tires FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC 2009 Owners Manual

Locks and Security 118
Keys 118
Locks 118
Anti-theft system 129
Seating and Safety Restraints 133
Seating 133
Safety restraints 143
Airbags 159
Child restraints 174
Tires, Wheels and Loading 192
Tire information 194
Tire inflation 196
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 209
Vehicle loading 213
Trailer towing 220
Recreational towing 226
Driving 227
Starting 227
Brakes 232
AdvanceTrac235
Transmission operation 242
Reverse sensing system 249
Roadside Emergencies 262
Getting roadside assistance 262
Hazard flasher control 263
Fuel pump shut-off switch 264
Fuses and relays 265
Changing tires 271
Wheel lug nut torque 280
Jump starting 281
Wrecker towing 286
Table of Contents
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2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
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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.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guide/Customer Information Guidethat is provided to you along with
yourOwner’s Guide.
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read the sectionAirbag Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)in theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could
result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
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Introduction
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and/or other details about the vehicle or crash to assist 911 operators to
provide the most appropriate emergency services. If you do not want to
disclose this information, do not activate the feature. See yourSYNC
supplement for more information.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read thisOwner’s Guidecarefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Notice to owners with 20 inch wheels and tires
When equipped with 20 inch wheels and tires the vehicle is designed for
on-road use only and not off-road use.
Note:When first driving the vehicle after it has been parked for a period
of time, you may experience a temporary ride disturbance. This is a
characteristic of the tires and should be no reason for concern. The
condition should correct itself within 5-15 miles (8-25 km) of driving. If
the disturbance persists, have the tires serviced by an authorized dealer.
Correct tire pressure is important to payload and proper ride and
handling attributes. Check your vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label for the proper tire pressure levels.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Your vehicle is not equipped with a snowplowing package.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package.
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Introduction
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WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
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 (if equipped):Illuminates when the fuel cap may not
be properly installed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the
service engine soon warning light to come on, refer toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationchapter.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Speed control: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
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Instrument Cluster
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Warning display Status
Remove objects near pass seat Warning returns after the
condition has cleared then
reoccurs within the same
ignition on-off cycle. Check charging system
Low tire pressure
Tire pressure monitor fault
Tire pressure sensor fault
Trailer sway, reduce speed (if
equipped)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.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage when the engine is running. If you are
operating electrical accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed,
turn off as many of the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the
warning stays on or comes on when the engine is operating at normal
speeds, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled.
Refer toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
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.
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.
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PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled.
Refer toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
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.
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Pickup box storage compartment
The storage compartments are located inside the pickup box behind the
wheel wells.
The storage compartments have
been designed to be a water
resistant system. A small amount of
water may drain into the storage
compartments with the lid closed.
1. Turn latch counterclockwise to
unlock and open the storage
compartment.
2. To close, lower the lid and turn
latch clockwise to lock.
Interior tiedown hooks
Mounted inside the pickup box,
each tiedown hook can secure loads
up to 200 lb (91 kg). Total pickup
box cargo weight is not to exceed
overall vehicle payload, refer to
Vehicle loadingin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack for transporting items on the
exterior of the vehicle. The maximum recommended load is 100 lb
(45 kg), evenly distributed. If it is not possible to distribute the load,
position it as far rearward as possible. Use the tie down loops on the
thumbwheels (if equipped) to secure the load.
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NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks are not designed
for cornering at speeds as high as
passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions.
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Study yourOwner’s Guideand any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD (when selected) has the ability to
use all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may
enable you to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
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Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDrivingchapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
WARNING:Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD
and AWD vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may
accelerate better than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won’t stop any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles.
Always drive at a safe speed.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.
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