System check
Selecting this function from the SETUP MENU causes the message
center to cycle through each of the systems being monitored. For each
of the monitored systems, the message center will indicate either an OK
message or a warning message for 2 seconds.
Pressing the RESET stem cycles the message center through each of the
systems being monitored. If the RESET stem is not pressed, the display
will automatically scroll through each of the systems being monitored:
1. OIL LIFE
2. CHARGING SYSTEM
3. WASHER FLUID LEVEL
4. DOOR/LIFTGATE/GLASS AJAR
5. BRAKE SYSTEM
6. FUEL LEVEL (will only display if 50 miles or less to empty)
Oil life
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center and
according to the recommended maintenance schedule. USE ONLY
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 7,500 miles (12,070 km) or 6 months] perform the
following:
1. Press and release the RESET
stem to display “OIL LIFE = XXX%
HOLD RESET = NEW”.
2. Press and hold the RESET stem
for 2 seconds and release. Oil life is
set to XX% and “OIL LIFE SET TO
XX%” is displayed.
Note:Oil Life Start Value of 100% equals 7,500 miles (12,070 km) or 6
months. For example, setting Oil Life Start Value to 60% sets the Oil Life
Start Value to 3,000 miles (4,828 km) and 120 days.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
127
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake fluid
reservoirin 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.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON/OIL CHANGE REQUIRED.Displayed
when the engine oil life remaining is 5 percent or less. When oil life left
is between 5% and 0%, the ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON message will
be displayed. When oil life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message will be displayed.
LIFTGATE/GLASS AJAR.Displayed when the liftgate or the liftgate
glass is not completely closed.
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
With the ignition in the ON position,
the message center, located on your
instrument cluster, displays
important vehicle information
through a constant monitor of
vehicle systems.You may select
display features on the message center for a display of status preceded
by a brief indicator chime. The system will also notify you of potential
vehicle problems with a display of system warnings followed by a long
indicator chime.
Selectable features
Reset
Press this control to select and reset
functions shown in the INFO menu
and SETUP menu.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
132
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.
CHECK AIR SUSPENSION (if equipped).Displayed when the air
suspension system is not operating properly. If this message is displayed
while driving, pull off the road as soon as safely possible. For more
information, refer toAir suspensionin theDrivingchapter.
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.
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). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
PARK AID
transmission is in R (Reverse). Refer toReverse Sensing Systemin this
section to enable.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED/ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON.Displayed
when the engine oil life remaining is 5 percent or less. When oil life left
is between 5% and 0%, the ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON message will
be displayed. When oil life left reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message will be displayed.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center and
according to the recommended maintenance schedule. USE ONLY
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 7,500 miles (12,070 km) or 6 months] perform the
following:
1. Press and release the SETUP
control to display “OIL LIFE =
XXX% HOLD RESET = NEW”.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
144
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the “FULL COLD” level or within the “COLD
FILL RANGE” in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
354
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
symbol will illuminate.
•The
indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
359
At the next opportunity, safely pull off of the road, remove the fuel filler
cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap lampor
“check fuel cap” message may not reset immediately; it may take several
driving cycles for the check fuel cap lamp
or “check fuel cap”
message to turn off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up (after
four or more hours with the engine off) followed by city and highway
driving.
Continuing to drive with the check fuel cap lamp
or “check fuel cap”
message on may cause the
lamp to turn on as well.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive vacuum in
the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause the fuel cap
to disengage in a collision, which may result in personal injury.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum
of 10% ethanol. Your vehicle was not designed to run on E85 fuels that
are blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol. The use of leaded fuel is
prohibited by law and could damage your vehicle. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can damage critical fuel system components.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
363