2008 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual
Year:
2008
Make:
Ford
Model:
Explorer
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
4
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
4
CONGRATULATIONS
4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
5
Warning symbols in this guide
5
Warning symbols on your vehicle
5
Protecting the environment
6
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
6
SPECIAL NOTICES
6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
6
Special instructions
7
Service Data Recording
7
Event Data Recording
7
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
8
Notice to owners with 20” wheels and tires
8
Using your vehicle with a snowplow
8
Using your vehicle as an ambulance
8
Cell phone use
9
Export unique (Non–United States/Canada) vehicle specific information
9
Instrument Cluster
12
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
12
GAUGES
20
Entertainment Systems
24
AUDIO SYSTEMS
24
Quick start — How to get going
24
Listening to the radio
24
Listening to satellite radio (if equipped)
25
Listening to a CD/MP3 (if equipped)
25
AM/FM Single CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)
28
Audiophile AM/FM in-dash six CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)
36
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)
44
USB port (if equipped)
46
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
46
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
49
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
52
Quick start
53
To play a DVD in the DVD system:
53
To play a CD in the DVD system:
54
To play an MP3 disc in the DVD system:
54
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system
55
To listen to audio over the headphones (Dual play mode):
56
Using the infrared (IR) wireless headphones:
56
Using wired headphones (not included):
56
To adjust display brightness:
57
DVD player controls
57
Remote control
60
Battery replacement
63
Headphones
63
Wireless headphones
63
Wired headphones
67
Operation
67
Single play/Dual play
67
Operation with an aftermarket audio system (Headphone only mode)
69
Menu mode
69
Angle mode
69
Aspect ratio
70
Language
70
Subtitles
71
Audio CDs
71
Playing MP3 discs
72
MP3 disc quality factors
72
CD, MP3 and CD player care
73
Playing a DVD
74
Slow play
74
Frame by frame
75
Headphone/auxiliary jacks
75
Audio displays
76
Audio interaction
76
Parental control for the DVD system
76
General information
77
Safety information
78
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance
79
Care and service of the DVD player
79
Environmental extremes
79
Temperature extremes
80
Humidity and moisture condensation
80
Foreign substances
80
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen
80
Cleaning DVD and CD discs
80
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems (headphone only mode)
80
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
81
SYNC (IF EQUIPPED)
81
Climate Controls
82
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
82
Operating tips
82
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (DATC) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
84
Operating tips
86
AUXILIARY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
87
FLOOR CONSOLE CLIMATE CONTROLS
87
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
87
Heated Windshield Control (if equipped)
88
Lights
89
HEADLAMP CONTROL
89
Autolamp Control (if equipped)
89
Fog lamp control
89
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
90
High beams
90
Flash to pass
90
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
91
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
91
Headlamp aim adjustment
91
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
93
INTERIOR LAMPS
93
Dome/reading lamps
93
Cargo/reading lamps
94
BULB REPLACEMENT
94
Headlamp Condensation
94
Using the right bulbs
94
Replacing exterior bulbs
95
Replacing the interior bulbs
95
Replacing headlamp bulbs
95
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/sidemarker bulbs
96
Replacing tail/brake/turn/backup lamp bulbs
97
Replacing fog lamp bulbs
97
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
98
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulb
98
Driver Controls
99
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
99
Windshield wiper features (if equipped with Autolamp feature)
99
Rear window wiper/washer controls
99
TILT STEERING COLUMN
100
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
100
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
101
Storage compartment
101
Installing a garage door opener (if equipped)
102
CENTER CONSOLE
102
Rear center console features (if equipped)
103
AUXILIARY POWER POINTS (12VDC)
103
POWER WINDOWS
104
One touch up (if equipped) or down (Driver’s window only)
105
Window lock
106
Bounce-Back (Driver’s window only)
