FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2003 1.G Owners Manual

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.
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.
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.
Running out of fuel
Running out of fuel may have an adverse affect on powertrain
components.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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•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)
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.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
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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 100total kilometers
•Miles traveledgallons used
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.
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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.
The following signs could indicate a problem with your emission control
system:
•Fluid leaks
•Strange odors
•Smoke
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•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.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
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:
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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.
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 RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
M
AX
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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.
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.
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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.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
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3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
TRANSFER CASE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
To check and add transfer case fluid
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Add only enough fluid through
the filler opening so that the fluid
level is at the bottom of the
opening.
Use only fluid that meets Ford
Motor Company specifications. Refer
toLubricant Specificationsin this
chapter.
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INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
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