
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

•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

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.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
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.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
292

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

Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................161
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............257
instrument panel ....................258
interior .............................259–260
plastic parts ............................257
safety belts ..............................259
washing ....................................255
waxing .....................................256
wheels ......................................256
wiper blades ............................258
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............32
Clock ............................................20
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................69
Console ........................................52
overhead ....................................51
Controls
power seat ...............................110
steering column ........................60
Convertible
cleaning ...................................258
Coolant
checking and adding ..............273
refill capacities ................276, 295
specifications ..........................295
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................57
Cupholder(s) .............................118
Customer Assistance ................225
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................252
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................252
Getting roadside assistance ...225Getting the service you
need .........................................248
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................253
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................251
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................38
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................290
engine oil .................................267
Driving under special
conditions ..................215, 220, 222
sand .........................................221
snow and ice ...........................223
through water .................221, 224
E
Electronic message center .........67
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................241
Emission control system ..........286
Engine ........................................297
cleaning ...................................257
coolant .....................................273
fail-safe cooling .......................277
idle speed control ...................271
lubrication specifications .......295
refill capacities ........................295
service points ..................264–265
starting after a collision .........226
Engine block heater .................202
Engine oil ..................................267
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................267
checking and adding ..............267
dipstick ....................................267
2009 MKX(mkx)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Index
303

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