106
Security Override
106
Accessory delay
106
INTERIOR MIRROR
106
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
107
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
107
Power side view mirrors
107
Fold-away mirrors
108
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)
108
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
108
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
109
Setting speed control
109
Resuming a set speed
110
Increasing speed while using speed control
110
Reducing speed while using speed control
111
Turning off speed control
111
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
111
Audio control features
112
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
114
HOMELINK WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
115
Programming
116
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming
117
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System
118
Erasing HomeLink buttons
118
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button
119
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
119
Selectable features
119
Info menu
119
Odometer/Trip odometer
119
Distance to empty (DTE)
120
Average fuel economy (AFE)
120
Setup menu
121
AWD lock (4.6 L engine vehicles only)
121
System check
122
Units (English/Metric)
122
Language
122
Autolamp
123
Autolock
123
Autounlock
124
Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) (if equipped)
124
Oil Life Reset and Start Value
124
Compass display (if equipped)
125
Compass zone adjustment (if equipped)
126
Compass calibration adjustment
126
System warnings
127
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
131
Selectable features
131
Reset
131
Info menu
132
Trip odometer
132
Distance to empty (DTE)
132
Average fuel economy (AFE)
133
Instantaneous fuel economy
133
Fuel Used
134
Trip elapsed drive time
134
Blank display
134
Setup menu
134
AWD lock (4.6 L engine vehicles only)
135
System check
135
Units (English/Metric)
136
Language
136
Autolamp
136
Autolock
137
Autounlock
137
Running Boards (if equipped)
138
Easy entry/exit seat (if equipped)
138
Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) (if equipped)
138
Compass display (if equipped)
139
Compass zone adjustment (if equipped)
140
Compass calibration adjustment
141
Oil life Setup and Start Value
141
System warnings
142
RUNNING BOARDS (IF EQUIPPED)
145
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
147
CARGO COVER (IF EQUIPPED)
147
Cargo management system
148
REAR LIFTGATE
149
LUGGAGE RACK
150
Locks and Security
151
KEYS
151
POWER DOOR LOCKS
151
Smart unlocking feature
151
Autolock
151
Deactivating/activating autolock
151
Power door unlock/lock procedure
152
Keyless entry key pad procedure
152
Message center procedure
153
Autounlock
153
Deactivating/activating autounlock
153
Power door unlock/lock procedure
154
Keyless entry key pad procedure
154
Message center procedure
154
Power door lock/unlock inhibit feature (if equipped)
155
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS
156
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM
156
Two step door unlocking
157
One step door unlocking
157
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking
157
Locking the doors/liftgate
158
Opening the liftgate window
158
Car finder
158
Sounding a panic alarm
158
Memory seats/adjustable pedals/easy entry-exit feature (if equipped)
158
Activating the memory seat feature
158
Deactivating the memory seat feature
159
Replacing the battery
159
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters
160
How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters
160
Illuminated entry
161
KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
162
Programming a personal entry code
162
Erasing personal code
163
Anti-scan feature
163
Unlocking and locking the doors, liftgate and liftgate window using keyless entry
163
SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
164
Anti-theft indicator
164
Automatic arming
165
Automatic disarming
165
Replacement keys
165
Programming spare keys
165
Seating and Safety Restraints
167
SEATING
167
Adjustable head restraints
167
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)
168
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)
169
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
169
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)
171
Memory seats and adjustable pedals (if equipped)
171
Heated seats (if equipped)
172
REAR SEATS
173
Folding down the 2nd row 60/40 seats and bucket seats
173
Placing the 2nd row 60/40 seats in cargo mode (if equipped)
175
Adjusting the 2nd row seat for E-Z Entry
176
3rd row folding seat (if equipped)
179
3rd row power folding seat (if equipped)
179
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
181
Personal Safety System™
181
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?
