transmission FORD EXPLORER 2008 4.G Owners Manual
Page 2 of 384
Seating and Safety Restraints 163
Seating 163
Safety restraints 177
Airbags 192
Child restraints 206
Tires, Wheels and Loading 220
Tire information 222
Tire inflation 225
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 237
Vehicle loading 242
Trailer towing 249
Recreational towing 254
Driving 256
Starting 256
Brakes 261
Traction Control™/AdvanceTrac264
Transmission operation 269
Roadside Emergencies 289
Getting roadside assistance 289
Hazard flasher switch 291
Fuel pump shut-off switch 291
Fuses and relays 292
Changing tires 301
Lug nut torque 310
Jump starting 311
Wrecker towing 316
Customer Assistance 318
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 324
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 325
Cleaning 326
Table of Contents
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Page 17 of 384
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off,
refer to theDrivingchapter.
AdvanceTrac:Flashes when the
AdvanceTracwith RSC system is
active. Illuminates solid when the
system has been disabled (by the
driver or as a result of a system
failure), refer to theDriving
chapter for more information.
If “SERVICE RSC NOW” is displayed in the message center, refer to
Message centerin theDriver Controlschapter for more information.
Four wheel drive low (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive low is engaged. If
the light fails to illuminate when the
ignition is turned ON, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive high (if
equipped):Illuminates when
four-wheel drive is engaged. If the
light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned ON, or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the ON position and
any door, liftgate or the liftgate glass
is open.
Low fuel (if equipped):
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at or near empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).O/D
OFF
4x4
LOW
4x4
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Instrument Cluster
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Page 80 of 384
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down when the vehicle interior is
significantly warmer than the outside temperature, drive with the
windows slightly open for 2–3 minutes after start up or until the
vehicle has been “aired out.”
•During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, turn off the rear A/C unit, reduce blower fan
speed from the highest setting and put the vehicle’s transmission into
the P (Park) position to continue to receive cool air from your A/C
system.
For maximum cooling performance in panel (
) mode:
•Select MAX A/C mode. MAX A/C uses recirculated air with A/C to
provide a cooler airflow.
•Move the temperature control to the coolest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust in order to
maintain comfort.
To allow side window defogging and demisting while warming up the
vehicle cabin:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows. To
increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
To allow windshield defogging and demisting while warming up vehicle:
1. Select
floor/defrost mode.
2. Set temperature control to maintain comfort.
3. Set fan to highest setting.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
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Climate Controls
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17.Temperature conversion:
Press to toggle between Fahrenheit
and Celsius temperature on the
DATC display only. The set point temperatures in Celsius will be
displayed in half-degree increments.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
air flow selector in OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been “aired out.”
•During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, turn off the rear A/C unit, reduce blower fan
speed from the highest setting and put the vehicle’s transmission into
the P (Park) position to continue to receive cool air from your A/C
system.
For maximum cooling performance:
•Select and A/C and recirculated air. Use recirculated air with A/C to
provide a cooler airflow.
•Move the temperature control to the coolest setting.
To allow side window defogging and demisting while warming up the
vehicle cabin:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows. To
increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the vents
located in the middle of the instrument panel.
F C
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Climate Controls
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Page 88 of 384
Push the headlamp control towards the instrument panel to deactivate
the fog lamps.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
To activate DRL:
•the ignition must be in the ON position and
•the headlamp control is in the
orposition
•the transmission is not in park.
Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during
inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System
does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide
adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your
headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
High beams
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull the lever toward you to
activate. Release the lever to
deactivate.
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Lights
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The moon roof has a sliding shade that can be opened or closed when
the glass panel is shut. To close the shade, pull it toward the front of the
vehicle.
Accessory delay:
With accessory delay, the window switches, audio system, and moon roof
(if equipped) may be used for up to 10 minutes after the ignition switch
is turned to the OFF position or until either front door is opened.
HOMELINKWIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The HomeLinkWireless Control System, located on the overhead
console, provides a convenient way to replace up to three hand-held
transmitters with a single built-in device. This feature will learn the radio
frequency codes of most transmitters to operate garage doors, entry gate
operators, security systems, entry door locks, and home or office lighting.
When programming your HomeLinkWireless Control System to
a garage door or gate, be sure that people and objects are out of
the way to prevent potential harm or damage.
