oil level FORD EXPLORER 2009 4.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
11

Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder

chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder
chime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range. Check the oil level
and add oil if needed. Refer to
Engine oilin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Engine coolant temperature:Illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the
engine and let cool. Refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
15

The sequence of the system check report and how it appears in the
message center is as follows:
1. OIL LIFE
2. CHARGING SYSTEM
3. WASHER FLUID
4. DOOR AJAR
5. EXTERIOR LAMP
6. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
7. PARK BRAKE
8. MILES TO EMPTY
9. FUEL LEVEL LOW (will only display if 50 miles [80 km] or less to
empty)
Units (English/Metric)
1. Select this function from the
SETUP MENU for the current units
to be displayed.
2. Press and hold the
SELECT/RESET control switch to
change from English to Metric.
3. Press the SELECT/RESET control switch for the next SETUP MENU
item or wait for more than four seconds to return to the INFO MENU.
Language
Note:When entering the SETUP MENU and a non-English language has
been selected, “PRESS RESET FOR ENGLISH” will be displayed to
change back to English.
1. Select this function from the
SETUP MENU for the current
language to be displayed.
2. Press and hold the
SELECT/RESET control to select a
new language.
Selectable languages are English, Spanish, French, or Japanese.
3. Press the SELECT/RESET control switch for the next SETUP MENU
item or wait for more than four seconds to return to the INFO MENU.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
126

Warning display Status
Door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Fuel level low Warning returns after 10 minutes
Park brake engaged
Check brake system
Check park aid (if equipped) Warning returns only after the ignition
key is turned from off to on.
Brake fluid level low
Washer fluid level low
Oil change required
Oil life change soon
Liftgate/glass ajar Warning returns after the condition
has cleared then reoccurs within the
same ignition on-off cycle. Remove objects near pass seat
Check fuel fill inlet (if
equipped)
Check charging system
Low tire pressure
Tire pressure monitor fault
Tire pressure sensor fault
Trailer sway, reduce speed Temporary alert
For 4x4 low stop vehicle (if
equipped)
For 4x4 low shift to N (if
equipped)
To exit 4x4 low stop vehicle (if
equipped)
To exit 4x4 low shift to N (if
equipped)
DOOR AJAR— Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE RSC NOW— Displayed when the RSC system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
132

BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the washer fluid reservoir
is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
reaches 5% or less of the Oil Life Start Value.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 0%. An oil change is required whenever indicated by the
message center and according to the recommended maintenance
schedule. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
LIFTGATE / GLASS AJAR— Displayed when the liftgate or the
liftgate glass is not completely closed.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED— Displayed when your trailer
starts to sway when towing. Refer toTrailer sway controlin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
FOR 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE(if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information, refer
toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N(if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE(if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For more
information, refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N(if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin the
Drivingchapter.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
134

Warning display Status
Door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Fuel level low Warning returns after 10 minutes
Park brake engaged
Service RSC now
Check brake system
Check park aid (if equipped) Warning returns only after the ignition
key is turned from off to on.
Brake fluid level low
Washer fluid level low
Oil change required
Oil life change soon
Liftgate/glass ajar Warning returns after the condition
has cleared then reoccurs within the
same ignition on-off cycle. Remove objects near pass seat
Check fuel fill inlet (if
equipped)
Check charging system
Low tire pressure
Tire pressure monitor fault
Tire pressure sensor fault
Trailer sway, reduce speed Temporary alert
For 4x4 low stop vehicle (if
equipped)
For 4x4 low shift to N (if
equipped)
To exit 4x4 low stop vehicle (if
equipped)
To exit 4x4 low shift to N (if
equipped)
DOOR AJAR— Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET (if equipped)— Displayed when the fuel
fill inlet may not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel
systemin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
147

WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the washer fluid reservoir
is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
reaches 5% or less of the Oil Life Start Value.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 0%. An oil change is required whenever indicated by the
message center and according to the recommended maintenance
schedule. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
LIFTGATE / GLASS AJAR— Displayed when the liftgate or the
liftgate glass is not completely closed.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED— Displayed when your trailer
starts to sway when towing. Refer toTrailer sway controlin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
FOR 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin the
Drivingchapter.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
149

4. To attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm, align the cross pin and
keyway (denoted with the arrows)
and firmly press the wiper blade
into the wiper arm until an audible
snap is heard.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
•4.0L V6 engine
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
361

•4.6L V8 engine
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
•If the oil level isbetween the lower and upper holes,the oil level
is acceptable,DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the lower hole, add enough oil to raise the
level within the lower and upper holes.
•4.0L V6 engine
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
362

•4.6L V8 engine
•Oil levels above the upper hole may cause engine damage. Some oil
must be removed from the engine by an authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
upper hole on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until three clicks can be heard.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
363