181
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints
182
Front crash severity sensor
182
Driver’s seat position sensor
182
Front passenger sensing system
182
Front safety belt usage sensors
183
Front safety belt pretensioners
183
Front safety belt energy management retractors
183
Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational
183
Safety restraints precautions
184
Energy Management Feature
185
Combination lap and shoulder belts
186
Vehicle sensitive mode
186
Automatic locking mode
187
When to use the automatic locking mode
187
How to use the automatic locking mode
187
How to disengage the automatic locking mode
187
Safety belt pretensioner
188
Front safety belt height adjustment
189
Second row comfort guide
189
Safety belt extension assembly
190
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
190
Conditions of operation
191
Belt-Minder
191
One-time disable
194
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature
194
Safety belt maintenance
195
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
196
Important SRS precautions
196
Children and airbags
198
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
198
Front passenger sensing system
200
Determining if the system is operational
204
Seat-mounted side airbag system
205
How does the side airbag system work?
205
Safety Canopy™ system
207
How does the Safety Canopy™ system work?
208
Determining if the system is operational
210
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)
210
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
210
Important child restraint precautions
210
Children and safety belts
211
Child booster seats
211
When children should use booster seats
212
Types of booster seats
213
The importance of shoulder belts
215
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
216
Child and infant or child safety seats
216
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts
217
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps
220
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors
222
Tires, Wheels and Loading
226
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
226
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
226
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
226
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
227
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
228
Treadwear
228
Traction AA A B C
229
Temperature A B C
229
TIRES
229
Glossary of tire terminology
229
INFLATING YOUR TIRES
230
TIRE CARE
232
Inspecting your tires
232
Tire wear
233
Damage
233
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
234
Tire replacement requirements
234
Safety practices
235
Highway hazards
236
Tire and wheel alignment
236
Tire rotation
236
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL
237
Information on “P” type tires
238
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires
241
Information on “T” type tires
242
Location of the tire label
242
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
245
When your temporary spare tire is installed
245
When you believe your system is not operating properly
245
When inflating your tires
247
How temperature affects your tire pressure
247
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
248
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
248
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles
254
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
254
TRAILER TOWING
255
Preparing to tow
258
Hitches
258
Safety chains
259
Trailer brakes
259
Trailer lamps
259
Driving while you tow
260
Servicing after towing
260
Trailer towing tips
260
Launching or retrieving a boat
261
RECREATIONAL TOWING
261
Driving
263
STARTING
263
Positions of the ignition
263
Preparing to start your vehicle
263
Important safety precautions
264
Starting the engine
266
Guarding against exhaust fumes
266
Important ventilating information
266
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
266
BRAKES
268
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
268
Using ABS
269
ABS warning lamp
269
Parking brake
269
ADVANCETRAC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
270
STEERING
275
PREPARING TO DRIVE
275
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
276
Brake-shift interlock
276
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
278
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
281
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
284
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
284
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
287
System indicator lights
287
Using the Control Trac 4WD system
288
Shifting between 4X4 AUTO (4WD Auto) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
288
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
288
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
288
Normal operation (4.0L engine vehicles only)
289
Normal operation (4.6L engine vehicles only)
289
Autolock operation (4.6L engine vehicles only)
289
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
290
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
290
Basic operating principles
290
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
290
If your vehicle gets stuck
291
Emergency maneuvers
291
4WD Systems
292
AWD Systems (if equipped)
293
Sand
293
Mud and water
293
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
294
Driving on snow and ice
295
Maintenance and Modifications
296
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
297
Roadside Emergencies
298
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
298
Getting roadside assistance
298
Using roadside assistance
299
Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty
299
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
300
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
300
FUSES AND RELAYS
301
Fuses
301
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
302
Passenger compartment fuse panel
303
Power distribution box
306
CHANGING THE TIRES
309
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
310
Stopping and securing the vehicle
312
Location of the spare tire and tools
313
Removing the jack and tools
313
Removing the spare tire
314
Changing the spare tire
315
Stowing the flat/spare tire
318
Re-stowing the jack and tools
319
