Locks and Security 118
Keys 118
Locks 118
Anti-theft system 129
Seating and Safety Restraints 133
Seating 133
Safety restraints 143
Airbags 159
Child restraints 174
Tires, Wheels and Loading 192
Tire information 194
Tire inflation 196
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 209
Vehicle loading 213
Trailer towing 220
Recreational towing 226
Driving 227
Starting 227
Brakes 232
AdvanceTrac235
Transmission operation 242
Reverse sensing system 249
Roadside Emergencies 262
Getting roadside assistance 262
Hazard flasher control 263
Fuel pump shut-off switch 264
Fuses and relays 265
Changing tires 271
Wheel lug nut torque 280
Jump starting 281
Wrecker towing 286
Table of Contents
2
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
and/or other details about the vehicle or crash to assist 911 operators to
provide the most appropriate emergency services. If you do not want to
disclose this information, do not activate the feature. See yourSYNC
supplement for more information.
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
Before you drive your vehicle, please read thisOwner’s Guidecarefully.
Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type,
failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
Notice to owners with 20 inch wheels and tires
When equipped with 20 inch wheels and tires the vehicle is designed for
on-road use only and not off-road use.
Note:When first driving the vehicle after it has been parked for a period
of time, you may experience a temporary ride disturbance. This is a
characteristic of the tires and should be no reason for concern. The
condition should correct itself within 5-15 miles (8-25 km) of driving. If
the disturbance persists, have the tires serviced by an authorized dealer.
Correct tire pressure is important to payload and proper ride and
handling attributes. Check your vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label for the proper tire pressure levels.
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Your vehicle is not equipped with a snowplowing package.
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.
Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation
Package.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
8
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Introduction
11
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three
seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. For more information
on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Check fuel cap (if equipped):Illuminates when the fuel cap may not
be properly installed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the
service engine soon warning light to come on, refer toFuel filler capin
theMaintenance and Specificationchapter.
•Standard instrument cluster
•Optional instrument cluster
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is activated. Turns
off when the speed control system
is deactivated.
O/D off:Illuminates when the
overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off;
refer to theDrivingchapter.
O/D
OFF
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
16
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
Turn signal warning chime:Sounds when the turn signal lever has
been activated to signal a turn and not turned off after the vehicle is
driven more than 2 miles (3.2 km).
Parking brake on warning chime:Sounds when the parking brake is
set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h).
Message center activation chime:Sounds when the following
warnings; DOOR AJAR, LOW FUEL LEVEL or LOW TIRE PRESSURE
appear in the message center display for the first time.
GAUGES
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
18
Warning display Status
Remove objects near pass seat Warning returns after the
condition has cleared then
reoccurs within the same
ignition on-off cycle. Check charging system
Low tire pressure
Tire pressure monitor fault
Tire pressure sensor fault
Trailer sway, reduce speed (if
equipped)Temporary alert
For 4x4 low stop vehicle (if equipped)
For 4x4 low shift to N (if equipped)
To exit 4x4 low stop vehicle (if
equipped)
To exit 4x4 low shift to N (if equipped)
DOOR AJAR— Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on contact your
authorized dealer.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage when the engine is running. If you are
operating electrical accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed,
turn off as many of the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the
warning stays on or comes on when the engine is operating at normal
speeds, have the electrical system checked as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
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.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
94
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.
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED— Displayed when your trailer
starts to sway when towing. Refer toTrailer sway controlin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
FOR 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin theDrivingchapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin theDrivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW STOP VEHICLE (if equipped)— Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin the
Drivingchapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped)— Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer toUsing the Control Trac 4WD systemin the
Drivingchapter.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
95
Warning display Status
Door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Fuel level low Warning returns after
10 minutes
Park brake engaged
Check brake system
Check park aid (if equipped) Warning returns only after
the ignition key is turned
from off to on. Brake fluid level low
Washer fluid level low
Oil change required
Oil life change soon
Remove objects near pass seat Warning returns after the
condition has cleared then
reoccurs within the same
ignition on-off cycle. Check charging system
Low tire pressure
Tire pressure monitor fault
Tire pressure sensor fault
Trailer sway, reduce speed (if equipped) Temporary alert
For 4x4 low stop vehicle (if equipped)
For 4x4 low shift to N (if equipped)
To exit 4x4 low stop vehicle (if
equipped)
To exit 4x4 low shift to N (if equipped)
DOOR AJAR— Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on contact your
authorized dealer.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM— Displayed when the electrical system
is not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical
accessories when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of
the electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes
on when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
2009 07+ Explorer Sport Trac(esp)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
107