Ford Explorer: Automatic Transmission / Stay in Neutral Mode

Ford Explorer 2020-2022 Owners Manual / Transmission / Automatic Transmission / Stay in Neutral Mode

Note: Stay in neutral mode is a temporary vehicle state that works with the engine being in the running or OFF state. Once in this mode, sufficient battery voltage must be maintained or your vehicle returns to park. If the feature is left active for extended time when engine is OFF.

Failure to follow this instruction could result in vehicle damage not covered by the vehicle Warranty.

Note: When entering an automatic car wash, always enter the Stay in Neutral Mode. Stay in Neutral Mode must be enabled, if you are exiting the vehicle before the car wash.

Extended usage of Stay in Neutral mode may result in a battery voltage reduction to level where the vehicle may no longer start.

Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.

With the transmission selector in Stay in Neutral Mode, you can start your vehicle and it is free to roll.

To enter Stay in Neutral mode, do the following:

Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
Shift into neutral (N).
Note: Press M to Enter Stay in Neutral Hold message appears in the information display.
Press the manual (M) button within five seconds after shifting to Neutral.

Note: Stay in Neutral Mode confirmation message appears in the information display when your vehicle has entered Stay in Neutral mode and the neutral (N) button on the transmission selector slowly blinks.

To exit Stay in Neutral mode, press the brake pedal and shift to Park or start the engine and apply brakes to shift to another driving range (D or R).

Automatic Return to Park

Note: This feature does not operate when your vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutral tow. The transmission returns to park (P) if any of the following occur: You switch the ignition off...

Tow Mode (If Equipped)

To activate tow mode, use the drive mode switch on the center console. See Selecting a Drive Mode. The indicator light illuminates and a message displays in the instrument cluster when the syste..

Other information:

Ford Explorer 2020-2022 Service Manual: General Procedures - Piston Inspection

Inspection NOTE: Do not use a caustic cleaning solution or a wire brush to clean the pistons or damage can occur. Clean and inspect the (1) ring lands, (2) pin bosses, (3) skirts and the (4) tops of the pistons. If wear marks, scores or glazing is found on the piston skirt, check for a bent or twisted connecting rod...

Ford Explorer 2020-2022 Service Manual: Description and Operation - Jacking and Lifting - Overview

Stay in Neutral Mode NOTE: Always put your vehicle in Stay in Neutral mode when entering an automatic car wash. Failure to do this could result in vehicle damage not covered by warranty. Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle to stay in Neutral when you exit your vehicle...