Connected Vehicle for Your Ford Explorer SUV Sixth Generation (2012-2020)

Connected Vehicle  
EnablingandDisablingtheModem  
1. Press Settings.  
2. Press FordPass Connect.  
3. Press Connectivity Settings.  
4. Switch connectivity features on or off.  
WHAT IS A CONNECTED  
VEHICLE  
A connected vehicle has technology that  
allows your vehicle to connect to a mobile  
network and for you to access a range of  
features. When used in conjunction with  
the FordPass app, it could allow you to  
monitor and control your vehicle further,  
for example checking the tire pressures,  
the fuel level and the vehicle location. For  
additional information, refer to the local  
Ford website.  
Connecting FordPass to the  
Modem  
1. Make sure that the modem is enabled  
using the vehicle settings menu.  
2. Open the FordPass app on your device  
and log in.  
CONNECTED VEHICLE  
REQUIREMENTS  
Connected service and related feature  
functionality requires a compatible vehicle  
network.  
3. Add your vehicle or select your vehicle  
if already added.  
4. Select the option for vehicle details.  
5. Select the option to activate your  
vehicle.  
Some remote features require additional  
service activation. Log in to your Ford  
account for details. Some restrictions, third  
party terms and message or data rates  
may apply.  
6. Make sure that the name on the screen  
matches the name shown in your  
FordPass account.  
7. Confirm that FordPass account is  
connected to the modem.  
CONNECTED VEHICLE  
LIMITATIONS  
Evolving technology, cellular networks, or  
regulations could affect functionality and  
availability, or continued provision of some  
features. These changes could even stop  
some features from functioning.  
CONNECTINGTHEVEHICLETO  
A WI-FI NETWORK - VEHICLES  
WITH: SYNC 3  
1. Press Settings.  
2. Press Wi-Fi.  
3. Switch Wi-Fi on.  
4. Press View Available Networks.  
5. Select an available Wi-Fi network.  
CONNECTINGTHEVEHICLETO  
A MOBILE NETWORK  
Note: Enter the network password to  
connect to a secure network.  
What Is the Modem  
The modem allows access to a  
range of features built into your  
vehicle.  
421  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Connected Vehicle  
CONNECTEDVEHICLETROUBLESHOOTING-VEHICLESWITH:  
MODEM  
Symptom  
Possible Cause and Resolution  
Modem is not enabled.  
Switch connectivity features on.  
Weak network signal.  
I cannot confirm the  
connection of my FordPass  
account to the modem.  
Move your vehicle closer to a place where the  
network signal is not obstructed.  
422  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Connected Vehicle  
CONNECTEDVEHICLETROUBLESHOOTING-VEHICLESWITH:  
SYNC 3  
Symptom  
Possible Cause and Resolution  
Password error.  
Enter the correct network password.  
Weak network signal.  
I cannot connect to a Wi-Fi  
network.  
Move your vehicle closer to the Wi-Fi hotspot or to  
a place where the network signal is not obstructed.  
Multiple access points in range with the same SSID.  
Use a unique name for your SSID. Do not use the  
default name unless it contains a unique identifier,  
for example as part of the MAC address.  
The Wi-Fi connection  
disconnects after successful  
connection.  
Weak network signal.  
Move your vehicle closer to the Wi-Fi hotspot or to  
a place where the network signal is not obstructed.  
I am close to a Wi-Fi hotspot  
but the network signal  
strength is weak.  
Obstructed network signal.  
If your vehicle has a heated windshield, position  
your vehicle so that the windshield is not facing the  
Wi-Fi hotspot.  
If your vehicle has metallic tinting on the windows  
but not on the windshield, position your vehicle so  
that the windshield is facing the Wi-Fi hotspot or  
open the windows that are facing the hotspot.  
If your vehicle has metallic tinting on the windows  
and the windshield, open the windows that are  
facing the hotspot.  
If your vehicle is in a garage and you have the  
garage door closed, open the garage door.  
I cannot see a network in the  
list of available networks  
that I expect to see.  
Hidden network.  
Make the network visible and try again.  
423  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Connected Vehicle  
Symptom  
Possible Cause and Resolution  
System limitation.  
I cannot see the Wi-Fi  
hotspot name when I search  
for Wi-Fi networks on my  
cell phone or other device.  
Make sure Wi-Fi hotspot visibility is on.  
The system does not provide a Wi-Fi hotspot at  
this time.  
Software downloads take  
too long.  
Weak network signal.  
