2009 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC coolant

•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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
320

•Engine Oil Overheat Mode:The(Engine coolant temperature)
indicator will be on. The instrument cluster has no separate oil
temperature indicator.
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 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
321

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.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
333

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord Part Name
or equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
Brake fluidBetween MIN
and MAX on
reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or WSS-M6C65-A1
Body hinges,
latches, door
striker plates and
rotors, seat tracks,
fuel filler door
hinge and spring,
hood latch,
auxiliary latch, seat
tracks—Multi-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Door weatherstrips —Silicone Spray
LubricantXL-6 /
ESR-M13P4-A
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Engine coolant
4.0L engine12.2 quarts
(11.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
1
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Engine coolant
4.6L engine13.9 quarts
(13.2L)
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
337

Item CapacityFord Part Name
or equivalentFord Part Number / Ford
Specification
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 MERCONLV 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.5Use of a dual usage fluid in an automatic transmission requiring MERCONV 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 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
340

A
Accessory delay ..........................73
AdvanceTrac ..............................235
Air cleaner filter ...............335–336
Air conditioning ..........................52
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................159, 168, 170
and child safety seats ............161
description ..............159, 168, 170
disposal ....................................174
driver airbag ............161, 169, 171
indicator light .................168, 173
operation .................161, 169, 171
passenger airbag .....161, 169, 171
side airbag ...............................168
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................252
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................315
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................232–233
Anti-theft system ......................129
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 25, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................243, 246
fluid, adding ............................333
fluid, checking ........................333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
fluid, specification ..................337
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....41
Auxiliary power point .................70
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........337refill capacities ........................337
B
Battery .......................................313
acid, treating emergencies .....313
jumping a disabled battery ....281
maintenance-free ....................313
replacement, specifications ...336
servicing ..................................313
Belt-Minder.............................154
Booster seats .............................188
Brakes ........................................232
anti-lock ...........................232–233
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................233
fluid, checking and adding ....333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
fluid, specifications .................337
lubricant specifications ..........337
parking ....................................233
shift interlock ..........................242
C
Calculating load ........................219
Capacities for refilling fluids ....337
Cargo cage .................................111
Cargo management system ......115
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................271
Child safety seats ......................178
attaching with tether
straps .......................................185
in front seat ............................179
in rear seat ..............................179
LATCH .....................................182
recommendations ...................176
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
346

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................188
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............297
instrument panel ....................299
interior .....................................300
plastic parts ............................298
washing ....................................295
waxing .....................................296
wheels ......................................296
wiper blades ............................298
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............52
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................35
AM/FM/CD .................................27
Compass, electronic ....................91
calibration .................................92
set zone adjustment .........91, 104
Console ........................................71
overhead ..............................68, 73
Controls
power seat ...............................137
steering column ........................81
Coolant
checking and adding ..............315
refill capacities ................319, 337
specifications ..........................337
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................78
Customer Assistance ................262
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................292
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............292
Getting roadside assistance ...262
Getting the service you
need .........................................288Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................293
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................291
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................57
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................333
engine oil .................................308
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................334
Driving under special
conditions ..................249, 255, 259
sand .........................................257
snow and ice ...........................260
through water .................258, 261
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................52
E
Electronic message center ...84, 96
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................281
Emergency Flashers .................263
Emission control system ..........330
Engine ........................................341
cleaning ...................................297
coolant .....................................315
fail-safe cooling .......................320
idle speed control ...................313
lubrication specifications .......337
refill capacities ........................337
service points ..................305–306
starting after a collision .........264
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
347