Ford Explorer: 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:

1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into neutral (N).

   Note: Press M to Enter Stay in Neutral Hold message appears in the information display.

3. 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).