2026 Ford Explorer: Turn On the Right Lights in Fog and Darkness

In fog or darkness, do not judge your lighting by a bright dashboard. Transport Canada warns that daytime running lights are not enough for darkness or bad weather. Use low-beam headlights so you can see and be seen.

This guide covers the 2026 Ford Explorer’s non-police lighting controls in the Canadian owner’s manual. Front fog lamps are covered only if equipped. It is not a bulb-replacement or wiring-repair procedure.

Find the controls while parked

Park safely before learning the switch positions. Match your controls to Ford’s illustrated lighting panel on printed page 112. The diagram’s A–D letters are reference labels, not letters to look for on the switch.

The rotary selector offers off, parking lamps, AUTO and headlamps. AUTO uses a headlamp symbol with an A; manual headlamps use the headlamp symbol without that A. Parking lamps have the paired small-lamp symbol—not the headlamp symbol.

Switch on low beams when AUTO is not enough

1. Rotate the selector to headlamps on. Do not stop at parking lamps.
2. If high beams are on, pull the stalk toward you to switch them off. The high-beam indicator has a lamp with straight horizontal rays.
3. Check the actual front and rear lighting while safely parked. The lamps-on indicator can mean parking lamps or low beams; it is not proof of low beams by itself.

AUTO responds to low light or wiper operation, but daytime fog can require a manual override. On the non-police Explorer, the selector defaults to AUTO when you switch the vehicle on. Recheck the setting when conditions call for manual lights.

Use fog lamps only when needed

With headlamps on, press the front-fog button if fitted; its symbol has a wavy line crossing the beam lines. Under AUTO, low beams must already be on. Fog lamps switch off when high beams activate. Ford limits their use to reduced visibility. See printed pages 115–116.

High beams are not a fog-clearing tool: Transport Canada explains that their light reflects from fog, rain and snow, making it harder to see. Dim them for approaching vehicles and vehicles ahead. Use the optional grille-mounted off-road lamps only off-road, not on public roads.

If the lights still seem wrong

DRLs may not activate the rear lamps. Do not assume every Canadian vehicle has identical behaviour.

If the fog lamps will not turn on, first check the documented conditions above: low beams under AUTO, and high beams off. If a lamp remains out or visibility is inadequate, stop somewhere safe and arrange assistance rather than continuing with unsuitable lighting. Record which lamps failed and the switch position for the technician; do not guess a fuse or replacement part.

Check the lights in a safe outdoor parking place away from traffic. Do not idle the engine in a garage, even with the door open (Health Canada).

Control instructions checked October 31, 2026 against the 2026 Explorer Canada/US manual, July 2025 edition. Match the illustrated controls and equipment to your vehicle.