automatic transmission FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2003 1.G User Guide

TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving with a trailer. Refer toDriving while
you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight. Tongue load
should not exceed 10% of the loaded trailer.
4x2 w/automatic transmission
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range
(0-Maximum)
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
4.0L
SOHCAll 4127 (9100) 0-2286
(0-5040)4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
115

4x2 w/manual transmission
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range
(0-Maximum)
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
4.0L
SOHCAll 3175 (7000) 0-1361
(0-3000)4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
4x4 w/automatic transmission
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range
(0-Maximum_
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
4.0L
SOHCAll 4127 (9100) 0-2195
(0-4840)4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs.) requires a weight distributing
hitch.
4x4 w/manual transmission
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Trailer Weight
Range
(0-Maximum_
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2
(ft2)
4.0L
SOHCAll 3175 (7000) 0-1270
(0-2800)4.64 (50)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definition of terms and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
116

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
1,588 kg (3,500 lb).
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.Do
not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the towing vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
117

Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s taillamp circuits,
because it may damage the electrical system resulting in fire.
Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer tow
wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be required.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1,590 kg
(3,500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1,590 kg
(3,500 lb).
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off your speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle/trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10–15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
118

•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
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 critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage. Replace the rear axle lubricant
any time the axle has been submerged in water.
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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
•Release the parking brake.
•Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
4x2 vehicles with an automatic transmission and 4x4 vehicles
with an automatic transmission but without the Neutral tow kit
accessory:
•Release parking brake.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
119

•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the front (on 4x4 vehicles) and rear
driveshafts. Ford recommends the driveshaft(s) 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.
4x4 vehicles with automatic transmission and the Neutral tow kit
accessory:
•Release the parking brake.
•Place transmission in N (Neutral).
•Engage the neutral tow.
On vehicles equipped with 4WD, an accessory is available that allows you
to tow your vehicle, with unlimited mileage (maximum speed of 88 km/h
[55 mph]) behind another vehicle, with all the wheels on the ground.
Contact your dealer for more details. Do not tow your vehicle with all
wheels on the ground more than 80 km (50 miles) (with a maximum
speed of 56 km/h [35 mph]) unless you install the neutral tow kit as
vehicle damage may occur.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
120

To stow the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground with
the valve stem facing up.
2. Slide the wheel under the vehicle.
3. Install the retainer through the
wheel center.
4. Turn the lug wrench clockwise
until the tire is in its original
position.
Note:The jack handle will spin freely when the tire is fully installed. It
will not allow you to overtighten.
How to change a flat tire
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse) (manual transmission).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Before changing the tire:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse) (manual transmission).
4. Set the parking brake.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
132

ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for
assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Try to push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire may result in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
5. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (every six months, per scheduled maintenance guide), or at any
time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other
components.
6. If removed, install the spare tire lock (if equipped) into the bumper
drive tube with the spare tire lock key (if equipped) and jack handle.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
136

4.0L SOHC V6 ENGINE
1. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if equipped)
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Brake fluid reservoir
6. Power distribution box
7. Clutch fluid reservoir
8. Battery
9. Power steering fluid reservoir
10. Air filter assembly
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12345
981110
6
7
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
160

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.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
177