Do not use the HomeLinkWireless Control System with any garage
door opener that lacks safety stop and reverse features as required by
U.S. federal safety standards (this includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982). A garage door which cannot
detect an object, signaling the door to stop and reverse, does not meet
current U.S. federal safety standards. For more information, contact
HomeLinkat:www.homelink.comor1–800–355–3515.
Retain the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as well as for
future programming procedures (i.e. new HomeLinkequipped vehicle
purchase). It is also suggested that upon the sale of the vehicle, the
programmed Homelinkbuttons be erased for security purposes, refer to
Programmingin this section.
Programming
Do not program HomeLinkwith the vehicle parked in the garage.
Note:Some vehicles may require the ignition switch to be turned to the
second (or “ACC”) position for programming and/or operation of the
HomeLink. It is also recommended that a new battery be placed in the
hand-held transmitter of the device being programmed to HomeLinkfor
quicker training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
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Driver Controls
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turn off as many of the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the
warning stays on or comes on when the engine is operating at normal
speeds, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED.Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5
km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped).Displayed when the transmission is
in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled.
Refer toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE.Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE MONITOR FAULT.Displayed when the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or continues to come
on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
TIRE SENSOR FAULT.Displayed when a tire pressure sensor is
malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more information on how
the system operates under these conditions, refer toUnderstanding
your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
reservoirin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK HEADLAMP.Displayed when the headlamps are activated and
at least one bulb is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as possible and
have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing headlamp bulbs
in theLightschapter.
CHECK HIGHBEAM LAMP.Displayed when the highbeam lamps are
activated and at least one bulb is burned out. Check the lamps as soon
as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing
headlamp bulbsin theLightschapter.
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electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED.Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph (5
km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM.Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped).Displayed when the transmission is
in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled.
Refer toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE.Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE MONITOR FAULT.Displayed when the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or continues to come
on, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
TIRE SENSOR FAULT.Displayed when a tire pressure sensor is
malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more information on how
the system operates under these conditions, refer toUnderstanding
your Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemin theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
reservoirin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK HEADLAMP.Displayed when the headlamps are activated and
at least one bulb is burned out. Check the lamps as soon as possible and
have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing headlamp bulbs
in theLightschapter.
CHECK HIGHBEAM LAMP.Displayed when the highbeam lamps are
activated and at least one bulb is burned out. Check the lamps as soon
as possible and have the burned out lamp replaced. Refer toReplacing
headlamp bulbsin theLightschapter.
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Driver Controls
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The control buttons are located on
the driver-side rear quarter trim
panel (accessible from the liftgate
area).
Push the bottom portion of the
control button to lower the desired
seatback.
Push the top of the control button
to return the seatback to its original
position.
The power fold down seats will operate for 30 minutes after the
ignition switch is in the 1 (OFF/Lock) position. The transmission
must be in P (Park), and the liftgate or liftgate glass must be
open. Similar to the Battery Saver feature, the power 3rd row
seat will be disabled 30 minutes after turning the vehicle off. If
the power 3rd row seat is disabled after 30 minutes, the seat can
be enabled by opening any door, pressing the unlock control on
the remote entry transmitter, pressing any keyless keypad button
(if equipped), or turning the ignition key.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
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Before following the procedure, make sure that:
•The parking brake is set
•The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission)
•The ignition switch is in the OFF position
•The driver and front passenger safety belts are unbuckled
While the design allows you to deactivate your Belt-Minder, this
system is designed to improve your chances of being safely
belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you leave the
Belt-Mindersystem activated for yourself and others who may use the
vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the
Belt-Minderfeature while driving the vehicle.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. DO NOT START
THE ENGINE.
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off (Approximately 1
minute).
•Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt
warning light turns off.
3. For the seating position being disabled, at a moderate speed, buckle
then unbuckle the safety belt nine times, ending in the unbuckled state.
Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt
warning light turns off.
•After Step 3, the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three
seconds.
4. Within approximately seven seconds of the light turning off, buckle
then unbuckle the safety belt.
•This will disable the Belt-Minderfeature for that seating position if it
is currently enabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will
flash four times per second for three seconds.
•This will enable the Belt-Minderfeature for that seating position if it
is currently disabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will
flash four times per second for three seconds, followed by three
seconds with the light off, then followed by the safety belt warning
light flashing four times per second for three seconds again.
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Seating and Safety Restraints
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