steering FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2003 1.G Owners Manual

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 13
Entertainment Systems 16
AM/FM stereo with CD 16
AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 19
Rear seat controls 23
Climate Controls 26
Manual heating and air conditioning 26
Rear passenger climate control 27
Rear window defroster 27
Lights 28
Driver Controls 37
Windshield wiper/washer control 37
Steering wheel adjustment 38
Power windows 42
Mirrors 43
Speed control 44
Locks and Security 53
Keys 53
Locks 53
Anti-theft system 54
Seating and Safety Restraints 63
Seating 63
Safety restraints 68
Air bags 78
Child restraints 82
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1

SPECIAL NOTICES
Special instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
Please read the sectionSupplemental Restraint System (SRS)
in theSeating and safety restraintschapter. Failure to follow
the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.
Front seat mounted rear facing child or infant seats should
NEVERbe used in front of a passenger side air bag unless the
air bag can be and is turned OFF.
Data Recording
Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data
potentially including but not limited to information such as:
•the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and
passengers,
•information about the performance of various systems and modules in
the vehicle, and
•information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system
status.
Any of this information could potentially include information regarding
how the driver operates the vehicle potentially including but not limited
to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application
or steering input. This information may be stored during regular
operation or in a crash or near crash event.
This stored information may be read out and used by:
•Ford Motor Company.
•service and repair facilities.
•law enforcement or government agencies.
•others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such
information.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
6

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Introduction
9

Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6 months for optimum performance.
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull and hold the steering wheel
release control toward you.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Release the steering wheel
release control. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
38

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
With speed control set, you can
maintain a speed of 48 km/h
(30 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator pedal.
Speed control does not work at
speeds below 48 km/h (30 mph).
Do not use the speed
control in heavy traffic or
on roads that are winding, slippery
or unpaved.
Setting speed control
The controls for using your speed
control are located on the steering
wheel for your convenience.
1. Press the ON control and release
it.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET ACC control and
release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
5. The indicator light
SPEED
CONTon the
instrument cluster will turn on.
Note:
•Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a
steep hill.
•If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you
may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.
•If the vehicle speed decreases more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below
your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
44

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

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely.
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23° C (-10° F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
3
2
1
5
4
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
97

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)
USA English(fus)
Driving
98

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
99

4X4 HIGH- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads or in
off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4X4 LOW- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all four
wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand, steep
grades or pulling heavy objects. 4X4 LOW will not engage while the
vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for concern.
Refer toShifting to/from 4X4 LOWfor proper operation.
Shifting between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH
•Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at any forward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4WD LOW, wait for the 4X4 LOW light in the
instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4WD LOW, wait for the 4X4 LOW light in the
instrument cluster turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
107