The terrain management system is present in Ford Explorer to adjust the driving according to the type of road. It includes different modes: normal, sand, gravel, slippery, mud, and snow.
Ford Explorer terrain management system faults include bugs in software, faulty sensors, and temperature fluctuations. In addition, the power supply issues and traveling on snowy roads cause this issue. The problem with the engine, drive terrain, throttle body, and steering system, including pinions and racks, make this terrain management system bad.
It is better to change these modes when you travel on snowy, sandy, and muddy road surfaces. The system automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed, throttle response, type of drive, and steering angle.
Problem with software
The terrain management system in SUVs needs the software to adjust the different functions.
It contains the button on the center console unit to change its modes according to the driving conditions and types of roads.
The problem with the software comes when you cannot move from one mode to another. As a result, driving on these certain types of roads becomes problematic without engaging the specific system.
The software issue occurs when you attach your mobile phones to the computerized onboard system and add something new to it.
The computerized system also contains several bugs that can affect the working of its hardware and cannot process the signals.
These come with the latest updates to stabilize the system and reduce errors. Many people take their vehicles to unauthorized dealerships for resetting of software.
The resetting from unauthorized mechanics and dealerships causes an issue. However, you can fix the software issue by adding the latest terrain management system to the SUV.
Maximum error reduction comes when you install the latest version of this system.
Moreover, you can also read the fault codes by attaching the scanner tools to the computerized system.
Faulty sensors
The terrain management system in Ford Explorer works through several sensors that identify the conditions of the mode when you shift your vehicle between various modes.
Different types of sensors are present at different locations to perform their function. For example, the tire sensors are located on the sides of the wheel hub and help when you change the various driving modes.
The sensors are more susceptible to wear out if they are present in outdoor locations.
The dust and dirt accumulation while driving on the sandy and dirty roads cause interference in their functioning and signaling power.
It cannot provide enough signals to the computerized system for efficient work. Therefore, the throttle position sensor plays an essential role in the functioning of this system.
You cannot adjust the amount of air and fuel when sensors become faulty. Therefore, it is better to check the functioning of the throttle sensors if you do not see a change in speed after changing the mode.
Take your SUVs to the service centers when you see any error code on the screen. The notification of the error number on the screen shows the damaged sensors.
In addition, it is also necessary to keep the sensors clean and remove the dust and dirt from them.
Power supply issues
A sufficient power supply is essential to change the throttle response, vehicle speed, and steering wheel angle.
All of these systems take the power supply from the battery for their correct functioning. The power supply issues also come due to the blown-out fuse.
The electric supply interruption comes from faulty or damaged electrical cables. In addition, fluctuations in temperature significantly affect the power supply.
The batteries cannot supply sufficient power during cold weather. You can face the issue of a cold start during the winters because of poor mobility of electrons and slow chemical reactions.
The adjustment in speed of the tires needs the power supply for the movement of tires according to the provided signals.
Many people complain that overheating issues come when you drive in city areas and turn on and off the ignition system.
The issue is most common in summer seasons because of high outside temperatures that affect the working of various functions.
The dead or weak batteries also do not provide sufficient electric current. You can fix it by changing the dead batteries and adding new ones.
Moreover, inspect all the electrical connections and damaged wirings in your Ford Explorer that cause resistance in the flow of current and the voltage supply.
Traveling in snowy areas
Many people complain that the terrain management system does not work in the cold season. This is because the roads are covered with snow when the temperature becomes low in winter.
The sensors of this system are on the sides of the wheel wells to adjust the 4WD and 2WD according to the type of roads.
Driving on snowy roads causes ice accumulation on the sides of the wheel wells and bearing areas. People often do not remove this ice layer or road salts residues and continue driving.
You can drive further but cannot shift from normal drive to snow or slippery. The covering of wheel wells with snow also covered the sensors that are present there.
The sensors cannot communicate with this system and cause interference in their functioning. You can fix the issue by deep washing of vehicle.
It is better to wash the lower body, including the lower side chassis structure, wheels well, and bearing side, to remove the residues of mud, snow, and dust from the sensors.
The system starts to work after deep washing of the automobile.
Engine or drivetrain problem
The engine and drive train problems cause loss of power, and you can see the wrench sign on the Ford Explorer screen.
The appearance of the wrench sign indicates that there is an issue in the throttle body. The throttle body is connected with this management system to adjust the speed by providing the correct mixture of air and fuel.
You cannot get the correct mixture, and the system cannot provide enough torque and power to adjust its various modes.
The driver terrain problems come when you do not change the fluid for a longer time. In addition, the low transmission fluid also causes this issue.
You need to restart the system to remove the screen’s wrench sign. Then, turn on the ignition system and press the brake pedal.
Flash the bright light 4 to 5 times and then hardly press the brake pedal again.
Steering system failure
The steering system failure also causes an issue in adjusting its different modes. The steering unit contains the pinions and the racks for the movement of the wheels.
The system detects the problem with both of these systems and cannot work to change the speed and steering angle according to the type of road surface.
These rubber parts get damaged due to overheating issues. In addition, the damaged seals and loose connections also cause their failure.
You can fix the issue of the terrain management system by greasing the pinions and racks for smooth movement and reducing the friction between them.
Inspect the seal around the racks and pinions because it can shrink due to temperature fluctuations and become cracked.
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