2009 FORD EXPLORER steering wheel

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD or a 4WD vehicle may
accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t
stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD or 4WD vehicles
without also putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to
slide and swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
In Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you may
purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theCustomer Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers who require Roadside
Assistance, call 1-800-241-3673.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1-800-665-2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for towing to the nearest
dealership within 35 miles. To obtain reimbursement information, U.S.
Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicle customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers will be asked to submit their original receipts.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
steering column, just behind the
steering wheel. The hazard flashers
will operate when the ignition is in
any position or if the key is not in
the ignition.
Push in the flasher control and all
front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again
to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a
safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
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CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensor, refer toChanging tires with TPMSin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with a road tire as
soon as possible.
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System and should not be used.
WARNING:Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important
information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it
will no longer function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:Turn off the power running boards (if equipped) before driving
with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. Refer toRunning boardsin the
Driver Controlschapter.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
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special solution in addition to alcohol which helps to remove the hot
wax deposited on the wiper blade and windshield from automated car
wash facilities. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear
worn or do not function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel, interior trim areas and cluster lens with a
clean and damp white cotton cloth, then with a clean and dry white
cotton cloth; you may also use Motorcraft Dash & Vinyl Cleaner
(ZC-38-A) on the instrument panel and interior trim areas.
•Avoid cleaners or polishes that increase the gloss of the upper portion
of the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish of the instrument panel, interior trim and cluster lens.
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
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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.
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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
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SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................166
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................27
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................35
Snowplowing .................................8
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................391, 396
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................392
Speed control ............................111
Starting your
vehicle ........................274–275, 277
jump starting ..........................331
Steering wheel
controls ....................................114
tilting .......................................101
SYNC ............................................81
T
Tilt steering wheel ....................101
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................305
Roadside Emergencies ...........321
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....255
Warning Displays ......12, 131, 146
Tires ...........................240–241, 321
alignment ................................249
care ..........................................245
changing ..........................321, 326
checking the pressure ............245
inflating ...................................242
label .........................................254replacing ..........................246, 326
rotating ....................................249
safety practices .......................248
sidewall information ...............250
snow tires and chains ............260
spare tire .................321, 324–325
terminology .............................242
tire grades ...............................241
treadwear ........................241, 245
Towing .......................................267
recreational towing .................273
trailer towing ..........................267
wrecker ....................................337
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................388
Transmission .............................289
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....289
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................388
fluid, refill capacities ..............392
lubricant specifications ..........392
Turn signal ..................................93
U
USB port ......................................43
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................397
Vehicle loading ..........................260
Ventilating your vehicle ...........277
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................359
Water, Driving through .............309
Windows ....................................161
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Index
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