Ford Explorer: Instrument Cluster / Warning Lamps and Indicators

The following warning lamps and indicators alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious. Some lamps illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure they work. If any lamps remain on after starting your vehicle, refer to the respective system warning lamp for further information.

Note: Some warning indicators appear in the information display and function the same as a warning lamp, but do not display when you start your vehicle.

Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)

The speed control system indicator light changes color to indicate what mode the system is in. See About Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop and Go.

On (white light): Illuminates when you switch on the adaptive cruise control system. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.

Engaged (green light): Illuminates when you engage the adaptive cruise control system. Turns off when you disengage the speed control system.

Anti-Lock Braking System

If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a system error. You continue to have the normal braking (without ABS) unless the brake system warning lamp also illuminates. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

Automatic High Beam Control (If Equipped)

Illuminates when this feature is on. See About Automatic High Beam Control.

Auto Hold Active

Illuminates when the system holds your vehicle stationary.

Auto Hold Unavailable

Illuminates when the system is on, but unavailable to hold your vehicle stationary.

Auto Start-stop (If Equipped)

Illuminates when the engine shuts down or in conjunction with a message.

Battery

If it illuminates while driving, it indicates a system error. Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment and have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately.

Blind Spot Monitor (If Equipped)

Illuminates when you switch this feature off or in conjunction with a message. See Blind Spot Information System.

Brake System Warning Lamp

WARNING: Driving your vehicle with the warning lamp on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It may take you longer to stop your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Driving extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of personal injury.

Note: Indicators vary depending on region.

This lamp is a dual function lamp and illuminates when:

• You apply the parking brake with the ignition on.
• Your vehicle has a brake fault or low brake fluid level, regardless of parking brake position.

If the lamp illuminates when you are moving, you may have the parking brake applied. Make sure the parking brake is off. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible if the lamp continues to illuminate.

Cruise Control (If Equipped)

Illuminates when you switch this feature on.

Direction Indicator

Illuminates when you switch on the left or right direction indicator or the hazard flasher. If the indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb. See Changing a Bulb.

Door Ajar

Illuminates when the ignition is on and any door is not completely closed.

Electric Park Brake

Note: Indicators vary depending on region.

Illuminates or flashes when the electric parking brake has a system error. See Electric Parking Brake.

Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature

Illuminates when your vehicle coolant temperature is high. Stop your vehicle as soon as possible, switch off your vehicle and let it cool. See Engine Coolant Check.

Engine Oil

If it illuminates with the engine running or when you are driving, this indicates a system error. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil Check.

Note: Do not resume your journey if it illuminates despite the level being correct. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately.

Fasten Seatbelt

Illuminates and a tone sounds to remind you to fasten your seatbelt. See Seatbelt Reminder.

Fasten Rear Seatbelt (If Equipped)

Illuminates and a tone sounds to signal the rear seatbelts are not fastened.

Front Airbag

If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, continues to flash or remains on when the engine is running, this indicates a malfunction. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Front Fog Lamps (If Equipped)

Illuminates when you switch the front fog lamps on.

High Beam

Illuminates when you switch the high beam headlamps on. It flashes when you use the headlamp flasher.

Hill Descent (If Equipped)

Illuminates when you switch hill descent on.

Hood Ajar

Illuminates when the ignition is on and the hood is not completely closed.

Lamps On

Illuminates when you switch the low beam headlamps or the parking lamps on.

Liftgate Ajar

Illuminates when the liftgate is not completely closed.

Low Beam Warning

Illuminates when the low beam headlamp bulb is not functioning properly.

Low Fuel Level

Illuminates when the fuel level is low or the fuel tank is nearly empty. Refuel as soon as possible.

Low Tire Pressure Warning

Illuminates when the tire pressure is low. If the lamp remains on with the engine running or when driving, check the tire pressure as soon as possible.

It also illuminates momentarily when you switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, or begins to flash at any time, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

Low Washer Fluid

Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.

Powertrain Fault

Illuminates when the system detects a powertrain or an 4WD fault. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Ready to Drive (If Equipped)

Illuminates when you have switched on your vehicle and it is ready to drive. A corresponding message may appear stating ready to drive.

Service Engine Soon

It illuminates when you switch the ignition on prior to engine start to check the bulb and to indicate whether your vehicle is ready for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.

Normally, it illuminates until the engine is cranked and automatically turns off if no system errors are present. However, if after 15 seconds it flashes eight times, this indicates that your vehicle is not ready for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing. See Catalytic Converter.

If it illuminates when the engine is running this indicates a system error. The On Board Diagnostics system has detected a error in the vehicle emission control system.

If it flashes, engine misfire may be occurring. Continuing to drive your vehicle may cause reduced power or the engine to stop. Failure to respond to the warning lamp may cause component damage not covered by the vehicle Warranty. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Stability Control

It flashes when the system is active. If it remains illuminated or does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, this indicates a system error. During a system error the system switches off. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately. See Using Stability Control.

Stability Control Off

Illuminates when you switch the system off. It goes out when you switch the system back on or when you switch the ignition off.

Stop Safely Now (If Equipped)

Illuminates if your vehicle has an electrical component fault or failure that will cause your vehicle to shutdown or enter into a limited operating mode. You may also see a message.