2009 Ford Explorer Owner's Manual
Year:
2009
Make:
Ford
Model:
Explorer
Rating:
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
Introduction
4
CONGRATULATIONS
4
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
4
Warning symbols in this guide
4
Warning symbols on your vehicle
5
Protecting the environment
5
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
5
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
5
SPECIAL NOTICES
6
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
6
Special instructions
6
Service Data Recording
6
Event Data Recording
7
Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles
8
Notice to owners with 20 inch 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
18
Entertainment Systems
21
AUDIO SYSTEMS
21
Quick start — How to get going
21
Listening to the radio
21
Listening to satellite radio (if equipped)
22
Listening to a CD/MP3 (if equipped)
22
AM/FM Single CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)
25
Audiophile AM/FM in-dash six CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system (if equipped)
32
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)
40
USB port (if equipped)
42
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
42
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
45
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT DVD SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
48
Quick start
49
To play a DVD in the DVD system:
49
To play a CD in the DVD system:
50
To play an MP3 disc in the DVD system:
50
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system
51
To listen to audio over the headphones— Dual play mode (Navigation-based radio systems only):
52
To listen to audio over the headphones— Dual play mode (Non-navigation based radio systems):
52
Using the infrared (IR) wireless headphones:
53
Using wired headphones (not included):
53
To adjust display brightness:
54
DVD player controls
54
Remote control
57
Battery replacement
59
Headphones
60
Wireless headphones
60
Wired headphones
63
Operation
63
Single play/Dual play
63
Operation with an aftermarket audio system (Headphone only mode)
66
Menu mode
67
Angle mode
67
Aspect ratio
67
Language
68
Subtitles
68
Audio CDs
69
Playing MP3 discs
69
MP3 disc quality factors
70
CD, MP3 and CD player care
71
Playing a DVD
72
Slow play
72
Frame by frame
73
Headphone/auxiliary jacks
73
Audio displays
74
Audio interaction
74
Parental control for the DVD system
74
General information
75
Safety information
76
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance
77
Care and service of the DVD player
78
Environmental extremes
78
Temperature extremes
78
Humidity and moisture condensation
78
Foreign substances
78
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) flip-down screen
78
Cleaning DVD and CD discs
79
Compatibility with aftermarket audio systems (headphone only mode)
79
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
79
SYNC (IF EQUIPPED)
79
Climate Controls
80
MANUAL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
80
Operating tips
80
DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (DATC) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
82
Operating tips
84
AUXILIARY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
85
FLOOR CONSOLE CLIMATE CONTROLS
86
REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER
86
Lights
87
HEADLAMP CONTROL
87
Autolamp control (if equipped)
87
Fog lamp control
88
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
88
High beams
88
Flash to pass
89
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
89
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
89
Headlamp aim adjustment
89
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL
91
INTERIOR LAMPS
91
Dome/reading lamps
91
Cargo/reading lamps
92
BULB REPLACEMENT
92
Lamp assembly condensation
92
Using the right bulbs
92
Replacing interior bulbs
93
Replacing exterior bulbs
93
Replacing headlamp bulbs
94
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal/sidemarker bulbs
95
Replacing tail/brake/turn/backup lamp bulbs
95
Replacing fog lamp bulbs
96
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
96
Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulb
97
Driver Controls
98
MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
98
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature (if equipped with Autolamp)
98
Rear window wiper/washer controls
98
TILT STEERING COLUMN
99
ILLUMINATED VISOR MIRROR (IF EQUIPPED)
99
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
100
Storage compartment
100
Installing a garage door opener (if equipped)
101
CENTER CONSOLE
101
Rear center console features (if equipped)
102
AUXILIARY POWER POINTS (12VDC)
102
POWER WINDOWS
103
One touch up or down (Driver’s window only) (if equipped)
104
Bounce-back (driver’s window only)
105
Security override
105
Window lock
105
Accessory delay
105
INTERIOR MIRROR
105
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror (if equipped)
