light FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 2009 Owners Manual

Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
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•TheService engine soonindicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend taking
fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
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•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•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.
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EPA fuel economy estimates
Every new vehicle should have a window sticker containing EPA fuel
economy estimates. Contact your authorized dealer if the window sticker
is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates
should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons with other
vehicles. Your fuel economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................73
AdvanceTrac ..............................235
Air cleaner filter ...............335–336
Air conditioning ..........................52
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................159, 168, 170
and child safety seats ............161
description ..............159, 168, 170
disposal ....................................174
driver airbag ............161, 169, 171
indicator light .................168, 173
operation .................161, 169, 171
passenger airbag .....161, 169, 171
side airbag ...............................168
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................252
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................315
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................232–233
Anti-theft system ......................129
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 25, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................243, 246
fluid, adding ............................333
fluid, checking ........................333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
fluid, specification ..................337
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....41
Auxiliary power point .................70
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........337refill capacities ........................337
B
Battery .......................................313
acid, treating emergencies .....313
jumping a disabled battery ....281
maintenance-free ....................313
replacement, specifications ...336
servicing ..................................313
Belt-Minder.............................154
Booster seats .............................188
Brakes ........................................232
anti-lock ...........................232–233
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................233
fluid, checking and adding ....333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
fluid, specifications .................337
lubricant specifications ..........337
parking ....................................233
shift interlock ..........................242
C
Calculating load ........................219
Capacities for refilling fluids ....337
Cargo cage .................................111
Cargo management system ......115
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................271
Child safety seats ......................178
attaching with tether
straps .......................................185
in front seat ............................179
in rear seat ..............................179
LATCH .....................................182
recommendations ...................176
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Engine block heater .................231
Engine oil ..................................308
checking and adding ..............308
dipstick ....................................308
filter, specifications ........311, 336
recommendations ...................311
refill capacities ........................337
specifications ..........................337
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................230
F
Fail safe cooling ........................320
Floor mats .................................109
Fluid capacities .........................337
Fog lamps ....................................57
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......251
driving off road .......................254
indicator light .........................251
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................241
Fuel ............................................322
calculating fuel
economy ......................85, 98, 327
cap ...........................................324
capacity ...................................337
choosing the right fuel ...........325
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................330
detergent in fuel .....................326
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................322, 324, 327
filter, specifications ........321, 336
fuel pump shut-off switch .....264
improving fuel economy ........327
octane rating ...................325, 341
quality ......................................326
running out of fuel .................326safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................322
Fuses ..................................265–266
G
Garage door opener ....................69
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............324
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................327
Gauges .........................................18
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................219
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
calculating ...............................219
H
Hazard flashers .........................263
Headlamps ...................................56
aiming ........................................58
bulb specifications ....................61
daytime running lights .............57
flash to pass ..............................58
high beam .................................57
turning on and off ....................56
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................50, 52
Hood ..........................................304
How to get going ........................21
I
Ignition ...............................227, 341
Illuminated visor mirror .............67
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Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................178
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................332
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................299
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ....................................271, 274
positioning .......................271, 276
storage .....................271, 274–275
Jump-starting your vehicle ......281
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...........................118, 120
keypad .....................................128
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................129
programming entry code .......128
Keys ...........................................131
positions of the ignition .........227
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............60–61
daytime running light ...............57
fog lamps ...................................57
headlamps .................................56
interior lamps ...........................60
replacing bulbs .........................65
LATCH anchors .........................182
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........233
Load limits .................................213Loading instructions .................219
Locks
autolock ...........................118, 120
childproof ................................123
doors ........................................118
Lubricant specifications ...........337
Lug nuts ....................................280
Luggage rack .............................116
Lumbar support, seats .....137, 139
M
Message center .....................84, 96
english/metric button .......88, 101
system check button ........87, 100
warning messages .............93, 106
Mirrors ...................................75–76
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................75
fold away ...................................77
heated ........................................77
side view mirrors (power) .......76
Moon roof ....................................83
Motorcraft parts ........301, 321, 336
N
Navigation system .......................49
O
Octane rating ............................325
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................308
P
Parking brake ............................233
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....336
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Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................145
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................78
Power adjustable foot pedals .....78
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................268
Power door locks ......................118
Power mirrors .............................76
Power point ...........................70–71
Power steering ..........................240
fluid, checking and adding ....332
fluid, refill capacity ................337
fluid, specifications .................337
Power Windows ...........................71
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................241
R
Radio ................................21, 25, 33
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................176
Relays ........................................265
Remote entry system ...............123
illuminated entry ....................127
locking/unlocking
doors ................................124–125
panic alarm .............................125
replacing the batteries ...........125
Reverse sensing system ...........249
Roadside assistance ..................262
Roof rack ...................................116S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................143, 147–152
Safety Canopy ...........168, 170–171
Safety defects, reporting ..........294
Safety restraints ........143, 147–152
Belt-Minder...........................154
extension assembly ................153
for adults .........................148–151
for children .............................174
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................145
warning light and chime ........154
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................182
Safety seats for children ..........178
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................342
Satellite Radio Information ........46
Seats ..........................................133
child safety seats ....................178
front seats ...............................136
heated ..............................140–141
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................128
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................129
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................27
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................35
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................336, 341
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
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Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................337
Speed control ..............................78
Starting your
vehicle ........................227–228, 230
jump starting ..........................281
Steering wheel
controls ......................................81
tilting .........................................67
SYNC..........................................49
T
Tailgate ......................................110
Tilt steering wheel ......................67
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................257
Roadside Emergencies ...........271
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....209
Warning Displays ........12, 93, 106
Tires ...........................194–195, 271
alignment ................................202
care ..........................................198
changing ..........................271, 276
checking the pressure ............198
inflating ...................................196
label .........................................208
replacing ..........................200, 276
rotating ....................................202
safety practices .......................201
sidewall information ...............203
snow tires and chains ............213
spare tire .........................272, 274
terminology .............................195
tire grades ...............................195
treadwear ........................194, 199
Tonneau cover ...........................112
Towing .......................................220recreational towing .................226
trailer towing ..........................220
wrecker ....................................286
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................334
Transmission .............................242
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....242
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
lubricant specifications ..........337
Trunk .........................................114
Turn signal ..................................60
U
USB port ......................................43
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................342
Vehicle loading ..........................213
camper bodies ........................225
Ventilating your vehicle ...........230
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................307
Water, Driving through .............261
Windows
power .........................................71
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................66
checking and adding fluid .....307
replacing wiper blades ...........308
Wrecker towing .........................286
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