Forum Discussion

mydogtony's avatar
mydogtony
Explorer
Dec 31, 2013

2014 Ford Explorer Brakes

Hi, I plan on towing my 2014 Ford Explorer and want to equip it with the SMI Air Force One braking system. Someone on a Ford Explorer forum told me that I should not try to use the Explorer's brakes since when they activate, they will then activate the ABS and the Traction Control System. Activating these can force the transmission out of neutral and into drive or even reverse, destroying the transmission. There's nothing in the owner's manual that states this but it does provide specific information on what to do prior to towing and while towing. Thoughts would be appreciated.
  • sealg's avatar
    sealg
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2014
    mydogtony wrote:
    ... SMI Air Force One braking system. Someone on a Ford Explorer forum told me that I should not try to use the Explorer's brakes since when they activate, they will then activate the ABS and the Traction Control System.


    What does SMI say ?

    If this were true, most of the supplementary brake suppliers would not have a product.
  • sealg's avatar
    sealg
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2014
    mydogtony wrote:
    Activating these can force the transmission out of neutral and into drive or even reverse, destroying the transmission.


    An automatic transmission cannot change gears without the engine running. It depends on hydraulic pressure to do everything it does.
  • mydogtony's avatar
    mydogtony
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2014
    Thanks luvlabs! I've been through the owner's manual cover to cover and couldn't find anything that suggested using the Explorer's brakes would be an issue. Recreational Towing just says to start the vehicle and run it for five minutes prior to towing and cycle it through drive and reverse before leaving it in neutral. Then do it again every six hours.
  • luvlabs's avatar
    luvlabs
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    First off, you can ignore the idiot on the Ford forum. What a croc. The authority on how to tow the Explorer is Ford - start with the owner's manual and look under Recreational Towing. All the information you need on how to tow it will be in that section. If it can't be towed, that information will be there as well.
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    It may well be different with the latest Explores, but I put mine in park when I'm towing. Applying the brakes won't take it out of park.
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Dec 31, 2013
    I suppose you could find a long hill on a quiet road, coast down it with the engine off and the ignition switch in the position you would use for towing, then step on the brake and see what happens. Do it several times at various speeds to be sure.
    Good luck.

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