Move your vehicle closer to the Wi-Fi hotspot or to  
a place where the network signal is not obstructed.  
Wi-Fi hotspot in high demand or has a slow Internet  
connection.  
Use a more reliable Wi-Fi hotspot.  
The system seems to  
connect to a Wi-Fi network  
and the signal strength is  
excellent but the software  
does not update.  
No software update available.  
Wi-Fi network requires a subscription or acceptance  
of terms and conditions.  
Test the connection using another device. If the  
network requires a subscription or acceptance of  
terms and conditions, contact the network service  
provider.  
424  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot  
2. If the portal does not open on your  
CREATING A VEHICLE WI-FI  
HOTSPOT  
You can create a Wi-Fi hotspot in your  
vehicle and allow devices to connect to it  
for access to the Internet.  
device, open a website and it redirects  
to the vehicle network carriers portal.  
Note: Secure websites do not redirect.  
3. Follow the instructions on the carrier  
portal to purchase a plan.  
Select the settings option on the  
Note: If you have an active plan, the system  
does not redirect to the vehicle network  
carriers portal when you connect a device.  
Visit the vehicle network carriers website  
to purchase more data.  
Note: If data usage information is available  
in the vehicle hotspot menu, it is  
approximate.  
Note: If you carry out a master reset, the  
system does not remove your vehicle from  
your vehicle network carriers account. To  
remove your vehicle from the account,  
contact your vehicle network carrier.  
Note: The vehicle network carrier provides  
Vehicle Hotspot services, subject to your  
vehicle network carrier agreement, coverage  
and availability.  
feature bar.  
1. Press FordPass Connect.  
2. Press Vehicle Hotspot.  
Note: The vehicle hotspot default setting  
is on.  
3. Press Settings.  
4. Press Wi-Fi visibility.  
Note: The Wi-Fi Visibility default setting is  
on.  
Finding the Wi-Fi Hotspot Name  
and Password  
Select the settings option on the  
feature bar.  
1. Press FordPass Connect.  
2. Press Vehicle Hotspot.  
3. Press Settings.  
Note: The SSID is the hotspot name.  
4. Press View Password.  
CHANGING THE VEHICLE WI-  
FI HOTSPOT NAME OR  
PASSWORD  
Select the settings option on the  
feature bar.  
Connecting a Device to the Wi-Fi  
1. Press FordPass Connect.  
2. Press Vehicle Hotspot.  
3. Press Settings.  
Hotspot  
1. On your device, switch Wi-Fi on and  
select the hotspot from the list of  
available Wi-Fi networks.  
4. Press Edit.  
2. When prompted, enter the password.  
5. Press Change SSID Name.  
6. Enter your required SSID.  
7. Press Done.  
8. Press Change Password.  
9. Enter your required password.  
10. Press Done.  
Purchasing a Data Plan  
1. Connect a device to the hotspot.  
Note: The vehicle network carriers portal  
opens on your device.  
425  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
GENERAL INFORMATION  
hand-held device while driving and  
encourage the use of voice-operated  
systems when possible. Make sure you  
are aware of all applicable local laws  
that may affect the use of electronic  
devices while driving.  
WARNING:Driving while distracted  
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash  
and injury. We strongly recommend that  
you use extreme caution when using any  
device that may take your focus off the  
road. Your primary responsibility is the  
safe operation of your vehicle. We  
Radio Frequencies and Reception  
Factors  
Note: Listening to loud audio for long  
recommend against the use of any  
periods of time could damage your hearing.  
Radio Reception Factors  
Distance and strength  
Terrain  
The further you travel from an AM or FM station, the  
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.  
Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway  
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and  
thunderstorms can interfere with the reception.  
Station overload  
When you pass a ground-based broadcast repeating  
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and  
result in the audio system muting.  
Adjusting the Volume  
AUDIO UNIT  
E286496  
Note: Depending on your vehicle option  
package, the controls may look different  
from what you see here.  
Note: Some features, such as satellite  
radio, may not be available in your location.  
Check with an authorized dealer.  
Note: The touchscreen system controls  
E265373  
most of the audio features.  
Turn to adjust the volume.  
426  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
In satellite radio mode, press and release  
Changing Radio Stations  
to select the next or previous satellite radio  
station. If you select a specific category,  
such as jazz, rock or news, press to find the  
next or previous station in that category.  
DIGITAL RADIO (IF EQUIPPED)  
Note: HD Radio broadcasts are not  
available in all markets.  
