warning FORD EXPLORER 2002 3.G Owner's Manual

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting
the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm
the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the
vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and
could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
²the vehicle is raised for service.
²the sound of the exhaust system changes.
²the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).
Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.
Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow,
leaves and other debris.
Starting
175

BRAKES
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle's brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start
the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be
heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS
warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be
inspected by a qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Driving
176

ABS warning lampABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
²The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply
the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
²We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
!
BRAKE
Driving
177

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
!
BRAKE
Driving
178

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 5±speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
Your automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using
an adaptive learning strategy. This feature is designed to increase
durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. It
is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take
several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to
properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and
torque, the longer it may take to adapt but the more complete the
process will be.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Driving
182

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.
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 the ªCheck Engineº light, 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.
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 identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Maintenance and care
269

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning Lights and
Chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Foglamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Brakelamps
²Turn signals
²License plate lamp
²Tail lamps
²Back-up lamps
Do not remove lamp bulbs unless they can be replaced immediately with
new ones. If a bulb is removed for an extended period of time,
contaminants may enter the lamp housings and affect lamp performance.
Maintenance and care
270

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ................155, 159
and child safety seats ............157
description ......................155, 159
disposal ....................................162
driver air bag ..................157, 160
indicator light ...........10, 159, 161
operation .........................157, 160
passenger air bag ...........157, 160
side air bag ..............................159
Air cleaner filter .......................283
Air conditioning ..........................33
automatic temperature
control system ..........................37
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................46
rear seat controls .....................47
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................241
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................176±177
Anti-theft system ......................125
arming the system ..................125
disarming a
triggered system .....................126
warning light .............................11
Audio system (see Radio) ...51, 74
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................182
fluid, adding ............................248
fluid, checking ........................248
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specification ..................287
Auxiliary power point ...............112Axle
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
refill capacities ........................283
traction lok ..............................194
B
Battery .......................................251
acid, treating emergencies .....251
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....222
maintenance-free ....................251
replacement, specifications ...283
servicing ..................................251
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................151
Brakes ........................................176
anti-lock ...........................176±177
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........11, 177
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....240
fluid, refill capacities ..............283
fluid, specifications .........285, 287
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
parking ....................................177
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............30
shift interlock ..........................180
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....283
Cargo cover ...............................115
Certification Label ....................289
Child safety restraints ..............162
child safety belts ....................162
Index
304

Child safety seats ......................163
attaching with tether straps ..167
in front seat ............................165
in rear seat ..............................165
Cleaning your vehicle ...............277
engine compartment ..............278
exterior ....................................278
exterior lamps .........................280
instrument cluster lens ..........281
instrument panel ....................281
interior .....................................281
mirrors .....................................282
plastic parts ............................280
safety belts ..............................282
washing ....................................277
waxing .....................................278
wheels ......................................280
windows ..................................282
wiper blades ............................280
woodtone trim ........................282
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............33
Clock ..........................56, 62, 72, 86
Clutch
operation while driving ..........185
recommended shift speeds ....186
Compass, electronic ....................17
calibration .................................19
set zone adjustment ...........18, 20
Console ......................................112
overhead ..................................100
rear ..........................................113
Controls
power seat ...............................133
steering column ........................99
Coolant
checking and adding ..............241
refill capacities ................245, 283
specifications ..................285, 287Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................90
Customer Assistance ................205
Ford accessories
for your vehicle ......................298
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................291
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............297
Getting roadside assistance ...205
Getting the
service you need ....................291
Ordering additional
owner's literature ...................302
The Dispute
Settlement Board ...................294
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............297
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................28
Defrost
rear window ..............................50
Dipstick
automatic
transmission fluid ...................248
engine oil .................................235
Doors
door ajar warning .....................12
lubricant specifications ..........285
Driveline universal joint
and slip yoke .............................251
Driving under special
conditions ..................................193
mud ..........................................192
sand .........................................192
snow and ice ...................192±193
Index
305

odometer ...................................15
speedometer .............................14
tachometer ................................16
trip odometer ............................15
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....194
calculating ...............................196
definition .................................194
driving with a heavy load ......194
location ....................................194
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............194
calculating .......................194, 196
definition .................................194
driving with a heavy load ......194
location ....................................194
H
Hazard flashers .........................206
Head restraints .................131, 136
Headlamps ...................................28
aiming ......................................276
autolamp system .......................30
bulb specifications ..................274
daytime running lights .............28
flash to pass ..............................29
high beam ...........................11, 29
replacing bulbs .......................271
turning on and off ....................28
warning chime ..........................13
Heating ........................................33
heating and air
conditioning system .................33
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ........103±107
Hood ..........................................231I
Ignition .................................89, 287
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................163
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................270
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................281
cluster ..................................8, 281
lighting up
panel and interior .....................29
location of components ..............8
J
Jack ....................................217±218
positioning .......................217, 219
storage .....................217±218, 222
Jump-starting your vehicle ......222
K
Keyless entry system ...............121
autolock ...................................124
keypad .....................................121
locking and unlocking doors ..122
programming entry code .......121
Keys ...........................127±128, 130
key in ignition chime ...............13
positions of the ignition ...........89
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................30
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................274
cargo lamps ...............................29
daytime running light ...............28
Index
307