106
EXTERIOR MIRRORS
106
Power side view mirrors
106
Fold-away mirrors
107
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)
107
POWER ADJUSTABLE FOOT PEDALS (IF EQUIPPED)
108
RUNNING BOARDS (IF EQUIPPED)
108
SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
110
Setting speed control
110
Resuming a set speed
111
Increasing speed while using speed control
111
Reducing speed while using speed control
111
Turning off speed control
112
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
112
Audio control features
112
MOON ROOF (IF EQUIPPED)
114
HOMELINK WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
115
Programming
116
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming
118
Operating the HomeLink Wireless Control System
119
Erasing HomeLink buttons
120
Reprogramming a single HomeLink button
120
STANDARD MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
121
Selectable features
121
Info menu
121
Odometer/Trip odometer
121
Distance to empty (DTE)
121
Average fuel economy (AFE)
122
Setup menu
122
AWD lock (4.6L engine vehicles only)
123
System check
123
Units (English/Metric)
124
Language
124
Autolamp
125
Autolock
125
Autounlock
125
Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) (if equipped)
126
Trailer sway control
126
Oil Life Reset and Start Value
126
Compass display (if equipped)
127
Compass zone adjustment using mirror mounted compass reset button (if equipped)
128
Compass calibration adjustment using mirror mounted compass reset button (if equipped)
128
Compass zone adjustment using the SELECT/RESET stem located on the cluster (if equipped)
129
Compass calibration adjustment using the SELECT/RESET stem located on the cluster (if equipped)
129
System warnings
130
OPTIONAL MESSAGE CENTER (IF EQUIPPED)
134
Selectable features
134
Reset
134
Info menu
135
Trip odometer
135
Distance to empty (DTE)
135
Average fuel economy (AFE)
136
Instantaneous fuel economy
136
Fuel Used
137
Trip elapsed drive time
137
Blank display
137
Setup menu
137
AWD lock (4.6L engine vehicles only)
138
System check
138
Units (English/Metric)
139
Language
139
Autolamp
139
Autolock
140
Autounlock
140
Power Running Boards (if equipped)
141
Easy entry/exit seat (if equipped)
141
Reverse Sensing System (Park Aid) (if equipped)
141
Trailer sway control
142
Compass display (if equipped)
142
Compass zone adjustment (if equipped)
143
Compass calibration adjustment
144
Oil life Setup and Start Value
144
System warnings
145
POSITIVE RETENTION FLOOR MAT
149
CARGO COVER (IF EQUIPPED)
149
Cargo management system
150
REAR LIFTGATE
150
LUGGAGE RACK
152
Locks and Security
154
KEYS
154
POWER DOOR LOCKS
154
Smart unlocking feature
154
Autolock
154
Deactivating/activating autolock
155
Power door unlock/lock procedure
155
Keyless entry keypad procedure
156
Message center procedure
156
Autounlock
156
Deactivating/activating autounlock
156
Power door unlock/lock procedure
157
Keyless entry keypad procedure
157
Message center procedure
157
Power door lock/unlock inhibit feature (if equipped)
158
CHILDPROOF DOOR LOCKS
159
REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM
159
Two step door unlocking
160
One step door unlocking
160
Switching from two step to one step door unlocking
160
Locking the doors/liftgate
161
Opening the liftgate window
161
Car finder
161
Sounding a panic alarm
161
Memory seats and adjustable pedals feature (if equipped)
161
Activating the memory seat feature
161
Deactivating the memory seat feature
162
Replacing the battery
162
Replacing lost remote entry transmitters
163
How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters
163
Illuminated entry
164
SECURICODE™ KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
165
Programming a personal entry code
165
Erasing personal code
166
Anti-scan feature
166
Unlocking and locking the doors, liftgate and liftgate window using keyless entry
166
SECURILOCK PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
166
Anti-theft indicator
167
Automatic arming
167
Automatic disarming
168
Replacement keys
168
Programming spare keys
168
Seating and Safety Restraints
170
SEATING
170
Adjustable head restraints
170
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)
173
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)
174
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
174
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)
176
Memory seats and adjustable pedals (if equipped)
176
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)
177
Deactivating/activating the easy access/easy out feature
178
Heated seats (if equipped)
178
REAR SEATS
179
Folding down the 2nd row 60/40 seats and bucket seats
180
Placing the 2nd row 60/40 seats in cargo mode (if equipped)
183
Adjusting the 2nd row seat for E-Z Entry
184
3rd row folding seat (if equipped)
187
3rd row power folding seat (if equipped)
187
SAFETY RESTRAINTS
189
Personal Safety System
189
How does the Personal Safety System work?
