warning FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2003 1.G User Guide

2. To unfasten, push the release
button and remove the tongue from
the buckle.
The front and rear outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are
combination lap and shoulder belts. The front passenger and rear seat
outboard safety belts have two types of locking modes described below:
Safety belt pretensioner
Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and
right front passenger seating positions.
The safety belt pretensioner removes some slack from the safety belt
system at the start of a crash. The safety belt pretensioner uses the
same crash sensor system as the front airbags and Safety Canopy
system. When the safety belt pretensioner deploys, the lap and shoulder
belt are tightened.
When the Safety Canopysystem and/or the front airbags are activated,
the safety belt pretensioners for the driver and right front passenger
seating positions will be activated when the respective seatbelt is
properly buckled.
The driver and the right front passenger seat belt system
(including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be
replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in
deployment of front air bags or Safety Canopyand safety belt
pretensioners.
Refer to theSafety belt maintenancesection in this chapter.
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
The seat belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
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Conditions of operation
If... Then...
The driver’s safety belt is not
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position...The safety belt warning light
illuminates 1-2 minutes and the
warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.
The driver’s safety belt is
buckled while the indicator
light is illuminated and the
warning chime is sounding...The safety belt warning light and
warning chime turn off.
The driver’s safety belt is
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the ON
position...The safety belt warning light and
indicator chime remain off.
BeltMinder
The BeltMinder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt
warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the
driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently
sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the
instrument cluster.
If... Then...
The driver’s safety belt is not
buckled before the vehicle has
reached at least 5 km/h
(3 mph) and 1-2 minutes have
elapsed since the ignition
switch has been turned to
ON...The BeltMinder feature is activated -
the safety belt warning light
illuminates and the warning chime
sounds for 6 seconds every 30
seconds, repeating for approximately
5 minutes or until safety belt is
buckled.
The driver’s safety belt is
buckled for 20 seconds or
longer...The BeltMinder feature is re-activated.
The driver’s safety belt is
buckled while the safety belt
indicator light is illuminated
and the safety belt warning
chime is sounding...The BeltMinder feature will not
activate.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
74

To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt
Minder feature while driving the vehicle.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT
START THE ENGINE)
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off. (Approximately 1
minute)
•Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt
warning light turns off.
3. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt on the driver’s side 9 times,
ending in the unbuckled state. (Step 3 must be completed within 50
seconds after the safety belt warning light turns off.)
•After step 3, the restraint system warning light (airbag light) will be
turned on for three seconds.
4. Within 10 seconds of the light turning on, buckle then unbuckle the
safety belt once.
•This will disable the BeltMinder feature if it is currently enabled. As
confirmation, the restraint system warning light will flash 4 times per
second for 3 seconds.
•This will enable the BeltMinder feature if it is currently disabled. As
confirmation, the restraint system warning light will flash 4 times per
second for 3 seconds, followed by 3 seconds with the light off, then
followed by the restraint system warning light flashing 4 times per
second for 3 seconds again.
Safety belt extension assembly
If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is a 20 cm (8
inch) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number
611C22). This assembly can be obtained from your dealer at no cost.
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety
belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on
the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too
short for you when fully extended.
Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt
across the torso.
Safety belt maintenance
Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work
properly and are not damaged (nicks, tears or cuts). Replace parts as
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
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Important child restraint precautions
You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S.
and Canada. If small children (generally children who are four years old
or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less) ride in your vehicle,
you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check
your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements
regarding the safety of children in your vehicle. When possible, always
place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident
statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating position.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the
vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or
child restraint you might use.
Children and safety belts
If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children
who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety
seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts.
Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that
apply to adult passengers in your vehicle.
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in
your vehicle.
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have
outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning
booster seat that is labeled as conforming to all applicable Federal motor
vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child
and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer
seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child.
A belt-positioning booster seat should be used if the shoulder belt rests
in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly
on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the
way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of
the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs of your child
with your pediatrician.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
83

STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel
and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also
allows the automatic transmission gearshift lever to be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical accessories are operational and warning lights will
illuminate. This is the position the key is in when you’re driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
3
1
2
5
4
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
94

BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsations or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
!
BRAKE
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, pull the lever (2).
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).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do 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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
!
BRAKE
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
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If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
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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
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
176

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................78–79
and child safety seats ..............80
description ................................79
disposal ......................................82
driver air bag ............................81
indicator light ...........................82
operation ...................................81
passenger air bag .....................81
Air cleaner filter .......................184
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ................................98
Audio system
Single CD ..................................16
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 19
Automatic transmission ............100
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................102
fluid, refill capacities ..............185
fluid, specification ..................189
Auxiliary power point .................41
Axle
lubricant specifications ..187, 189
refill capacities ........................185
traction lok ..............................100
B
Battery .......................................163
acid, treating emergencies .....163
jumping a disabled battery ....136
maintenance-free ....................163
replacement, specifications ...184
servicing ..................................163
BeltMinder ...................................74
Brakes ..........................................98
anti-lock .....................................98anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................98
fluid, checking and adding ....176
fluid, refill capacities ..............185
fluid, specifications .........187, 189
lubricant specifications ..187, 189
parking ......................................99
shift interlock ..........................100
C
Calculating load ........................114
Capacities for refilling fluids ....185
Cargo area shade ..................49–50
Cassette tape player ...................16
CD-single premium .....................19
Cell phone use ............................39
Certification Label ....................191
Child safety restraints ................83
child safety belts ......................83
Child safety seats ........................86
attaching with tether straps ....90
in front seat ..............................87
in rear seat ................................87
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............153
instrument panel ....................155
interior .....................................155
interior trim ............................155
plastic parts ............................154
safety belts ..............................155
washing ....................................152
waxing .....................................152
wheels ......................................153
wiper blades ............................154
Clock adjust
Single CD ..................................16
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
195