REAR LEFT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear left door is not
completely closed.
REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
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.
FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel
condition.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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.
CHECK PARK AID— 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 theTires,
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
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
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Driver Controls
87
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
SeePower steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeePower
steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is applied. If you cannot move
the gear lever out of P (Park) when the ignition is on and the brake
pedal applied, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brake
lamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
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Driving
222
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Lower gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
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 wheel rims (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 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 engine, transmission, AWD system components or axles are
submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the engine or
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
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.
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
235
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
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
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
2009 MKS(mks)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.
The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature 149°F
(65°C).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant11.1 quarts
(10.5L)Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant with
bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
4
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Power steering fluidBetween MAX
and MIN on
reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Windshield washer fluidTop- off fluid
as neededMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank20.0 gallons
(75.7L) FWD
——
19.0 gallons
(71.9L)
(AWD)
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONV should only use MERCONV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
2009 MKS(mks)
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Maintenance and Specifications
312
A
Accessory delay ..........................58
Adaptive Cruise Control .............63
AdvanceTrac ..............................218
Air cleaner filter ...............309–310
Air conditioning ....................32, 35
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................144–145, 153, 155
and child safety seats ............146
description ..............145, 153, 155
disposal ....................................159
driver airbag ............147, 154, 157
indicator light .................153, 159
operation .................147, 154, 157
passenger airbag .....147, 154, 157
side airbag ...............................153
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................232
AM/FM .........................................16
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................288
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................215–216
Anti-theft system ..............113, 117
arming the system ..................117
disarming a triggered
system .....................................118
triggering .................................119
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specification ..................311
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................223
fluid, adding ............................307
fluid, checking ........................307Selectshift (SST) ....................226
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....23
B
Battery .......................................286
acid, treating emergencies .....286
jumping a disabled battery ....256
maintenance-free ....................286
replacement, specifications ...310
servicing ..................................286
Belt-Minder.............................140
Booster seats .............................172
Brakes ........................................215
anti-lock ...........................215–216
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................216
fluid, checking and adding ....307
fluid, refill capacities ..............311
fluid, specifications .................311
lubricant specifications ..........311
parking ....................................217
shift interlock ..........................222
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....311
Cargo cover .................................58
Cargo net .....................................90
CD ................................................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................248
Child safety seats ......................164
attaching with tether straps ..170
in front seat ............................165
in rear seat ..............................165
LATCH .....................................168
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Index
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recommendations ...................162
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................172
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............274
instrument panel ....................275
interior .....................................276
plastic parts ............................274
washing ....................................272
waxing .....................................273
wheels ......................................273
wiper blades ............................275
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......32, 35
Clock ............................................16
Clock adjust
AM/FM/CD/MP3 ........................16
Console
overhead ....................................54
Controls
power seat ...............................123
steering column ........................72
Coolant
checking and adding ..............288
refill capacities ................292, 311
specifications ..........................311
Cooled Seats ..............................125
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................60
Cupholder(s) .............................129
Customer Assistance ................239
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................268
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............269
Getting roadside assistance ...239
Getting the service you
need .........................................264Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................269
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................267
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................45
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................35
windshield ...........................32, 35
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................307
engine oil .................................283
Doors
central unlocking ......................96
Driving under special
conditions ..........................233, 236
sand .........................................234
snow and ice ...........................237
through water .................235, 238
E
Electronic message center .........78
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................256
running out of fuel .........256, 298
Emission control system ..........303
Engine ........................................313
cleaning ...................................274
coolant .....................................288
fail-safe cooling .......................293
idle speed control ...................286
lubrication specifications .......311
2009 MKS(mks)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
319