2018 Ford Explorer V6 3.5L_A Guide to Using Parking Assist Features

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The 2018 Ford Explorer V6 3.5L is equipped with advanced Parking Assist features designed to make parking easier and safer, especially in tight spaces. These features, including Parallel and Perpendicular Parking Assist, help you park your vehicle with minimal effort by automating certain aspects of the parking process. The system uses sensors to detect available parking spots and provides steering assistance to guide your vehicle into the space, while you control the throttle and brakes. This guide will walk you through how to use the parking assist features in your 2018 Ford Explorer V6 3.5L, enhancing both convenience and safety when parking.

How to set/use features

Warning:

• Stay inside your vehicle while the system is active. You are always responsible for vehicle control, monitoring the system, and stepping in if needed. Neglecting this can lead to loss of control, injury, or death.
• Sensors may not detect objects in heavy rain or similar conditions.
• Active park assist never applies the brakes; control remains with you, the driver.

Note: Avoid using the system when the following conditions are present:

• An accessory, such as a bike rack or trailer, is attached near the front or rear sensors.
• There’s an overhanging object on the roof, such as a surfboard.
• The front or rear bumper, or side sensors, are damaged.
• The vehicle has incorrect tire sizes, such as a mini-spare tire.

Activate Active Park Assist

Press the Active Park Assist button on the center console once to activate parallel parking, twice for perpendicular parking, and again to turn the system off. When the vehicle is parked and the ignition is on, use the information display to switch between modes. Press the button to activate the system and open the menu in the display.

Note: When the vehicle is parked, the default mode is parallel park out assist. If you didn’t use active Park Assist to parallel park, select park out assist from the information display. You can toggle modes by pressing the active park assist button after moving about 33 ft (10 m). Use the display buttons to choose:

• Parallel parking
• Perpendicular parking
• Parallel park out assist
• Turn system off

Note: There is no time limit for switching between modes.

Parallel Parking

Press the Active Park Assist button once to begin searching for a parking space. When the system finds a suitable spot, a message displays and a tone sounds. Stop the vehicle and follow the onscreen instructions. If moving very slowly, you may need to move slightly forward before the system initiates parking.

Note: The system selects the last detected parking space if multiple options are found.

Perpendicular Parking

Press the Active Park Assist button twice to search for a parking space. When a suitable space is detected, a message displays and tone sounds. Stop your vehicle and follow the on-screen instructions. If moving slowly, you may need to move forward slightly before the system can park. Ensure the selected space remains clear of obstructions during the maneuver.

Note: The system selects the last detected parking space if multiple options are found.

Automatically Steering into a Parallel Parking Space/ Perpendicular Parking Space

When you shift the transmission into reverse (R) with your hands off the wheel and no obstructions, the vehicle steers itself into the space, showing prompts to move as needed. If the speed exceeds 6 mph (9 km/h) or the maneuver is interrupted, you must regain control. The system may stop if an object is too close, but steering assistance continues.

Once parked, a tone and message confirm that the maneuver is complete. Check the parking position before exiting the vehicle.

Parallel Park Out Assist

Press the Active Park Assist button once when your vehicle is parked in a parallel parking spot. If you didn't use active park assist to parallel park, press the button once to select parallel park mode, then use the display to choose Park Out Assist. The system will prompt you to signal the side for exit, guiding you to move forward or backward as needed. If a close object is detected, it may ask you to stop. When in position to exit, take full control of the vehicle.

Note: Park Out Assist may not activate if the space is tight, and if your speed exceeds 6 mph (9 km/h) or the system disengages, you must take control. You are responsible for safe vehicle operation.

Deactivate Active Park Assist

You can manually turn off the system by:

• Pressing the Active Park Assist button during a maneuver.
• Grabbing the steering wheel while the system is active.
• The vehicle speed exceeds 22 mph (35 km/h) for 30 seconds while searching for an available parking space.
• Exceeding 31 mph (50 km/h) or 6 mph (9 km/h) during a maneuver.
• Turning off the traction control system.

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