warning FORD EXPLORER 2003 3.G Owner's Guide

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key 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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Driving
153

If your vehicle gets stuck
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 the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key 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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Driving
161

•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
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“Check Engine”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 yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
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“Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon”light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”light on.
Maintenance and Specifications
245

Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions, your vehicle handling may be
adversely effected which can lead to loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (if equipped)
The tire pressure monitoring system provides the driver with a warning
message indicating when tire pressure is severely low or high. This
system is a supplement to normal tire maintenance including regular
manual inspections. The device will inform the operator of severe low or
high inflation pressures, but may not illuminate for less severe
discrepancies in inflation pressure.
The system uses radio-frequency pressure sensors to monitor the tire
pressure on all tires including the spare. The sensors transmit the tire
pressure readings to the receiver module located in the vehicle. The
receiver module then transmits the status to the message center. For
more tire warning information, refer to theMessage Centerin the
Driver controlschapter.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for
manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be
checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, see
Checking the tire pressurein this chapter. Failure to properly
maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss
of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
252

A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................113–114, 118
and child safety seats ............115
description ......................114, 118
disposal ....................................121
driver air bag ..................116, 119
indicator light .................117, 120
operation .........................116, 119
passenger air bag ...........116, 119
Air cleaner filter .......................254
Air conditioning ..........................28
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................159
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................229
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................137–138
Anti-theft system ........................88
arming the system ....................88
disarming a triggered system ..89
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................145
fluid, adding ............................247
fluid, checking ........................247
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specification ..................259
Auxiliary power point .................47
Axle
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
refill capacities ........................254
B
Battery .......................................227acid, treating emergencies .....227
jumping a disabled battery ....195
maintenance-free ....................227
replacement, specifications ...254
servicing ..................................227
BeltMinder .................................109
Brakes ........................................137
anti-lock ...........................137–138
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................138
fluid, checking and adding ....247
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
parking ....................................138
shift interlock ..........................143
C
Calculating load ........................169
Capacities for refilling fluids ....254
Cargo cover .................................74
Cassette tape player ...................17
CD-single premium .....................21
Cell phone use ............................44
Certification Label ....................261
Changing a tire .........................188
Child safety restraints ..............121
child safety belts ....................121
Child safety seats ......................124
attaching with tether straps ..128
in front seat ............................126
in rear seat ..............................126
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............211
instrument panel ....................213
interior .....................................213
interior trim ............................213
Index
267

Hood ..........................................217
I
Ignition ...............................134, 259
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................124
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................245
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................213
cluster ........................................10
J
Jack ....................................188, 190
positioning .......................188, 191
storage .............................188–190
Jump-starting your vehicle ......195
K
Keyless entry system .................83
Keys
positions of the ignition .........134
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............37–38
daytime running light ...............33
fog lamps ...................................33
high beams ................................34
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps ...........................37
Liftgate ..................................73, 79
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........138
Limited-slip axle .......................149Load limits .................................167
GAWR ......................................167
GVWR ......................................167
trailer towing ..........................167
Loading instructions .................169
Locks
childproof ..................................78
doors ..........................................77
Lubricant specifications ...257, 259
Lumbar support, seats ...............95
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................254
lubricant specifications ..........259
Message center ...........................62
english/metric button ...............67
system check button ................67
warning messages .....................68
Mirrors .........................................47
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................46
fold away ...................................49
heated ........................................49
programmable memory ............80
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Moon roof ....................................55
Motorcraft parts ................241, 254
O
Octane rating ............................238
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................221
P
Parking brake ............................138
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....254
Index
270

Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................50
Power adjustable foot pedals .....50
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................183
Power door locks ........................77
Power point ...........................45, 47
Power steering ..........................142
fluid, checking and adding ....246
fluid, refill capacity ................254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
Power Windows ...........................48
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................142
R
Radio ......................................17, 21
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ................................178, 186
Remote entry system .................79
illuminated entry ......................82
locking/unlocking doors ...........89
opening the trunk .....................79
Reverse sensing system ...........147
Roadside assistance ..................176
Roof rack .....................................75
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................101, 103–108
Safety Canopy ...................118–119
Safety defects, reporting ..........209
Safety restraints ........101, 103–108
belt minder .............................109
cleaning the safety belts ........112extension assembly ................108
for adults .........................104–107
for children .............................121
warning light and chime ........109
Safety seats for children ..........124
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............101
Seats ............................................91
child safety seats ....................124
heated ........................................95
memory seat .......................80, 94
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................254, 259
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................257, 259
Speed control ..............................50
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......136
Starting your vehicle ........134, 136
jump starting ..........................195
Steering wheel
controls ......................................53
T
Tire warning ..............................252
Tires ...........................188, 249, 252
changing ..........................188, 191
replacing ..................................191
snow tires and chains ............253
spare tire .........................188–190
tire grades ...............................250
treadwear ................................249
Towing .......................................169
recreational towing .................175
Index
271

trailer towing ..........................169
wrecker ....................................200
Traction control ........................139
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................248
Transmission .............................143
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................247
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
Trunk ...........................................79
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................259
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................261Vehicle loading ..........................167
Ventilating your vehicle ...........137
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................221
Water, Driving through .............167
Windows
power .........................................48
rear wiper/washer .....................43
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................42
checking and adding fluid .....221
liftgate reservoir .....................221
replacing wiper blades .............43
Wrecker towing .........................200
Index
272