check engine light FORD EXPEDITION 2009 3.G Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Note:Some Warning Lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicator
lights and will illuminate in the Message Center Display and function the
same as the warning light.
Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “Service engine
soon” light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if
no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “Service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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Instrument Cluster
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WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced
power (RTT) (if equipped):
Displays when the engine has
defaulted to a “limp-home”
operation. Report the fault to a
dealer at the earliest opportunity.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system:If the
ABS light stays illuminated or
continues to flash, a malfunction has
been detected, have the system
serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
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Instrument Cluster
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Tachometer:Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
Battery voltage gauge:Indicates
the battery voltage when the
ignition is in the on position. If the
pointer moves and stays outside the
normal operating range, have the
vehicle’s electrical system checked
by your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Engine oil pressure gauge:
Indicates engine oil pressure. The
needle should stay in the normal
operating range (between “L” and
“H”). If the needle falls below the
normal range, stop the vehicle, turn
off the engine and check the engine
oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer.
Fuel gauge:Indicates
approximately how much fuel is left
in the fuel tank (when the ignition
is in the on position). The fuel
gauge may vary slightly when the
vehicle is in motion or on a grade.
Refer toFilling the tankin the
Maintenance and Specifications
chapter for more information.
The FUEL icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel
door is located.
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Instrument Cluster
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Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On ABS-equipped vehicles, a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and
pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal
pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on
loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper
functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a
malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not always reduce stopping distance.
Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up,
remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
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Driving
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When AdvanceTrac
with RSC
performs a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac
with RSC
you may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The “sliding car”
indicator light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction Control (TCS)
Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction
Control. Engine Traction Control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake Traction Control works to
limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction Control is most active at low speeds.
During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon
in the
instrument cluster will flash.
If the Traction Control system is activated excessively in a short period
of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily
disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction
Control will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control
the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the
system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC
, and ESC are not
affected by this condition and will continue to function during the
cool-down period.
The Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching Off AdvanceTrac

with RSC
section following.
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Driving
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If the transmission, transfer case, front axle or rear axle are submerged
in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The engine coolant temperature
symbol will illuminate.
•The
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Maintenance and Specifications
382

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................291
Accessory delay ........................115
AdvanceTrac ..............................293
Air cleaner filter .......397–398, 400
Air suspension ...........................298
description ..............................298
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................218, 222, 224
and child safety seats ............220
description ..............218, 222, 224
disposal ....................................228
driver airbag ............220, 223, 225
indicator light .................222, 227
operation .................220, 223, 225
passenger airbag .....220, 223, 225
side airbag ...............................222
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................377
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................291
Anti-theft system ..............178, 182
arming the system ..................182
disarming a triggered
system .....................................183
Armrests ....................................188
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 24, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................303
fluid, adding ............................397
fluid, checking ........................397
fluid, refill capacities ..............401
fluid, specification ..................401
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....39
Auxiliary power point ...............111Axle
lubricant specifications ..........401
refill capacities ........................401
B
Battery .......................................375
acid, treating emergencies .....375
jumping a disabled battery ....341
maintenance-free ....................375
replacement, specifications ...400
servicing ..................................375
Belt-Minder
.............................214
Booster seats .............................242
Brakes ........................................290
anti-lock ...................................291
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................291
fluid, checking and adding ....397
fluid, refill capacities ..............401
fluid, specifications .................401
lubricant specifications ..........401
parking ....................................292
shift interlock ..................300, 302
Bulbs ..........................................101
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....401
Cargo cover ...............................160
Cargo management system ......160
Cassette tape player ...................24
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................331
Child safety seats ......................232
in front seat ............................232
in rear seat ..............................232
LATCH .....................................235
recommendations ...................230
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Index
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Illuminated visor mirror ...........109
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................232
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................395
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................361
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................97
J
Jack ............................................331
positioning ...............................331
storage .....................................331
Jump-starting your vehicle ......341
K
Keyless entry system ...............176
autolock ...................................165
keypad .....................................176
locking and unlocking doors ..177
programming entry code .......176
Keys ...................................163, 179
positions of the ignition .........284
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................95
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................101
daytime running light ...............96
fog lamps ...................................96
headlamps .................................95
headlamps, flash to pass ..........96
instrument panel, dimming .....97
interior lamps ...................99, 102
replacing bulbs ...............102, 105LATCH anchors .........................235
Liftgate ......................155, 159, 171
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........291
Limited-slip axle .......................299
Load limits .................................269
Loading instructions .................275
Locks
autolock ...................................165
childproof ................................169
doors ........................................165
Lubricant specifications ...........401
Lug nuts ....................................340
Lumbar support, seats .....188–189
M
Message center .................131, 141
english/metric button .....136, 146
system check button ......135, 144
warning messages ...........138, 151
Mirrors ...............................115, 117
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................116
fold away .................................117
heated ..............................118–119
programmable memory ..........172
signal .......................................119
Moon roof ..................................126
Motorcraft parts ........365, 383, 400
N
Navigation system .......................83
O
Octane rating ....................387–388
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................372
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Index
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