Ford Explorer: Driving Aids / Cross Traffic Alert

WARNING: Do not use the cross traffic alert system as a replacement for using the interior and exterior mirrors or looking over your shoulder before reversing out of a parking space. The cross traffic alert system is not a replacement for careful driving.

WARNING: The system may not operate properly during severe weather conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy rain and spray. Always drive with due care and attention. Failure to take care may result in a crash.

The system alerts you of vehicles approaching from the sides behind your vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).

Using Cross Traffic Alert

The system detects vehicles that approach at a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases when the sensors are partially, mostly or fully obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase the coverage area and effectiveness.

The system turns on when you start the engine and you shift into reverse (R). The system turns off when you shift out of reverse (R).

The sensor on the left-hand side is only partially obstructed and zone coverage on the right-hand side is maximized.

Zone coverage also decreases when parking at narrow angles. The sensor on the left-hand side is mostly obstructed and zone coverage on that side is severely reduced.

Cross Traffic Alert System Sensors

The sensors are behind the rear bumper on both sides of your vehicle.

Note: Keep the sensors free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt.

Note: Do not cover the sensors with bumper stickers, repair compound or other objects.

Note: Blocked sensors could affect system performance.

If the sensors are blocked, a message may appear in the information display when you shift into reverse (R).

Cross Traffic Alert System Limitations

The system may not correctly operate when any of the following occur:

• The sensors are blocked.
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects are obstructing the sensors.
• Vehicles approach at speeds less than 4 mph (6 km/h) or greater than 37 mph (60 km/h).
• The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph (12 km/h).

You reverse out of an angled parking space.

Cross Traffic Alert Behavior When Trailer is Attached

Note: The system may not correctly operate when towing a trailer. For vehicles with an approved trailer tow module and tow bar, the system turns off when you attach a trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarket trailer tow module or tow bar, we recommend that you switch the system off when you attach a trailer.

Cross traffic alert remains on when you attach a trailer in vehicles that come with blind spot information system with trailer tow under the following conditions:

• You connect a trailer.
• The trailer is a bike rack or cargo rack with a maximum length of 3 ft (1 m).
• You set the trailer length to 3 ft (1 m) in the information display.

See Blind Spot Information System.

Switching the System On and Off

To switch the system on or off, adjust the setting. Depending on your vehicle options, the setting could be in the following:

Information display. See General Information.

Touchscreen. See Settings.

Note: The system turns on every time you switch the ignition on. To permanently switch the system off, contact an authorized dealer.

Cross Traffic Alert Indicator

When the system detects an approaching vehicle, a tone sounds, a warning lamp illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows appear in the information display to show which side the approaching vehicle is coming from.

Note: If arrows do not display, a message appears in the information display.

If the system malfunctions, a warning lamp illuminates in the instrument cluster and a message appears in the information display. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note: In exceptional conditions, the system could alert you, even when there is nothing in the detection zone, for example a vehicle passing further away from your vehicle.

Cross Traffic Alert Information Messages