrical accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed,

turn off as many of the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the

warning stays on or comes on when the engine is operating at normal

speeds, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

FUEL LEVEL LOW — Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel

condition.

PARK BRAKE ENGAGED — Displayed when the parking brake is set,

the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph

(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,

contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM — Displayed when the braking system is not

operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,

contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

CHECK PARK AID (if equipped) — Displayed when the transmission

is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.

LOW TIRE PRESSURE — Displayed when one or more tires on your

vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires,

Wheels and Loading chapter.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT — Displayed when the Tire

Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or

continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as

possible.

28

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster

TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT — Displayed when a tire pressure

sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more

information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to

Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) in the

Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. If the warning stays on or

continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as

possible.

BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW — Indicates the brake fluid level is low

and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer to Brake

fluid in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW — Indicates the washer fluid reservoir

is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to

Windshield washer fluid in the Maintenance and Specifications

chapter.

ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON — Displayed when the engine oil life

remaining is 10% or less.

OIL CHANGE REQUIRED — Displayed when the oil life left reaches

0%.

LIFTGATE / GLASS AJAR — Displayed when the liftgate or the

liftgate glass is not completely closed.

TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED — Displayed when your trailer

starts to sway when towing. Refer to Trailer sway control in the

Driving chapter for more information.

FOR 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE (if equipped) — Displayed when

4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,

refer to Using the Control Trac 4WD system in the Driving chapter.

FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when 4X4

LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer

to Using the Control Trac 4WD system in the Driving chapter.

TO EXIT 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE (if equipped) — Displayed

when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For

more information, refer to Using the Control Trac 4WD system in the

Driving chapter.

TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when

2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For

more information, refer to Using the Control Trac 4WD system in the

Driving chapter.

29

2010 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA (fus)

Instrument Cluster -> STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER for Your Ford Explorer SUV Fifth Generation (2005-2011)

Related Topics

Instrument Cluster