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
319
Preparing your vehicle
321
Connecting the jumper cables
321
Jump starting
323
Removing the jumper cables
324
WRECKER TOWING
326
Emergency Towing
327
Customer Assistance
328
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
328
At home
328
Away from home
328
Additional Assistance
329
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
330
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
331
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
332
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
332
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
333
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE
334
Obtaining a French owner’s guide
334
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
334
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)
335
Cleaning
336
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
336
WAXING
337
PAINT CHIPS
337
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
337
ENGINE
338
4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE
338
4.6L V8 ENGINE
339
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
339
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
339
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
340
INTERIOR
341
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
341
UNDERBODY
342
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
342
Maintenance and Specifications
344
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
344
Working with the engine off
344
Working with the engine on
344
OPENING THE HOOD
345
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
346
4.0L SOHC V6 engine
346
4.6L V8 engine
347
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
348
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
348
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
349
Changing the rear window wiper blade
349
ENGINE OIL
350
Checking the engine oil
350
Adding engine oil
352
Engine Oil Recommendations
353
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil
353
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
354
BATTERY
355
ENGINE COOLANT
357
Checking engine coolant
357
Adding engine coolant
359
Recycled engine coolant
361
Coolant refill capacity
361
Severe climates
361
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (4.6L V8 engine only)
362
Fail-safe cooling and engine oil overheat mode (4.6L V8 only)
362
When fail-safe cooling mode is activated
363
FUEL FILTER
363
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
364
Important safety precautions
364
Refueling
365
Fuel filler cap (if equipped)
366
Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system (if equipped)
367
Choosing the right fuel
368
Octane recommendations
368
Fuel quality
369
Cleaner air
369
Running out of fuel
369
Refilling with a portable fuel container
370
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
370
Measuring techniques
370
Filling the tank
371
Calculating fuel economy
371
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
372
Habits
372
Maintenance
373
Conditions
373
EPA window sticker
373
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
374
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
375
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
375
POWER STEERING FLUID
376
BRAKE FLUID
377
TRANSMISSION FLUID
377
Checking automatic transmission fluid
377
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
378
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
378
AIR FILTER
379
Changing the air filter element
379
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
380
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
381
ENGINE DATA
385
Engine drivebelt routing
385
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
386
Safety Compliance Certification Label
386
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
386
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
387
Accessories
388
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
388
Exterior style
388
Interior style
388
Lifestyle
388
Peace of mind
389
Index
390
2008 Ford Explorer Overview
Introduction
The 2008 Ford Explorer stands as a prominent figure in the midsize SUV segment, renowned for its robust design, spacious interior, and versatile performance capabilities. Whether you're navigating through urban landscapes or embarking on rugged off-road adventures, this model combines practicality with a commanding road presence. With a variety of trim levels available, the Explorer caters to diverse preferences and lifestyles, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Powertrains
The 2008 Explorer offers impressive power options tailored for a variety of driving needs. The base model is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, a 4.6-liter V8 engine is also available, providing a robust 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains come with a five-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and commendable towing capacity, making the Explorer ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Trims
Features
The 2008 Ford Explorer is fortified with an array of features designed for comfort and safety. Standard amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, and a sound system with CD player and aux connectivity. Higher trims incorporate leather seating, a premium sound system, and navigation. On the safety front, you can expect advanced features like multiple airbags, ABS, and traction control, ensuring a secure ride for all passengers.
Owners Manual
The 2008 Ford Explorer's owner's manual is an invaluable resource for new owners, offering comprehensive details on vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety features. It provides insights into troubleshooting common issues and optimizing performance, ensuring that you have the necessary information to keep your Explorer running smoothly and safely for years to come.
User manual download
The Ford Explorer owner manual for the 2008 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2008 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
Manual Questions
Do you have questions about the 2008 Ford Explorer owners manual?
Fill the form below and someone will help you!
Fill the form below and someone will help you!
