FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2002 1.G Owners Manual

Follow your community’s regulations and standards for disposing
and recycling of automotive fluids.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•it may be necessary to increase coolant concentration above 50% but
less than 60%.
•refer to the label on the coolant container for appropriate coolant
concentrations for your climate.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•it is still necessary to maintain a coolant concentration above 40%.
•refer to the label on the coolant container for appropriate coolant
concentrations for your climate.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
If the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing
sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the fuel
filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may spray out and cause injury.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in personal
injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer causing agent.
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•Shut the engine off and
extinguish all smoking materials
and open flames before fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately.
•Avoid inhaling fuel vapors.
•Avoid getting fuel in your eyes. If fuel is splash in the eyes, remove
contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and seek
medical attention.
•If fuel is splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove
contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
•Be particularly careful if you are taking“Antabuse”or other forms of
disulfiram. Breathing fuel vapors or skin contact could cause sickness
or serious personal injury.
The flow of fuel through the fuel pump nozzle can produce static
electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is pumped into an
ungrounded fuel container.
To avoid static build-up:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a container while it is in the vehicle.
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Unleaded gasoline engines
•Use only unlead fuel.
•Use“Regular”unleaded gasoline
with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of
87.
•Do not use fuel containing
methanol.
•Do not use fuel or fuel additives with metal compounds.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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FFV engine (if equipped)
Flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) fuel tanks may contain 0 to 85 percent or
more of ethnanol. Any fuel blends containing gasoline and ethanol should
be treated the same as“Fuel Ethanol (E85).”To identify if your vehicle
is an FFV, check your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler
door. When checking your VIN, the engine type identifier (8th character)
is“K.”
If you have a flex fuel vehicle, use only UNLEADED FUEL and
ETHANOL (E85).
Note:Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded fuel components
are NOT interchangeable. If your vehicle is not serviced in accordance
with flexible fuel vehicle procedures, damage may occur and your
warranty may be invalidated.
U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to have a small, square, orange and black label with the
common abbreviation E85 or the appropriate percentage for that
region. Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause power
train damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your warranty
may be invalidated.
Fuel quality
The World-wide Fuel Charter
recommends gasoline specifications
to provide improved performance
and emission control system
protection. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto
Makers’Choice
logo.
It should not be necessary to add
any aftermarket products to your
fuel tank if you use high quality fuel of the recommended octane rating.
Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system and
invalidate your warranty.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
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Running out of fuel
Running out of fuel may have an adverse affect on powertrain
components.
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on.
Fuel filler cap
When fueling:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise 1/8 of a turn until it
stops.
3. Pull to remove the cap.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/8 of a turn until it stops.
If the“Check Fuel Cap”indicator
illuminates and stays on after you
start the engine, the cap may not be
properly installed.
If you must replace the fuel
filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler cap that is designed for your
vehicle.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in personal
injury.
Fuel filter
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the appropriate
replacement intervals. Replace the fuel filter with an authorized
Motorcraft part.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
We do not recommend taking fuel economy measurements during the
first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving. You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km - 5,000 km (2,000 miles - 3,000 miles)
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
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Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the tank and record the odometer reading.
2. Each time you fill up the tank, record the amount of fuel added.
3. After at least 3 fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record the current
odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current reading.
Use one of the following simple calculations to determine fuel economy:
•Liters x 100
total kilometers
•Miles traveled
gallons used
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Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). You can also keep records in summer and winter to
determine how temperature impacts fuel economy. Note that ethanol
decrease fuel economy.
Improving fuel economy
To improve your fuel economy:
•Do not leave your vehicle idling for long periods of time.
•Drive at a moderate pace, with smooth acceleration and deceleration.
•Turn off speed control in hilly terrain.
•Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in yourScheduled
Maintenance Guide.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight.
EPA window sticker
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for fuel economy
comparisons. If you have any questions about this sticker, contact your
dealer.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle has emission control components and a catalytic converter
that enable your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
standards. To make sure that the emission control components work
properly:
•Use only unleaded fuel.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off your ignition while the vehicle is moving.
•Follow yourScheduled Maintenance Guide.
•Use Ford Motor Company authorized parts for maintenance
replacements or for service.
Consult yourWarranty Guidefor emission warranty information.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine and exhaust system, which
could cause a fire.
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The following signs could indicate a problem with your emission control
system:
•Fluid leaks
•Strange odors
•Smoke
•Loss of engine power
•Illumination of the charging system, temperature, or“Check Engine”
light in the instrument panel.
Exhaust leaks may result in harmful and potentially lethal fumes
entering the passenger compartment.
It is unlawful 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.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TESTING
It may be a legal requirement in your area to pass an I/M test of the
on-board diagnostics system. If the system or battery has just been
serviced, the on-board diagnostic system is reset to a“not ready for I/M
test”condition. To ready the system, allow the vehicle to sit for at least
eight hours without starting. Then, start the engine and complete the
following driving cycle:
1. Drive on an expressway or highway for at least 10 minutes.
2. Drive in stop-and-go traffic for at least 20 minutes with a minimum of
four idle periods.
The engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the engine until the above drive cycle is
complete.
Note:If your“Check Engine”light is on, your vehicle may not pass an
I/M test.
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CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the fluid. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidefor
service maintenance schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
schedules.
2. Turn the steering wheel left and
right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level.
5. If the fluid is below the MIN line,
add fluid in small amounts until it
reaches the correct level (between
the MIN and MAX lines).
Use only MERCONAT F.
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid should be checked
and refilled according to the service
maintenance schedule in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal.
2. Check the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean, unopened container. Do not
fill above the MAX line.
Note:Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
that meets Ford Motor Company
specifications.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
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Do not let the master
cylinder reservoir run dry.
This may cause your brakes to
fail.
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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
•Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
MAX
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8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be in
the cross-hatched area.
9. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures. Refer to
theLubricant Specificationssection in this chapter for the correct fluid
type. The use of any other non-approved fluid may cause internal
transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 10–30°C
(50–95°F). DO NOT ADD fluid until
the transmission is at normal
operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified technician.
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