check engine light FORD EXPLORER 2010 4.G Owners Manual

Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator 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 contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
If the light remains on while driving, the temperature of the engine may
be too high; refer toEngine coolantin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
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 indicator:Illuminates when a powertrain, a
4x4 or an AWD fault has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Instrument Cluster
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Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three
seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. For more information
on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Check fuel cap fill inlet (if equipped):Illuminates when the fuel fill
inlet may not be properly closed. Continued driving with this light on
may cause the service engine soon warning light to come on, refer to
Easy Fuel “no cap” fuel systemin theMaintenance and Specification
chapter.
If “CHECK FUEL FILL INLET” is displayed in the message center, refer
toMessage centerin this chapter for more information.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated. Turns off when the
speed control system is deactivated.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off;
refer to theDrivingchapter.
O/D
OFF
Instrument Cluster
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•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
P!
BRAKE
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.
Driving
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WARNING:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from
swaying, it mitigates the sway from increasing once it has
occurred. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is likely that the trailer
is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight or the speed of the
vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer over to a safe
location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue load and
reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN.
During Trailer Sway Control events, the
icon in the instrument
cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also display
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED.In some cases when trailer sway is
detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be at or above a speed
at which trailer sway will grow continuously. This may cause the system
to activate multiple times, and you may experience a slight deceleration
of the vehicle.
Disabling Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See Trailer
Sway Control under Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for more information. Note that even if it was disabled before
turning off the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will be re-enabled at each
new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off Trailer Sway Control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
Driving
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Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
Roadside Emergencies
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WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Maintenance and Specifications
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•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ........................124
AdvanceTrac ..............................278
Air cleaner filter ...............382–384
Air conditioning ........................101
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................199, 208, 210
and child safety seats ............201
description ..............199, 208, 210
disposal ....................................213
driver airbag ............201, 208, 211
indicator light .................208, 213
operation .................201, 208, 211
passenger airbag .....201, 208, 211
side airbag ...............................208
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................295
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................361
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................276
Anti-theft system ......................162
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................39, 43, 50
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................286, 288
fluid, adding ............................380
fluid, checking ........................380
fluid, refill capacities ..............385
fluid, specification ..................385
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....58
Auxiliary power point ...............121
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........385refill capacities ........................385
B
Battery .......................................359
acid, treating emergencies .....359
jumping a disabled battery ....325
maintenance-free ....................359
replacement, specifications ...384
servicing ..................................359
Belt-Minder
.............................194
Booster seats .............................229
Brakes ........................................275
anti-lock ...................................276
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................276
fluid, checking and adding ....380
fluid, refill capacities ..............385
fluid, specifications .................385
lubricant specifications ..........385
parking ....................................277
shift interlock ..........................285
C
Calculating load ........................262
Capacities for refilling fluids ....385
Car2U garage door opener .......140
Cargo cover ...............................145
Cargo management system ......146
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................315
Child safety seats ......................218
attaching with tether
straps .......................................226
in front seat ............................219
in rear seat ..............................219
LATCH .....................................222
recommendations ...................216
Index
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idle speed control ...................359
lubrication specifications .......385
refill capacities ........................385
service points ..................350–351
starting after a collision .........307
Engine block heater .................274
Engine oil ..................................354
checking and adding ..............354
dipstick ....................................354
filter, specifications ........357, 384
recommendations ...................357
refill capacities ........................385
specifications ..........................385
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................273
F
Fail safe cooling ........................366
Family entertainment system ....66
Fluid capacities .........................385
Fog lamps ..................................107
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......294
driving off road .......................296
indicator light .........................294
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................284
Fuel ............................................367
calculating fuel
economy ......................27, 32, 374
cap ...........................................370
capacity ...................................385
choosing the right fuel ...........371
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................377
detergent in fuel .....................372
filler funnel .............................372
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................367, 370, 374filter, specifications ........367, 384
fuel pump shut-off switch .....307
improving fuel economy ........374
octane rating ...................371, 390
quality ......................................372
running out of fuel .........325, 372
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................367
Fuses ..................................308–309
G
Garage door opener ..........120, 133
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............370
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................374
Gauges .........................................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................262
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................262
H
Hazard flashers .........................306
Headlamps .................................106
aiming ......................................108
bulb specifications ..................112
daytime running lights ...........107
flash to pass ............................108
high beam ...............................107
turning on and off ..................106
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...............................99, 101
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................134
Index
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