2009 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC check transmission fluid

PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the manual park brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the park brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) is disabled.
Refer toReverse Sensing System (Park Aid)in this section to enable.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle have low tire pressure. Refer toInflating Your Tiresin the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in the
Tires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, have the system inspected by your authorized
dealer.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the washer fluid reservoir
is less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
OIL LIFE CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
reaches 5% or less of the Oil Life Start Value.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 0%. An oil change is required whenever indicated by the
message center and according to the recommended maintenance
schedule. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
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Driver Controls
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Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD and 4WD vehicles can lose traction in
slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
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Driving
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detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with theService engine soon
indicator on can
result in increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if theService engine soon
indicator is on or not working
properly (bulb is burned out), or if the OBD-II system has determined
that some of the emission control systems have not been properly
checked. In this case, the vehicle is considered not ready for I/M testing.
If theService engine soon
indicator 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 toscheduled maintenance
informationfor the service interval schedules.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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
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Maintenance and Specifications
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transmission is not working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection in this chapter.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints equipped
with grease fittings, lubrication will be necessary.
Note:Your vehicle’s driveshaft is balanced. If undercoating the vehicle,
protect the driveshaft and universal joints to prevent overspray of any
undercoating material.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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.
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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
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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
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