189
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints
190
Front crash severity sensor
190
Driver’s seat position sensor
190
Front passenger sensing system
190
Front safety belt usage sensors
191
Front safety belt pretensioners
191
Front safety belt energy management retractors
191
Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational
192
Safety restraints precautions
192
Energy management feature
193
Combination lap and shoulder belts
194
Vehicle sensitive mode
195
Webbing extraction sensitive mode
195
Automatic locking mode
195
When to use the automatic locking mode
195
How to use the automatic locking mode
195
How to disengage the automatic locking mode
196
Safety belt pretensioner
197
Front safety belt height adjustment
197
Second row comfort guide
198
Safety belt extension assembly
199
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
199
Conditions of operation
199
Belt-Minder
199
One-time disable
202
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder feature
203
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
204
Important SRS precautions
204
Children and airbags
206
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?
206
Front passenger sensing system
208
Determining if the system is operational
213
Seat-mounted side airbag system
213
How does the side airbag system work?
214
Safety Canopy system
216
How does the Safety Canopy system work?
217
Determining if the system is operational
219
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
219
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)
219
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN
220
Important child restraint precautions
220
Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children
222
Transporting children
223
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
224
Infant and/or toddler seats
224
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts
225
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments
228
Use of inboard lower anchors from the outboard seating positions (center seating use)
231
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps
232
Child booster seats
234
When children should use booster seats
235
Types of booster seats
236
The importance of shoulder belts
237
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance
238
Tires, Wheels and Loading
239
NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
239
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
239
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
239
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
240
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
241
Treadwear
242
Traction AA A B C
242
Temperature A B C
242
TIRES
243
Glossary of tire terminology
243
INFLATING YOUR TIRES
244
TIRE CARE
246
Inspecting your tires
246
Tire wear
246
Damage
246
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
247
Tire replacement requirements
247
Safety practices
249
Highway hazards
249
Tire and wheel alignment
250
Tire rotation
250
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL
251
Information on “P” type tires
251
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires
254
Information on “T” type tires
255
Location of the tire label
255
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
256
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
258
When your temporary spare tire is installed
258
When you believe your system is not operating properly
259
When inflating your tires
260
How temperature affects your tire pressure
260
SNOW TIRES AND CABLES
261
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
261
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and utility-type vehicles
267
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
267
TRAILER TOWING
268
Preparing to tow
270
Hitches
270
Safety chains
270
Trailer brakes
271
Trailer lamps
271
Driving while you tow
272
Servicing after towing
272
Trailer towing tips
272
Launching or retrieving a boat
273
RECREATIONAL TOWING
274
Driving
275
STARTING
275
Positions of the ignition
275
Preparing to start your vehicle
275
Important safety precautions
276
Starting the engine
278
Guarding against exhaust fumes
278
Important ventilating information
278
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
279
BRAKES
280
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
280
Using ABS
281
ABS warning lamp
281
Parking brake
281
ADVANCETRAC WITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC) STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
283
STEERING
288
PREPARING TO DRIVE
289
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
290
Brake-shift interlock
290
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
291
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
293
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
296
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
296
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
299
System indicator lights
299
Using the Control Trac 4WD system
299
Shifting between 4X4 AUTO (4WD Auto) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
300
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
300
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
300
Normal operation (4.0L engine vehicles only)
300
Normal operation (4.6L engine vehicles only)
301
Autolock operation (4.6L engine vehicles only)
301
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
301
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
301
Basic operating principles
302
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
302
If your vehicle gets stuck
303
Emergency maneuvers
303
4WD Systems
304
AWD Systems (if equipped)
305
Sand
305
Mud and water
305
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
306
Driving on snow and ice
307
Maintenance and Modifications
308
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
308
Roadside Emergencies
309
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
309
Getting roadside assistance
309
Using roadside assistance
310
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
310
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
311
FUSES AND RELAYS
312
Fuses
312
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
312
Passenger compartment fuse panel
313
Power distribution box
316
CHANGING THE TIRES
320
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
320
Stopping and securing the vehicle
322
Location of the spare tire and tools
323
Removing the jack and tools
323
Removing the spare tire
324
Changing the spare tire
325
Stowing the flat/spare tire
328
Re-stowing the jack and tools
328
