ABS FORD EXPLORER 2009 4.G Owners Manual
Page 14 of 407
•Optional instrument cluster
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, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. 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. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light
also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to on, continues to flash or
remains on, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. A chime will sound if there is a malfunction in
the indicator light.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
14
Page 170 of 407
SEATING
WARNING:Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to
slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal
injuries in the event of a collision.
WARNING:Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to
reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.
WARNING:Before returning the seatback to its original
position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped
behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original
position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An
unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or
collision.
Adjustable head restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with front row outboard head restraints that are
vertically adjustable.
WARNING:To minimize the risk of neck injury in the event of a
crash, the driver and passenger occupants should not sit in
and/or operate the vehicle, until the head restraint is placed in its
proper position. The driver should never adjust the head restraint
while the vehicle is in motion.
The adjustable head restraints
consist of :
•a trimmed energy absorbing foam
and structure (1),
•two steel stems (2),
•a guide sleeve adjust/release
button (3),
•and a guide sleeve unlock/remove
button (4).
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
170
Page 280 of 407
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
280
Page 286 of 407
Switching Off AdvanceTracwith RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem press the
AdvanceTracwith RSCOffbutton. Full features of the AdvanceTrac
with RSCsystem can be restored by pressing the AdvanceTracwith
RSCOffbutton again or by turning off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem, the sliding car
icon
will illuminate steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSC
Offbutton again will turn off thesliding caricon
.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functions“Sliding
car”
icon
RSCESCEngine
Traction
ControlBrake
Traction
Control
Default at
start-upOff Enabled Enabled Enabled Enabled
Button
pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidDisabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)Enabled
Button
pressed and
held more
than five
secondsFlashes
then
illuminated
solidDisabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)Disabled
below
25 mph
(40 km/h)
Trailer Sway Control
When properly equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem to detect and help reduce trailer sway
by applying brake force at individual wheels and, if necessary, by
reducing engine power.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
286
Page 308 of 407
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD or a 4WD vehicle may
accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t
stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD or 4WD vehicles
without also putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to
slide and swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driving
308
Page 318 of 407
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
1 50A** BATT 2 (SJB)
2 50A** BATT 3 (SJB)
3 50A** BATT 1 (SJB)
4 30A** Fuel pump, Injectors
5 30A** Third row seat (left)
6 40A** ABS pump
7 40A** Powertrain Control Module
(PCM)
8 — Not used
9 — Not used
10 30A** Power seat (right)
11 30A** Starter
12 30A** Third row seat (right)
13 30A** Trailer tow battery charger
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
318
Page 319 of 407
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
14 30A** Memory seats (DSM)
40A** Non-memory seats
15 40A** Rear defrost, Heated mirrors
16 40A** Front blower motor
17 30A** Trailer electronic brakes
18 30A** Auxiliary blower motor
19 30A** Running boards
20 30A** Front wiper motor
21 20A* Rear power point
22 20A* Subwoofer
23 20A* 4x4
24 10A* Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) Keep Alive Power,
Canister vent
25 20A* Front power point/Cigar lighter
26 20A* 4x4 module (4.6L engine only)
27 20A* 6R Transmission module (4.6L
engine only)
28 20A* Heated seats
29 15A* Headlamps (right)
30 25A* Rear wiper
31 15A* Fog lamps
32 5A* Power mirrors
33 30A* ABS valve
34 15A* Headlamps (left)
35 10A* AC clutch
36 20A* Console bin power point
37 30A* Driver window motor
38 15A* 5R Transmission (4.0L engine
only)
39 15A* PCM power
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
319
Page 376 of 407
•Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking “Antabuse” or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline vapors,
or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive
individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is
splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and
water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse
reaction.
WARNING:When refueling always shut the engine off and
never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never
smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING:The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is
pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.
Refueling
WARNING:Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel fire can cause
severe injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and others:
•Read and follow all the instructions on the pump island;
•Turn off your engine when you are refueling;
•Do not smoke if you are near fuel or refueling your vehicle;
•Keep sparks, flames and smoking materials away from fuel;
•Stay outside your vehicle and do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling your vehicle — this is against the law in some places;
•Keep children away from the fuel pump; never let children pump
fuel.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
376
Page 401 of 407
A
Accessory delay ........................107
AdvanceTrac ..............................282
Air cleaner filter ...............389–391
Air conditioning ..........................84
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................204, 213, 215
and child safety seats ............206
description ..............204, 213, 215
disposal ....................................218
driver airbag ............206, 214, 216
indicator light .................213, 218
operation .................206, 214, 216
passenger airbag .....206, 214, 216
side airbag ...............................213
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................300
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................368
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................280
Anti-theft system ......................166
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 25, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................290, 293
fluid, adding ............................388
fluid, checking ........................388
fluid, refill capacities ..............392
fluid, specification ..................392
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....41
Auxiliary power point ...............104
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........392refill capacities ........................392
B
Battery .......................................366
acid, treating emergencies .....366
jumping a disabled battery ....331
maintenance-free ....................366
replacement, specifications ...391
servicing ..................................366
Belt-Minder.............................199
Booster seats .............................234
Brakes ........................................279
anti-lock ...................................280
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................280
fluid, checking and adding ....387
fluid, refill capacities ..............392
fluid, specifications .................392
lubricant specifications ..........392
parking ....................................281
shift interlock ..........................289
C
Calculating load ........................266
Capacities for refilling fluids ....392
Cargo cover ...............................150
Cargo management system ......151
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................321
Child safety seats ......................223
attaching with tether straps ..231
in front seat ............................224
in rear seat ..............................224
LATCH .....................................227
recommendations ...................221
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................234
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
401
Page 404 of 407
Hood ..........................................356
How to get going ........................21
I
Ignition ...............................274, 396
Illuminated visor mirror ...........101
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................223
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................386
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................351
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ....................................321, 324
positioning .......................321, 326
storage .............................321, 324
Jump-starting your vehicle ......331
K
Keyless entry system ...............165
autolock ...........................154, 156
keypad .....................................165
locking and unlocking doors ..166
programming entry code .......165
Keys ...........................................168
positions of the ignition .........274
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................94
daytime running light ...............90
fog lamps ...................................90
headlamps .................................89interior lamps ...........................93
LATCH anchors .........................227
Liftgate ......................................151
remote release ........................161
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........280
Load limits .................................260
Loading instructions .................266
Locks
autolock ...........................154, 156
childproof ................................159
doors ........................................154
Lubricant specifications ...........392
Lug nuts ....................................330
Luggage rack .............................152
Lumbar support, seats .....174, 176
M
Message center .................123, 135
english/metric button .....126, 140
system check button ......125, 139
warning messages ...........131, 146
Mirrors ...............................107–108
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................108
fold away .................................109
heated ......................................109
side view mirrors (power) .....108
Moon roof ..................................116
Motorcraft parts ........353, 374, 391
N
Navigation system .......................81
O
Octane rating ............................378
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
404