tow 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
USA(fus)

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
6

•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.
CD/CD player care
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only.
(Never touch the playing
surface).
•Inspect discs before playing.
•Clean only with an approved CD
cleaner.
•Wipe discs from the center out.
Don’t:
•Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods
of time.
•Clean using a circular motion.
CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 4.75 in
(12 cm) audio compact discs only. Due to technical
incompatibility, certain recordable and re-recordable compact
discs may not function correctly when used in Ford CD players.
Do not use any irregular shaped
CDs or discs with a scratch
protection film attached.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
44

Satellite radio reception factors:To receive the satellite signal, your
vehicle has been equipped with a satellite radio antenna located on the
roof of your vehicle. The vehicle roof provides the best location for an
unobstructed, open view of the sky, a requirement of a satellite radio
system. Like AM/FM, there are several factors that can affect satellite
radio reception performance:
•Antenna obstructions: For optimal reception performance, keep the
antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
•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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
47

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.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a navigation system. Refer to the
Navigation systemsupplement for further information.
SYNC (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with SYNC, a hands-free communications
and entertainment system with special phone and media features. For
more information, please refer to theSYNCsupplement or to theSYNC
section in theNavigation systemsupplement (if equipped).
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
51

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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
55

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.
O
F
F
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Lights
57

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.
Headlamp aim adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle can only be vertically adjusted. Your
vehicle does not require horizontal aim adjustments.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Lights
58