
Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 19
Entertainment Systems 22
How to get going 22
AM/FM stereo with CD 26
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 34
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 42
USB port 44
Satellite radio information 47
Family entertainment system 51
Navigation system 78
Climate Controls 79
Manual heating and air conditioning 79
Automatic temperature control 81
Auxiliary passenger climate control 84
Rear window defroster 85
Lights 87
Driver Controls 97
Windshield wiper/washer control 97
Steering wheel adjustment 98
Power windows 102
Mirrors 103
Speed control 106
Moon roof 111
Message center 115
Locks and Security 146
Keys 146
Locks 146
Anti-theft system 152
Table of Contents
1
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)
1.Temperature selection:
Controls the temperature of the
airflow in the vehicle.
2.Air flow selections:Controls
the direction of the airflow in the
vehicle. See the following for a brief
description on each control.
Max A/C:Distributes recirculated
air through the instrument panel vents to cool the vehicle. This recooling
of the interior air is more economical and efficient. Recirculated air may
also help reduce undesirable odors from entering the vehicle.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents.
:Distributes outside air through the instrument panel vents and the
floor vents.
O (OFF):Outside air is shut out and the fan will not operate.
:Distributes outside air through the floor vents.Note:Some airflow
will come out of the small vents near the side windows.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents and
floor vents.Note:Some airflow will come out of the small vents near the
side windows.
:Distributes outside air through the windshield defroster vents.
3.A/C:Uses outside air to cool the vehicle. Air flows primarily from the
instrument panel register vents.
4.Rear defroster:Clears ice and fog from the rear window.
5.Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in the
vehicle.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
air flow selector in the O (OFF) position.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
79

Compass zone adjustment (if equipped)
1. Determine which magnetic zone
you are in for your geographic
location by referring to the zone
map.
2. Turn ignition to the ON position.
3. Locate the reset button on top of
the compass sensor mounted behind
the mirror.
4. Press and hold the reset button
on the compass module for
approximately 4 seconds until
COMPASS ZONE XX appears in the
message center display.
5. Continue to press the reset button until the correct zone appears in
the message center display.
6. After 4 seconds ZONE XX IS SET
will appear in the message center
display.
7. The display will return to normal
operation. The zone is now updated.
Compass calibration adjustment
Perform compass calibration in an open area free from steel structures
and high voltage lines. For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical
accessories (heater/air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all
vehicle doors are shut.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
122

Compass calibration adjustment
Perform compass calibration in an open area free from steel structures
and high voltage lines. For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical
accessories (heater/air conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all
vehicle doors are shut.
1. From the SETUP menu, press the
SETUP control to select the
compass calibration function.
2. Press RESET for calibration.
3. Slowly drive the vehicle in a
circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h])
until the CIRCLE SLOWLY TO
CALIBRATE display changes to
CALIBRATION COMPLETE. It will
take up to five circles to complete
calibration.
4. The compass is now calibrated.
Oil life Setup and Start Value
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 RESET control to display
“HOLD RESET IF NEW OIL”.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
136

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the
accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank
with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
This vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system which assists in
starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
259

•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (4.6L V8 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
Fail-safe cooling and engine oil overheat mode (4.6L V8 only)
If the engine coolant and/or engine oil overheat, the vehicle’s fail-safe
modes will reduce engine power to limit engine damage, even with a
total loss of coolant. The vehicle’s range and/or speed will be reduced,
depending on vehicle load, terrain, and outside temperatures.
The instrument cluster provides warnings for each mode.
•Fail-Safe Cooling Mode:The
(Service engine
soon),
(Engine oil pressure), and(Engine coolant
temperature) indicators will be on.
Along with these warning indicators, the engine coolant temperature
gauge will read in the Hot (H) area.
If the engine coolant reaches even hotter temperatures, fail-safe
cooling mode limits engine power more and disables air conditioning.
The engine will switch to alternating cylinder operation to help cool
the engine. The engine will run rough in this mode.
If continued operation increases the engine coolant temperature to a
critical range, the engine will shut down. Steering and braking effort
will increase. Once engine coolant temperature cools, the engine can
be restarted.
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
352

A
Accessory delay ........................103
AdvanceTrac ..............................264
Air cleaner filter ...............367–369
Air conditioning ..........................81
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................192–193, 201, 203
and child safety seats ............194
description ..............193, 201, 203
disposal ....................................206
driver airbag ............195, 202, 204
indicator light .................201, 206
operation .................195, 202, 204
passenger airbag .....195, 202, 204
side airbag ...............................201
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................347
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................262
Anti-theft system ......................159
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................22, 26, 34
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................271, 274
fluid, adding ............................366
fluid, checking ........................366
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
fluid, specification ..................370
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....42
Auxiliary power point ...............101
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........370
refill capacities ........................370
B
Battery .......................................345acid, treating emergencies .....345
jumping a disabled battery ....311
maintenance-free ....................345
replacement, specifications ...369
servicing ..................................345
Belt-Minder.............................187
Booster seats .............................207
Brakes ........................................261
anti-lock ...................................262
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................262
fluid, checking and adding ....365
fluid, refill capacities ..............370
fluid, specifications .................370
lubricant specifications ..........370
parking ....................................263
shift interlock ..........................269
C
Calculating load ........................248
Capacities for refilling fluids ....370
Cargo cover ...............................143
Cargo management system ......143
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................301
Child safety restraints ..............207
child safety belts ....................207
Child safety seats ......................211
attaching with tether straps ..215
in front seat ............................212
in rear seat ..............................212
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................207
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............328
instrument panel ....................330
interior .....................................331
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
379

plastic parts ............................329
washing ....................................326
waxing .....................................327
wheels ......................................327
wiper blades ............................329
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............81
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................36
AM/FM/CD .................................28
Compass, electronic ..................121
calibration ...............................122
set zone adjustment .......122, 135
Console ..............................100–101
overhead ....................................99
rear ..........................................101
Controls
power seat ...............................165
steering column ......................108
Coolant
checking and adding ..............347
refill capacities ................351, 370
specifications ..........................370
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................106
Customer Assistance ................289
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................322
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............323
Getting roadside assistance ...289
Getting the service you
need .........................................318
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................324
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................322D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................88
Defrost
rear window ..............................85
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................366
engine oil .................................340
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................367
Driving under special
conditions ..................277, 283, 286
sand .........................................284
snow and ice ...........................287
through water .................285, 288
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................81
DVD system .................................51
E
Electronic message
center .................................115, 127
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................311
Emergency Flashers .................291
Emission control system ..........362
Engine ........................................374
cleaning ...................................328
coolant .....................................347
fail-safe cooling .......................352
idle speed control ...................345
lubrication specifications .......370
refill capacities ........................370
service points ..................336–337
starting after a collision .........291
Engine block heater .................260
2008 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
380