New Owner, Couple Quick Towing / Camera Questions

[motionmanjim]

I searched and did not find an answer. I recently purchased a 2012 Limited Dealer Demo. The vehicle is loaded, and had everything I wanted but factory towing. Since I am only towing a light load (<2000 lbs.), I added an aftermarket class 3 hitch. So, here is my question: Does the factory towing option offer a Tow/Haul switch (yes, I have been a GM guy for a while)? If so, does this mute the reverse sensors when backing a trailer? If no Tow/Haul mode, how do you quiet the reverse sensors when you back your trailer? The "Cancel" on the screen cancels the rear-view camera, which I would like to use.

Thanks for your help.

Jim

[lexrid]

When you put the car in reverse, a message appears on the screen to the left of the speedometer for the "reverse sensing aid"...or something like that. Arrow down to Off and press OK and the beeping will stop.

[Javelin62]

I had dig into the settings to find the reverse sensor on/off the first time i hooked up a trailer. Now it pops up everytime i put the EX in reverse.

[spitfisher]

Hi Jim,

You can manually turn it off, mine stays off untill i shut the engine off, then I repeat. That being said take same time to read thru the manual, this site is a great resource for questions such as the one you asked, but its really best to know that right and left side menu screens.

And as you will soon realise the the camera can also me adjusted (zoom and guide lines) to further assist you in hooking up your trailer.

Good luck

[motionmanjim]

Thanks for the replies. So, is that a "No" for the Tow/Haul switch?

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by Javelin62

I had dig into the settings to find the reverse sensor on/off the first time i hooked up a trailer. Now it pops up everytime i put the EX in reverse.

I believe that message always pops up when putting the transmission into reverse. My sensor is ON and everytime I back out of the garage that message pops up. It always has.
For Rear Park Aid and Trailer Sway controls, the default in ON and will automatically turn on with every key cycle.

Peter

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by motionmanjim

Thanks for the replies. So, is that a "No" for the Tow/Haul switch?

Welcome to the Forum motionmanjim.
The Explorer has no Tow/Haul switch but it does have a Trailer Sway control.
It is always ON unless you turn it off manually using the setting in the left hand screen. It will turn back ON everytime you start the vehicle as that is the default setting.

Peter

[Javelin62]

Originally Posted by peterk9

I believe that message always pops up when putting the transmission into reverse. My sensor is ON and everytime I back out of the garage that message pops up. It always has.
For Rear Park Aid and Trailer Sway controls, the default in ON and will automatically turn on with every key cycle.

Peter

It pops up every time now but the first time i hooked up my boat the alarm was constant, and very annoying

And there is a tow button with the tow package.

[Spengracin]

Originally Posted by peterk9

Welcome to the Forum motionmanjim.
The Explorer has no Tow/Haul switch but it does have a Trailer Sway control.
It is always ON unless you turn it off manually using the setting in the left hand screen. It will turn back ON everytime you start the vehicle as that is the default setting.

Peter

FYI, isn't the Tow switch to the left of the dash it, on the tow packages, I have one, or am I thinking something else?

[Helicopter]

Originally Posted by Spengracin

FYI, isn't the Tow switch to the left of the dash it, on the tow packages, I have one, or am I thinking something else?

I don't have the tow package, but there is a tow button inbetween the liftgate and park assist buttons under the lighting controls on the lower left. On mine it's blank.

[Javelin62]

Originally Posted by Spengracin

FYI, isn't the Tow switch to the left of the dash it, on the tow packages, I have one, or am I thinking something else?

Your correct, button is on the left....

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by Spengracin

FYI, isn't the Tow switch to the left of the dash it, on the tow packages, I have one, or am I thinking something else?

Yes, you are correct, if you have the factory tow package. I was just replying to the OP whose vehicle, like mine, does not have the package and no Tow button. Therefore he would just have the Trailer Sway control.

Peter

[boltsfan17]

Originally Posted by motionmanjim

Thanks for the replies. So, is that a "No" for the Tow/Haul switch?

There is a Tow button on Explorers with the factory tow package. It's the same thing as the Tow/Haul button on GM vehicles.

[spitfisher]

What does this tow button do specifically?

Don't tell me it tells you that you are towing something, my mirrors do that.

[182RG]

Originally Posted by spitfisher

What does this tow button do specifically?

Don't tell me it tells you that you are towing something, my mirrors do that.

Changes transmission shifting behavior, locks out overdrive. Prevents shifting/hunting, over heating transmission, etc.

Without the "tow switch", you could mimic with "M" mode and manage shifting yourself.

[Spengracin]

In the mountains I use M for shifting, tow button keeps the motor screaming to long.

[motionmanjim]

Just wanted to follow up and say thanks for the help. I never noticed the pop-up on the left screen. That takes care of my problem.

Jim