tow FORD EXPLORER 2009 4.G Owners Manual

Locks and Security 154
Keys 154
Locks 154
Anti-theft system 160
Seating and Safety Restraints 170
Seating 170
Safety restraints 188
Airbags 204
Child restraints 219
Tires, Wheels and Loading 238
Tire information 240
Tire inflation 242
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 255
Vehicle loading 260
Trailer towing 267
Recreational towing 273
Driving 274
Starting 274
Brakes 279
Traction Control™/AdvanceTrac
282
Transmission operation 289
Reverse sensing system 296
Roadside Emergencies 310
Getting roadside assistance 310
Hazard flasher switch 311
Fuel pump shut-off switch 312
Fuses and relays 313
Changing tires 321
Wheel lug nut torque 330
Jump starting 331
Wrecker towing 337
Table of Contents
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2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
2009 Explorer(exp)
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Introduction
5

moving. Also, the portable music player should be stored in a secure
location, such as the center console or the glove box, when the vehicle is
in motion. The audio extension cable must be long enough to allow the
portable music player to be safely stored while the vehicle is in motion.
USB port (if equipped)
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device that may take their
focus off the road. The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe
operation of their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not
essential to the driving task when it is safe to do so.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices if
they support this feature. For
further information on this feature,
refer toAccessing and using your
USB portin theSYNCsupplement
orNavigation systemsupplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
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Entertainment Systems
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•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUS satellite radio service:SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a subscription
based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports, news and
entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order to receive
SIRIUS service. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory installed
SIRIUS Satellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
•Use of online media player providing access to all SIRIUS music
channels over the internet using any computer connected to the
internet (U.S. customers only).
For information on extended subscription terms, contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUS reserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN):This 12–digit
Satellite Serial Number is needed to activate, modify or track your
satellite radio account. You will need this number when communicating
with SIRIUS. While in Satellite Radio mode, you can view this number on
the radio display by pressing AUX and Preset 1 control simultaneously.
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Entertainment Systems
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Radio Display Condition Action Required
NO TEXT Song title information
not available.Song title information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO TEXT Category information
not available.Category information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUS satellite or
SIRIUS tower to the
vehicle antenna.You are in a location
that is blocking the
SIRIUS signal (i.e.,
tunnel, under an
overpass, dense foliage,
etc). The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUS Satellite
Radio.Call SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device that may take their
focus off the road. The driver’s primary responsibility is the safe
operation of their vehicle. Only use cell phones and other devices not
essential to the driving task when it is safe to do so.
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Entertainment Systems
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Headphones
Wireless headphones
WARNING:The driver should never use the headphones while
driving the vehicle. Using headphones may prevent the driver
from hearing audible warnings such as horns or emergency sirens,
which could result in a crash causing serious injury. Give your full
attention to driving and to the road.
Your FES system is equipped with
two sets of battery powered,
infrared wireless headphones. Two
AAA batteries are needed to operate
the headphones. (Batteries are
included.)
Additional infrared wireless
headphones may be purchased for
use with the system. Also, wired
headphones may be purchased and
plugged in where indicated on the
left and right hand sides of the
system. Refer toWired
Headphonesfollowing.
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Entertainment Systems
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•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.”
•If you are driving during extreme high ambient temperatures and
idling for extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run
the A/C in the MAX A/C position, adjust the blower fan speed to the
lowest setting, turn off the rear A/C unit and put the vehicle’s
transmission into the P (Park) 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.
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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Climate Controls
83

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.”
•If you are driving during extreme high ambient temperatures and
idling for extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run
the A/C in the MAX A/C position, adjust the blower fan speed to the
lowest setting, turn off the rear A/C unit and put the vehicle’s
transmission into the P (Park) 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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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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Climate Controls
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Fog lamp control
The fog lamps can be turned on
only when the headlamp control is
in the
,orposition and
the high beams are not turned on.
Pull headlamp control towards you
to turn fog lamps on. The fog lamp
indicator light below the
icon
will illuminate when fog lamp is
activated.
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 P (Park).
WARNING: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.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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Lights
90

Flash to pass
Pull the lever toward you to
activate. Release the lever to
deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel when exterior
lights are on.
•Rotate the thumbwheel from left
to right to brighten the
instrument panel.
•Rotate the thumbwheel from right
to left to dim the instrument
panel.
•Rotate fully to the right (past detent) to turn on interior lamps.
•Rotate to the left position (past detent) to turn off the interior lamps
and to disable the illuminated entry feature. When the control is in the
far left position, it acts as a dome lamp defeat/override.
Note:If the battery is disconnected, discharged, or a new battery is
installed, the dimmer switch requires re-calibration. Rotate the dimmer
switch from the full dim position to the full dome/on position to reset.
This will ensure that your displays are visible under all lighting
conditions.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed before leaving the
assembly plant. If your vehicle is involved in an accident or if you have
problems fixing the alignment of your headlamps, have them checked by
a qualified service technician.
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Owners Guide, 1st Printing
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Lights
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