HD Radio technology is the digital  
evolution of analog AM/FM radio. Your  
system has a special receiver that allows  
it to receive digital broadcasts, where  
available, in addition to the analog  
broadcasts, it already receives. Digital  
broadcasts provide a better sound quality  
than analog broadcasts with free,  
crystal-clear audio and no static or  
distortion. For more information, and a  
guide to available stations and  
E265696  
In radio mode, turn to search through the  
radio frequency band.  
In satellite radio mode, turn to find the  
previous or next available satellite radio  
station.  
programming, please visit  
When HD Radio is on and you tune to a  
station broadcasting HD Radio technology,  
you may notice the HD Radio logo on your  
screen. When this logo is available, you  
may also see Title and Artist fields  
on-screen.  
Switching the Audio Unit On and  
Off  
Press and release the button.  
Using Seek, Fast Forward and  
Reverse  
The multicast indicator appears in FM  
mode, only, if the current station is  
broadcasting multiple digital broadcasts.  
The highlighted numbers signify available  
digital channels where new or different  
content is available. HD1 signifies the main  
programming status and is available in  
analog and digital broadcasts. Other  
multicast stations, HD2 through HD7, are  
only available digitally.  
In radio mode, select a frequency band and  
press and release either button. The  
system stops at the first station it finds in  
that direction.  
427  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
When HD Radio broadcasts are active, you  
can access the following functions:  
switching to an HD2 or HD3 memory  
preset, the sound mutes before the  
digital audio plays, because the system  
has to reacquire the digital signal.  
Memory presets allow you to save an  
active channel as a memory preset.  
Touch and hold a memory preset slot  
until the sound returns. There is a brief  
mute while the radio saves the station.  
Sound returns when finished. When  
Note: As with any saved radio station, you  
cannot access the saved station if your  
vehicle is outside the stations reception  
area.  
HD Radio Reception and Station Troubleshooting  
Potential reception issues  
Reception area  
If you are listening to a multicast station and you are on  
the fringe of the reception area, the station may mute due  
to weak signal strength.  
If you are listening to HD1, the system switches back to  
the analog broadcast until the digital broadcast is available  
again. However, if you are listening to any of the possible  
HD2-HD7 multicast channels, the station mutes and stays  
muted unless it is able to connect to the digital signal  
again.  
Station blending  
When the system first receives a station, aside from HD2-  
HD7 multicast stations, it first plays the station in the  
analog version. Once the receiver verifies the station is an  
HD Radio station, it shifts to the digital version. Depending  
on the station quality, you may hear a slight sound change  
when the station changes from analog to digital. Blending  
is the shift from analog to digital sound or digital back to  
analog sound.  
In order to provide the best possible  
experience, use the contact form to report  
any station issues found while listening to  
a station broadcasting with HD Radio  
technology. Independent entities own and  
operate each station. These stations are  
responsible for the accuracy of all audio  
streams and data fields.  
428  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
Potential station issues  
Cause  
Issues  
Action  
Echo, stutter, skip or repeat This is poor time alignment No action required. This is a  
in audio.  
by the radio broadcaster.  
broadcast issue.  
Increase or decrease in  
audio volume.  
Sound fading or blending in The radio is shifting between No action required. The  
and out.  
analog and digital audio.  
reception issue may clear up  
as you continue to drive.  
There is an audio mute  
The digital multicast is not No action required. This is  
delay when selecting HD2 or available until the HD Radio normal behavior. Wait until  
HD3, multicast preset or  
broadcast is decoded. Once the audio is available.  
Direct Tune.  
decoded, the audio is avail-  
able.  
Cannot access HD2 or HD3 The previously stored  
multicast channel when multicast preset or direct  
No action required. The  
station is not available in  
recalling a preset or from a tune is not available in your your current location.  
direct tune.  
current reception area.  
Text information does not  
match currently playing  
audio.  
Data service issue by the  
radio broadcaster.  
Fill out the station issue  
form at website listed  
below. 1  
There is no text information Data service issue by the  
shown for currently selected radio broadcaster.  
frequency.  
Fill out the station issue  
form at website listed  
below.1  
1 http://hdradio.com/stations/feedback  
HD Radio Technology manufactured under  
SATELLITE RADIO (IF EQUIPPED)  
license from iBiquity Digital Corporation  
and foreign patents. HD Radio and the HD  
and HD Radio logos are proprietary  
trademarks of DTS Ford Motor Company  
and DTS are not responsible for the  
content sent using HD Radio technology.  
Content may be changed, added or deleted  
at any time at the station owner's  
discretion.  
