If theService engine soonindicator is on or the bulb does not
work, the vehicle may need to be serviced. Refer to the On board
diagnostics (OBD-II) description in this chapter.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the ON position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If theService engine
soon
indicator blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing; if theService engine soon
indicator stays on
solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer to thescheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
305
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes.Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
307
Item Capacity Ford part nameFord part number /
Ford specification
Automatic
transmission fluid10.0 quarts (9.5L)
3
Motorcraft MERCONV
AT F
4
XT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Rear differential
(AWD) fluid2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
5
12 ounces (0.35L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Windshield washer
fluid4.75 quarts (4.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank
(front-wheel drive)19.2 gallons
(72.7L)——
Fuel tank (all-wheel
drive)20.8 gallons
(78.7L)——
1Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.2Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.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 set
by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.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.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
312
A
Accessory delay ..........................81
AdvanceTrac ..............................224
Air cleaner filter ...............308–310
Air conditioning ..........................60
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................157, 166, 169
and child safety seats ............159
description ..............157, 166, 169
disposal ....................................172
driver airbag ............159, 167, 170
indicator light .........165, 168, 171
operation .................159, 167, 170
passenger airbag .....159, 167, 170
side airbag ...............................166
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................233
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................289
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................222
Anti-theft system ..............124, 128
arming the system ..................128
disarming a triggered
system .....................................129
Audio system (see Radio) .........17
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................307
fluid, checking ........................307
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................229
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specification ..................311
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....24
Auxiliary power point .................78Axle
lubricant specifications ..........311
B
Battery .......................................287
acid, treating emergencies .....287
jumping a disabled battery ....257
maintenance-free ....................287
replacement, specifications ...310
servicing ..................................287
Belt-Minder.............................152
Booster seats .............................173
Brakes ........................................222
anti-lock ...................................222
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................223
fluid, checking and adding ....306
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specifications .................311
lubricant specifications ..........311
parking ....................................223
shift interlock ..........................228
Bulbs ............................................69
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....311
Cargo management system ......107
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .................250, 253
Child safety restraints ..............173
child safety belts ....................173
Child safety seats ......................176
attaching with tether straps ..180
in front seat ............................177
in rear seat ..............................177
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................173
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
318
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............274
instrument panel ....................276
interior .............................276–277
plastic parts ............................274
safety belts ..............................276
washing ....................................272
waxing .....................................273
wheels ......................................273
wiper blades ............................275
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............60
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................96
Console ........................................78
overhead ....................................77
Controls
power seat ...............................131
steering column ........................86
Convertible
cleaning ...................................275
Coolant
checking and adding ..............289
refill capacities ................292, 311
specifications ..........................311
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................83
Cupholder(s) .............................139
Customer Assistance ................240
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................268
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................269
Getting roadside assistance ...240
Getting the service you
need .........................................264
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................270Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................268
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................65
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................307
engine oil .................................283
Driving under special
conditions ..................231, 234, 237
sand .........................................235
snow and ice ...........................238
through water .................236, 239
DVD system .................................30
E
Electronic message center .........93
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................257
Emission control system ..........302
Engine ........................................313
cleaning ...................................274
coolant .....................................289
fail-safe cooling .......................293
idle speed control ...................287
lubrication specifications .......311
refill capacities ........................311
service points ..........................281
starting after a collision .........242
Engine block heater .................220
Engine oil ..................................283
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................283
checking and adding ..............283
dipstick ....................................283
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
319
inflating ...................................188
label .........................................200
replacing ..................................192
rotating ....................................194
safety practices .......................193
sidewall information ...............195
snow tires and chains ............205
spare tire .........................251, 253
terminology .............................187
tire grades ...............................187
treadwear ........................186, 191
Towing .......................................211
recreational towing .................215
trailer towing ..........................211
wrecker ....................................262
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................307
Transmission .............................228
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....228
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
lubricant specifications ..........311
Turn signal ..................................68U
USB port ......................................25
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................314
Vehicle loading ..........................205
Ventilating your vehicle ...........220
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................282
Water, Driving through .............239
Windows ....................................117
power .........................................80
rear wiper/washer .....................76
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................75
checking and adding fluid .....282
replacing wiper blades ...282–283
Wrecker towing .........................262
2008 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
323