2020 FORD Explorer Warning Lights and Indicators User Guide
This guide covers 2020 FORD Explorer warning lights and indicators. Understanding these symbols is essential for car maintenance and road safety. Explore common warnings and their significance.
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Video: 2020 FORD Explorer Warning Lights
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
The cruise control system indicator light changes color to indicate what mode the system is in.
On (white light): Illuminates when you switch on the adaptive cruise control system. Turns off when you switch the cruise control system off.
Engaged (green light): Illuminates when you engage the adaptive cruise control system. Turns off when you disengage the cruise control 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
Illuminates when this feature is on.
Auto Hold Active
Illuminates when the system holds your vehicle stationary.
Illuminates when the system is on, but unavailable to hold your vehicle stationary.
Auto Start-stop
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.
Illuminates when you switch this feature off or in conjunction with a message.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fasten Rear Seatbelt
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 
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 
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.
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 a 4WD/AWD fault. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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.
If it illuminates when the engine is running this indicates a system error. The On Board Diagnostics system has detected an 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.
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 
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.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND INDICATORS
- Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver’s door and you have left the key in the ignition. - Keyless Warning AlertÂ
Sounds the horn twice when you exit your vehicle with the intelligent access key, after the last door is closed and your keyless vehicle is in RUN, indicating your vehicle is still on. - Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the ignition and open the driver’s door and you have left the headlamps or parking lamps on. - Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking brake on and drive your vehicle. If the warning chime remains on after you have released the parking brake, have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately.
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