Market Position:
Mid-size SUV, positioned as a versatile family vehicle with off-road capability and towing capacity.
Competitors:
Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot.
Key Features:
Body-on-frame construction (for this generation), available V8 engine, third-row seating, available AWD system.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, drivetrain, transmission (automatic and manual), transfer case (if applicable), axles, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS and traction control), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control modules, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, climate control systems, trailer wiring, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).
Body:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), glass, climate control components.
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams for electrical systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and installation, including engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine timing procedures, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic scan tool data interpretation.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring diagrams. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Options:
4.0L SOHC V6 (210 hp @ 5000 rpm, 240 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm) and 4.6L SOHC V8 (292 hp @ 5500 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm).
Engine Codes:
V6: Cologne/ESSEX, V8: Modular/Windsor
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane recommended for V8 for optimal performance).
Oil Capacity V6:
6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter, SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend.
Oil Capacity V8:
7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) with filter, SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend.
Bore X Stroke V6:
3.50 in x 3.27 in (89.0 mm x 83.0 mm)
Bore X Stroke V8:
3.55 in x 3.15 in (90.2 mm x 80.0 mm)
Compression Ratio V6:
9.7:1
Compression Ratio V8:
9.8:1
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic (4.0L V6 and 4.6L V8)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (6-speed auto was standard for 2009 across powertrains).
Transmission Features:
Electronic control, SelectShift™ capability.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for dry fill.
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches (2888 mm)
Length:
190.2 inches (4831 mm)
Width:
73.4 inches (1864 mm)
Height:
70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (optional third row)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
19.2 cu ft (544 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
40.5 cu ft (1147 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
85.1 cu ft (2409 liters)
Curb Weight V6 AWD:
4,666 lbs (2116 kg)
Curb Weight V8 AWD:
4,752 lbs (2155 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment.
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Test:
Good
Active Safety:
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS).
Passive Safety:
Dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags for all three rows, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment System:
Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, optional in-dash 6-disc CD changer with MP3 capability, optional Navigation System with voice recognition and SiriusXM Traffic Link.
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear parking assist system (optional), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack (standard on some trims), optional Bluetooth® hands-free phone system (SYNC).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Consult manual for severe duty; typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for normal service.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
MERCON® V Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (for AWD models).
Known Issues 2009:
Potential for ABS system faults (wheel speed sensors), ignition coil failures, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, occasional transmission solenoid issues. Some models may experience minor oil leaks from valve covers or oil pans.
Brand Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, established in 1903, a pioneer in automotive manufacturing and innovation.
Model Evolution 2009:
Part of the second generation (2006-2010) of the Ford Explorer, introduced a revised exterior and interior, new powertrains (6-speed auto), and enhanced safety features over the previous generation.
Production Location:
Scheduled for assembly at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Chicago, Illinois.
Production Years Generation:
2006-2010
