
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles
(3,000 km–5,000 km).
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
283

Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle may reduce fuel economy at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA fuel economy estimates
Every new vehicle should have a window sticker containing EPA fuel
economy estimates. Contact your authorized dealer if the window sticker
is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates
should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons with other
vehicles. Your fuel economy may vary depending upon the method of
operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
286

•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of theService engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.
Please consult yourWarranty Guide/Customer Information Guidefor
complete emission warranty information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
287

A
Accessory delay ..........................55
AdvanceTrac ..............................206
Air cleaner filter ...............292–293
Air conditioning ..........................32
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................133–134, 142, 145
and child safety seats ............135
description ..............134, 142, 145
disposal ....................................148
driver airbag ............136, 143, 146
indicator light .........142, 144, 147
operation .................136, 143, 146
passenger airbag .....136, 143, 146
side airbag ...............................142
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................218
Ambient mood/lighting ...............41
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................273
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ......................................204
Anti-theft system ..............101, 104
arming the system ..................104
disarming a triggered
system .....................................105
Audio system (see Radio) .........18
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................213
fluid, adding ............................290
fluid, checking ........................290
fluid, refill capacities ..............295
fluid, specification ..................295
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....25
Auxiliary power point .................52Axle
lubricant specifications ..........295
B
Battery .......................................271
acid, treating emergencies .....271
jumping a disabled battery ....241
maintenance-free ....................271
replacement, specifications ...293
servicing ..................................271
Belt-Minder.............................129
Booster seats .............................161
Brakes ........................................204
anti-lock ...................................204
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................205
fluid, checking and adding ....290
fluid, refill capacities ..............295
fluid, specifications .................295
lubricant specifications ..........295
parking ....................................205
shift interlock ..........................212
Bulbs ............................................42
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....295
Cargo management system ........83
Cargo net .....................................83
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .................234, 238
Child safety seats ......................152
attaching with tether straps ..159
in front seat ............................153
in rear seat ..............................153
LATCH .....................................156
recommendations ...................150
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
302

filter, specifications ........270, 293
recommendations ...................270
refill capacities ........................295
specifications ..........................295
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................202
F
Fail safe cooling ........................277
Floor mats ...................................76
Fluid capacities .........................295
Fog lamps ....................................38
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................219
Fuel ............................................278
calculating fuel
economy ............................68, 283
cap ...........................................281
capacity ...................................295
choosing the right fuel ...........282
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................286
detergent in fuel .....................283
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................278, 281, 284
filter, specifications ........278, 293
fuel pump shut-off switch .....226
improving fuel economy ........283
octane rating ...................282, 297
quality ......................................282
running out of fuel .................283
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................278
Fuses ..................................227–228G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............281
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................283
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................226
Head restraints .........................115
Headlamps ...................................37
aiming ........................................39
autolamp system .......................37
bulb specifications ....................43
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................38
high beam .................................38
replacing bulbs .........................44
turning on and off ....................37
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................32
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................63
Hood ..........................................263
I
Ignition ...............................199, 297
Illuminated visor mirror .............51
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................152
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................288
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................258
cluster ........................................12
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
304

lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
J
Jack ............................................234
positioning ...............................234
storage .....................................234
Jump-starting your vehicle ......241
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................87
keypad .......................................99
locking and unlocking doors ..100
programming entry code .........99
Keys .....................................85, 102
positions of the ignition .........199
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................37
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................43
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................38
headlamps .................................37
headlamps, flash to pass ..........38
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps .....................41–43
replacing bulbs .........................44
LATCH anchors .........................156
Liftgate ................77–78, 81, 84, 94
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........205
Load limits .................................187
Locks
autolock .....................................87childproof ..................................91
doors ..........................................87
Lubricant specifications ...........295
Lug nuts ....................................240
Lumbar support, seats .............111
M
Message center ...........................67
english/metric button ...............72
system check button ................71
warning messages .....................74
Mirrors ...................................55–56
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................55
fold away ...................................57
heated ........................................57
programmable memory ............95
side view mirrors (power) .......56
Moon roof ..............................62, 93
Motorcraft parts ........260, 278, 293
N
Navigation system .......................31
O
Octane rating ............................282
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................267
Overdrive ...................................213
P
Parking brake ............................205
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....293
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................121
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
305

Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................231
Power door locks ........................87
Power liftgate ..............................78
Power mirrors .............................56
Power point .................................52
Power steering ..........................211
fluid, checking and adding ....289
fluid, refill capacity ................295
fluid, specifications .................295
Power Windows ...........................54
R
Radio ............................................18
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................150
Relays ........................................227
Remote entry system ...........91, 93
illuminated entry ................97–98
locking/unlocking doors .....93–94
opening the trunk .....................94
panic alarm ...............................95
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................96
replacing the batteries .............96
Reverse sensing system ...........216
Roadside assistance ..................225
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................120, 123–127
Safety Canopy ...................142, 145
Safety defects, reporting ..........254Safety restraints ........120, 123–127
Belt-Minder...........................129
extension assembly ................129
for adults .........................124–127
for children .............................148
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................121
warning light and chime ........129
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................156
Safety seats for children ..........152
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................298
Satellite Radio Information ........29
Seats ..........................................107
child safety seats ....................152
climate control ........................114
easy access/easyout feature ..112
front seats ...............................113
heated ......................................119
memory seat .....................95, 112
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ..........................................99
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................101
Servicing your vehicle ..............262
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................238
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................293, 297
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................295
Speed control ..............................57
Starting your vehicle ........199–201
jump starting ..........................241
Steering wheel
controls ......................................60
tilting .........................................50
SYNC..........................................31
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
306

T
Tilt steering wheel ......................50
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....182
Tires ...........................167–168, 234
alignment ................................175
care ..........................................171
changing ..................234, 237–238
checking the pressure ............171
inflating ...................................169
label .........................................181
replacing ..................................173
rotating ....................................175
safety practices .......................174
sidewall information ...............176
snow tires and chains ............186
spare tire .........................235, 237
terminology .............................168
tire grades ...............................168
treadwear ........................167, 172
Towing .......................................193
recreational towing .................197
trailer towing ..........................193
wrecker ....................................246
Transmission .............................212
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....212
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................290fluid, refill capacities ..............295
lubricant specifications ..........295
Turn signal ..................................41
U
USB port ......................................27
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................298
Vehicle loading ..........................187
Ventilating your vehicle ...........202
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................265
Water, Driving through .............224
Windows ......................................93
power .........................................54
rear wiper/washer .....................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................49
checking and adding fluid .....265
replacing wiper blades ...........266
Wrecker towing .........................246
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
307