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio broadcasts a  
variety of music, news, sports, weather,  
traffic and entertainment satellite radio  
channels. For more information and a  
complete list of SiriusXM satellite radio  
or call SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.  
429  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
Note: This receiver includes the eCos  
real-time operating system. eCos is  
published under the eCos License.  
Satellite Radio Reception Factors  
Potential satellite radio reception issues  
Antenna obstructions  
Terrain  
For optimal reception performance, keep the antenna  
clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other  
material as far away from the antenna as possible.  
Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway  
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and  
thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.  
Station overload  
When you pass a ground-based broadcast-repeating  
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and  
the audio system may mute.  
Satellite radio signal interfer- Your display may show ACQUIRING . . . to indicate the  
ence  
interference and the audio system may mute.  
SiriusXM satellite radio is a  
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service  
subscription-based satellite radio service  
that broadcasts a variety of music, sports,  
news, weather, traffic and entertainment  
programming. Your factory-installed  
SiriusXM satellite radio system includes  
hardware and a limited subscription term,  
which begins on the date of sale or lease  
of your vehicle. See an authorized dealer  
for availability.  
Note: SiriusXM reserves the unrestricted  
right to change, rearrange, add or delete  
programming including canceling, moving  
or adding particular channels, and its prices,  
at any time, with or without notice to you.  
Ford Motor Company shall not be  
responsible for any such programming  
changes.  
For more information on extended  
subscription terms (a service fee is  
required), the online media player and a  
complete list of SiriusXM satellite radio  
channels, and other features, please visit  
SiriusXM at 1-888-539-7474.  
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial  
Number (ESN)  
You need your ESN to activate, modify or  
track your satellite radio account.  
E208625  
430  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
Locating Your ESN  
1. Select Settings. See Settings (page  
464).  
With satellite radio as the source, use the  
2. Select SiriusXM.  
3. Select SiriusXM information.  
touchscreen to select the following:  
Troubleshooting  
Message  
Acquiring…  
Condition  
Action  
Radio requires more than  
No action required. This  
message should disappear  
shortly.  
two seconds to produce  
audio for the selected  
channel.  
Satellite antenna fault  
SIRIUS system failure  
There is an internal module If this message does not  
or system failure present.  
clear shortly, or with an igni-  
tion key cycle, your receiver  
may have a fault. See an  
authorized dealer for service.  
Invalid Channel  
The channel is no longer  
available.  
Tune to another channel or  
choose another preset.  
Unsubscribed Channel  
Your subscription does not Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-  
include this channel.  
539-7474 to subscribe to  
the channel, or tune to  
another channel.  
No Signal  
The signal is lost from the  
SiriusXM satellite or Siri-  
The signal is blocked. When  
you move into an open area,  
usXM tower to your vehicle the signal should return.  
antenna.  
Updating…  
Update of channel  
No action required. The  
process may take up to  
three minutes.  
programming in progress.  
Questions? Call  
1-888-539-7474  
Your satellite service is no  
longer available.  
Contact SiriusXM at 1-888-  
539-7474 to resolve  
subscription issues.  
None found  
All the channels in the  
Use the channel guide to  
selected category are either turn off the Lock or Skip  
Check Channel Guide  
skipped or locked.  
function on that station.  
No action required.  
Subscription Updated  
SiriusXM has updated the  
channels available for your  
vehicle.  
431  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing  
Audio System  
The USB port allows you to plug in media  
USB PORT (IF EQUIPPED)  
playing devices, memory sticks and charge  
devices.  
Note: We recommend using only USB-IF  
certified cables and adapters. Non-certified  
cables and adapters may not work.  
WARNING:Driving while distracted  
can result in loss of vehicle control, crash  
and injury. We strongly recommend that  
you use extreme caution when using any  
device that may take your focus off the  
road. Your primary responsibility is the  
safe operation of your vehicle. We  
recommend against the use of any  
hand-held device while driving and  
encourage the use of voice-operated  
systems when possible. Make sure you  
are aware of all applicable local laws  
that may affect the use of electronic  
devices while driving.  
Locating the USB Ports  
The USB ports may be in the following  
locations:  
Inside the media bin.  
Inside the center console.  
On the lower instrument panel.  
Note: The number and type of USB ports  
may vary depending on your vehicle.  
Note: Not all USB ports in your vehicle have  
data transfer capabilities. See Auxiliary  
Power Points (page 167).  
USB A  
E201595  
USB C  
E301114  
432  
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing