2009 FORD EXPLORER coolant

Along with the(Engine coolant temperature) indicator, the engine
coolant temperature gauge will read in the Hot (H) area.
Oil overheat can be triggered in severe driving conditions, such as
towing heavy loads over mountainous terrain in extreme hot
temperatures. As oil temperature increases, engine and vehicle speed
will be limited. The transmission will also shift differently.
When the engine oil has cooled, the vehicle will perform normally.
When fail-safe cooling mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. 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 approximately 15 minutes for the engine to
cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low. Look for coolant leakage
in the engine compartment and under the vehicle.
WARNING: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.
FUEL FILTER
For fuel filter replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
374

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.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
387

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Engine coolant 4.0L
engine without
auxiliary climate
control12.2 quarts
(11.5L)
Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
1
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1 Engine coolant 4.0L
engine with auxiliary
climate control13.9 quarts
(13.2L)
Engine coolant 4.6L
engine without
auxiliary climate
control13.9 quarts
(13.2L)
Engine coolant 4.6L
engine with auxiliary
climate control15.7 quarts
(14.9L)
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak
PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Engine oil 4.0L
engine5.0 quarts
(4.7L)Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor Oil
(Canada)
2
XO-5W30-QSP (US)
CXO-5W30-LSP12 (Canada) /
WSS-M2C929-A with API
Certification Mark
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
393

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Transfer case fluid
(AWD)1.3 quarts
(1.25L)Motorcraft Transfer
Case FluidXL–12 /
—
Windshield washer
fluid4.2 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.4Use of a dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCON
V may cause
transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission
damage. Refer toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval.
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
395

A
Accessory delay ........................107
AdvanceTrac ..............................282
Air cleaner filter ...............389–391
Air conditioning ..........................84
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................204, 213, 215
and child safety seats ............206
description ..............204, 213, 215
disposal ....................................218
driver airbag ............206, 214, 216
indicator light .................213, 218
operation .................206, 214, 216
passenger airbag .....206, 214, 216
side airbag ...............................213
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................300
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................368
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................280
Anti-theft system ......................166
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 25, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................290, 293
fluid, adding ............................388
fluid, checking ........................388
fluid, refill capacities ..............392
fluid, specification ..................392
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....41
Auxiliary power point ...............104
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........392refill capacities ........................392
B
Battery .......................................366
acid, treating emergencies .....366
jumping a disabled battery ....331
maintenance-free ....................366
replacement, specifications ...391
servicing ..................................366
Belt-Minder
.............................199
Booster seats .............................234
Brakes ........................................279
anti-lock ...................................280
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................280
fluid, checking and adding ....387
fluid, refill capacities ..............392
fluid, specifications .................392
lubricant specifications ..........392
parking ....................................281
shift interlock ..........................289
C
Calculating load ........................266
Capacities for refilling fluids ....392
Cargo cover ...............................150
Cargo management system ......151
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................321
Child safety seats ......................223
attaching with tether straps ..231
in front seat ............................224
in rear seat ..............................224
LATCH .....................................227
recommendations ...................221
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................234
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
401

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............349
instrument panel ....................351
interior .....................................352
plastic parts ............................350
washing ....................................347
waxing .....................................348
wheels ......................................348
wiper blades ............................350
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............84
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................35
AM/FM/CD .................................27
Compass, electronic ..................129
calibration ...............................130
set zone adjustment .......130, 144
Console ..............................103–104
overhead ..................................102
rear ..........................................104
Controls
power seat ...............................174
steering column ......................114
Coolant
checking and adding ..............368
refill capacities ................372, 392
specifications ..........................392
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................111
Customer Assistance ................310
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................343
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................344
Getting roadside assistance ...310
Getting the service you
need .........................................339
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................345Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................343
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................90
Defrost
rear window ..............................88
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................388
engine oil .................................361
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................389
Driving under special
conditions ..................296, 303, 306
sand .........................................305
snow and ice ...........................307
through water .................306, 309
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................84
DVD system .................................49
E
Electronic message
center .................................123, 135
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................331
running out of fuel .........331, 379
Emergency Flashers .................311
Emission control system ..........384
Engine ........................................396
cleaning ...................................349
coolant .....................................368
fail-safe cooling .......................373
idle speed control ...................366
2009 Explorer(exp)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
402