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
329
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
330
JUMP STARTING
330
Preparing your vehicle
330
Connecting the jumper cables
331
Jump starting
333
Removing the jumper cables
333
WRECKER TOWING
335
Emergency towing
336
Customer Assistance
337
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
337
Away from home
337
Additional assistance
338
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
339
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)
340
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
341
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
341
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
342
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE
343
Obtaining a French owner’s guide
343
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
343
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)
344
Cleaning
345
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
345
WAXING
346
PAINT CHIPS
346
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
346
ENGINE
347
4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE
347
4.6L V8 ENGINE
348
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
348
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
348
INSTRUMENT PANEL/INTERIOR TRIM AND CLUSTER LENS
349
INTERIOR
350
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
351
UNDERBODY
351
FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
351
Maintenance and Specifications
353
SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
353
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
353
Working with the engine off
353
Working with the engine on
353
OPENING THE HOOD
354
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
355
4.0L SOHC V6 engine
355
4.6L V8 engine
356
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
357
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
357
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
358
Changing the rear window wiper blade
358
ENGINE OIL
359
Checking the engine oil
359
Adding engine oil
361
Engine Oil Recommendations
362
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil
362
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
363
BATTERY
364
ENGINE COOLANT
366
Checking engine coolant
366
Adding engine coolant
368
Recycled engine coolant
370
Coolant refill capacity
370
Severe climates
370
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (4.6L V8 engine only)
371
Fail-safe cooling and engine oil overheat mode (4.6L V8 only)
371
When fail-safe cooling mode is activated
372
FUEL FILTER
372
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
373
Important safety precautions
373
Refueling
374
Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system
375
Choosing the right fuel
376
Octane recommendations
376
Fuel quality
377
Cleaner air
377
Running out of fuel
377
Refilling with a portable fuel container
378
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
379
Measuring techniques
379
Filling the tank
379
Calculating fuel economy
380
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
380
Habits
380
Maintenance
381
Conditions
381
EPA fuel economy estimates
382
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
382
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
383
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
384
POWER STEERING FLUID
385
BRAKE FLUID
385
TRANSMISSION FLUID
386
Checking automatic transmission fluid
386
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
386
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT, DRIVESHAFT AND SLIP YOKE
387
AIR FILTER
387
Changing the air filter element
388
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
389
MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
390
ENGINE DATA
394
Engine drivebelt routing
394
IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
395
Safety Compliance Certification Label
395
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
395
TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS
396
Accessories
397
GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
397
Exterior style
397
Interior style
397
Lifestyle
397
Peace of mind
398
Index
399
2009 Ford Explorer Overview
Introduction
The 2009 Ford Explorer stands as a robust and versatile SUV, appealing to families and adventurers alike. This model combines rugged capability with comfortable amenities, making it a dependable choice for both on-road and off-road experiences. With a sturdy body-on-frame construction, it supports a spacious interior that caters to passengers and cargo, creating an ideal environment for long journeys or daily commutes.
Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2009 Explorer offers a choice of two powerful engines. The base model is equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving. For those seeking additional muscle, an optional 4.6-liter V8 engine delivers 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, making it well-suited for towing and off-roading capabilities. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient shifting, while the available four-wheel-drive system enhances traction in various conditions.
Trims
The 2009 Ford Explorer is available in multiple trims that cater to a range of preferences and budgets, including the XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. The XLS base model comes well-equipped with essential features, while higher trims add luxurious touches like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced technology options, offering a delightful driving experience that can be tailored to individual tastes.
Features
Standard features on the 2009 Explorer include full power accessories, cruise control, and keyless entry. Higher trims enhance comfort with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Safety is paramount, with standard features like stability control, anti-lock brakes, and multiple airbags ensuring drivers and passengers are well-protected on the road.
Owners Manual
The owners manual for the 2009 Ford Explorer serves as an essential guide for understanding the vehicle's features, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting tips. This comprehensive document provides critical information, empowering owners to maximize their driving experience while ensuring the longevity and reliability of their Explorer.
User manual download
The Ford Explorer owner manual for the 2009 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2009 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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