Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
11
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the
steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
260
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
4.0L SOHC V6 engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Engine oil dipstick (out of view)
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Power distribution box
5. Battery
6. Power steering fluid reservoir
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Air filter assembly
10. Washer fluid reservoir
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
323
4.6L V8 engine
1. Air filter assembly
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Power distribution box
6. Battery
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
324
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance product specifications
and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have an underhood transmission
fluid dipstick.
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
351
Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Power steering fluidFill between the
MIN and MAX
lines on reservoirMotorcraft MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Windshield washer fluid 4.2 quarts (4.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank22.5 gallons
(85.2L)——
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.2Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only have the API
Certification mark and meet the requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C929-A (4.0L) or
WSS-M2C930-A (4.6L).3Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary based on cooler size and
if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should be
checked by a qualified technician.4Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid or fluid that
is specified dual usage MERCON/MERCONV. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto
determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause transmission damage.5Automatic transmissions that require MERCONSP should only use MERCONSP fluid. Use of a
dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCONSP may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
357
plastic parts ............................316
washing ....................................313
waxing .....................................314
wheels ......................................314
wiper blades ............................316
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............80
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................36
AM/FM/CD .................................28
Compass, electronic ..................118
calibration ...............................120
set zone adjustment .......119, 131
Console ......................................100
overhead ....................................97
Controls
power seat ...............................163
steering column ......................109
Coolant
checking and adding ..............333
refill capacities ................337, 355
specifications ..........................355
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................107
Customer Assistance ................280
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................309
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............310
Getting roadside assistance ...280
Getting the service you
need .........................................305
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................311
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................309D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................86
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................351
engine oil .................................326
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................352
Driving under special
conditions ..................269, 274, 277
sand .........................................276
snow and ice ...........................278
through water .................276, 279
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................80
DVD system .................................50
E
Electronic message center ......113,
124
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................299
Emergency Flashers .................281
Emission control system ..........348
Engine ........................................358
cleaning ...................................315
coolant .....................................333
fail-safe cooling .......................338
idle speed control ...................331
lubrication specifications .......355
refill capacities ........................355
service points ..................323–324
starting after a collision .........282
Engine block heater .................252
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
364
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................106
Power adjustable foot pedals ...106
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................286
Power door locks ......................146
Power mirrors ...........................105
Power point .........................98, 100
Power steering ..........................260
fluid, checking and adding ....351
fluid, refill capacity ................355
fluid, specifications .................355
Power Windows .........................100
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................260
R
Radio ................................22, 26, 34
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................50
Relays ........................................283
Remote entry system .......151–152
illuminated entry ....................155
locking/unlocking
doors ................................152–153
panic alarm .............................153
replacing the batteries ...........153
Reverse sensing system ...........269
Roadside assistance ..................280
Roof rack ...................................144
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........183Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ............168,
171–176
Safety Canopy ...........192, 194–195
Safety defects, reporting ..311–312
Safety restraints ........168, 171–176
Belt-Minder...........................178
extension assembly ................177
for adults .........................172–175
for children .............................198
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................169
safety belt maintenance .........183
warning light and chime ........178
Safety seats for children ..........203
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................359
Satellite Radio Information ........47
Seats ..........................................161
child safety seats ....................203
front seats ...............................162
heated ......................................165
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................158
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................28
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................36
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs, specifications ......354,
358
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................355
Speed control ............................107
2008 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
367