check transmission fluid FORD EXPEDITION 2003 2.G Owners Manual

This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Warning display Status
Check backup aid (if equipped) Warning displays when R
(reverse) gear is selected.
PRNDL error no backup aid (if equipped)
AdvTrac ON (if equipped) Displays for 4 seconds
AdvTrac OFF (if equipped)
Door ajar Warning returns after 10
minutes
Liftgate ajar
Low fuel level
Check charging system
Low brake fluid level
Low oil pressure
Check engine temperature
Reduced engine power
Stop engine safely
Warning-tire very low (if equipped)
Tire pressure system fault (if equipped) Warning returns after the
ignition key is turned
from OFF to ON. Check tire pressure (if equipped)
Check spare tire pressure (if equipped)
Tire pressure sensor fault (if equipped)
Low washer fluid level
Check AdvTrac (if equipped)
AdvTrac OFF T/C ON (if equipped)
Check fuel cap
CHECK BACKUP AID (if equipped).Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse).
PRNDL ERROR NO BACKUP AID (if equipped).Displayed when the
transmission is in R (Reverse) and the Reverse Sensing System is
disabled. Refer toReverse Sensing Systemin this section to enable.
ADVTRAC ON (if equipped).Displayed when the AdvanceTracis
ON.
ADVTRAC OFF (if equipped).Displayed when the AdvanceTracis
OFF.
DOOR AJAR.Displayed when a door is not completely closed.
Driver Controls
121

Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even four–wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in
slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly”is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
Driving
215

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissible total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissible
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer
Driving
219

Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for recreational
towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground. These guidelines
are designed to ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed before the vehicle is
towed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
Vehicles equipped with Control Trac four-wheel drive system:
Vehicles equipped with the Control Trac four-wheel drive system cannot be
towed with any wheels on the ground. See your local dealer if you must
flat-tow a vehicle equipped with the Control Trac four-wheel drive system.
Driving
226

2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
291

3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated area for normal operating temperature or ambient
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
Maintenance and Specifications
292

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
5.4L V8 engine
with 1 row
radiator24.1L (25.5
quarts)
4.6L V8 engine
with 1 row
radiator and
aux rear heat23.5L (24.8
quarts)
5.4L V8 engine
with 1 row
radiator and
aux rear heat26.4L (27.9
quarts)
Front axle
lubricantMotorcraft SAE
75W-90 Premium 4x4
Front Axle Lubricant4x4 vehicles 1.8-2.0L
(3.5-3.7 pints)
Rear axle
lubricant
4Motorcraft SAE
75W-90 Fuel
Efficient High
Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantConventional
differential
(8.8 inch axle)1.66L (3.5
pints)
Conventional
differential
(9.75 inch
axle)1.90L (4.0
pints)
Motorcraft SAE
75W-140 High
Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantLimited-slip
differential
(8.8 inch
axle)
5
1.77L (3.75
pints)5
Limited-slip
differential
(9.75 inch
axle)
5
1.77L (3.75
pints)5
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Ultra-Clear
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.1L (4.5
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
301

Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4Your vehicle’s rear axle is filled with a synthetic rear axle lubricant and
is considered lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked
or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the axle has
been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time
the axle has been submerged in water.
Service refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle 9mm to
12mm (3/8 inch to 1/2 inch) below the bottom of the filler hole.
5Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 (or equivalent)
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of Limited
Slip axles.
Maintenance and Specifications
302

1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Some transmission fluids may be labeled as dual usage, such as
MERCONand MERCONV. These dual usage fluids are not to be used
in an automatic transmission that requires use of the MERCONtype
fluid. However, these dual usage fluids may be used in transmissions that
require the MERCONV type fluid.
MERCONand MERCONV type fluids are not interchangeable.
DO NOT mix MERCONand MERCONV. Use of a transmission
fluid that indicates dual usage (MERCONand MERCONV) in
an automatic transmission application requiring MERCONmay
cause transmission damage. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.6L V8 engine 5.4L V8 engine
Cubic inches 281 330
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression ratio 9.37:1 9.0:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle dimensions 4x2 mm (in) 4x4 mm (in)
(1) Overall length 5228
(205.8)5228
(205.8)
(2) Vehicle width
(Body)2000
(78.7)2000
(78.7)
(2) Vehicle width
including mirrors2390
(94.1)2390
(94.1)
Maintenance and Specifications
305

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................195
Accessory delay ........................100
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........168–169, 173
and child safety seats ............170
description ......................169, 173
disposal ....................................176
driver air bag ..................171, 174
indicator light ...........12, 172, 176
operation .........................171, 174
passenger air bag ...........171, 174
Air cleaner filter .......293–294, 300
Air conditioning ..........................72
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................78
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................69
Air suspension
warning light .............................14
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................274
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................195–196
Armrests ....................................142
Audio system
(see Radio) ................19, 27, 37–38
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................203
fluid, adding ............................291
fluid, checking ........................291
fluid, refill capacities ..............300
fluid, specification ..................305
Auxiliary power point .................97Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................303, 305
refill capacities ........................300
B
Battery .......................................272
acid, treating emergencies .....272
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....241
maintenance-free ....................272
replacement, specifications ...300
servicing ..................................272
voltage gauge ............................16
BeltMinder .................................164
Brakes ........................................195
anti-lock ...........................195–196
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........11, 196
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....290
fluid, refill capacities ..............300
fluid, specifications .........303, 305
lubricant
specifications ..................303, 305
parking ....................................196
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ..102, 125
shift interlock ..................202, 206
Break-in period .............................6
Bulbs ............................................86
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....300
CD-6 disc .....................................38
CD-single premium ...............19, 27
Certification Label ....................307
Index
313