2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT check engine

²Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
²Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
²Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such
as gasoline and ethanol are highly
toxic and if swallowed can cause
death or permanent injury. If fuel
is swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
²Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too much fuel vapor of any kind
can lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. In severe cases,
excessive or prolonged breathing of fuel vapor can cause serious
illness and permanent injury.
²Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could
lead to permanent injury.
²Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is
splashed on the skin and/or clothing, promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or
prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.
²Be particularly careful if you are taking ªAntabuseº or other forms of
disulfiram for the treatment of alcoholism. Breathing gasoline and/or
ethanol vapors, or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In
sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If
fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an
adverse reaction.
²FFV fuel tanks may contain zero to 85 percent ethanol. Any fuel
blends containing gasoline and ethanol should be treated the same as
ªFuel Ethanol (E85)º. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check your
VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When checking
the VIN look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If your
vheicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a ªK.º
Maintenance and care
201

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
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your
warranty may be invalidated.
Fuel quality
Many of the world's automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto Makers' Choiceylogo.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Unleaded Gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of ªRegularº unleaded
gasoline. ªPremiumº unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
FFV engine (if equipped)
Your FFV will operate well on ordinary ªRegularº unleaded gasoline, but
only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of
protection and performance. To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, check
your VIN or the label on the inside of your fuel filler door. When
checking the VIN, look for the engine type identifier (8th character). If
your vehicle is an FFV, then the character will be labeled as a ªK.º
Maintenance and care
204

Standards for fuel ethanol have been developed to provide FFVs the best
possible performance, safety and durability. To assist alcohol fuel
providers in meeting these standards, guidelines have also been
developed which prescribe ªEthanol Fuel Compatibleº dispensing station
equipment. These standards and guidelines can be obtained from Ford
Motor Company. Fuel stations may apply to be certified as meeting these
standards. However, not all stations meet these standards at this time. To
ensure proper operation of your FFV on fuel ethanol, refuel at certified
stations.
If you are experiencing a rough or rolling idle after start-up with the
outside temperature above 27É C (80É F), the idle should improve within
10 to 30 seconds. If the problems persist below this temperature, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated ªcleaner-burningº gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
²You 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.
²Your ªCheck Engineº indicator may come on. For more information on
the ªCheck Engineº indicator, refer to theInstrumentationchapter.
Fuel Filler Cap
Your fuel tank filler cap has an indexed design with a 1/8 turn on/off
feature.
When fueling your vehicle:
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 from the fuel filler pipe.
Maintenance and care
205

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 ªCheck Fuel Capº indicator comes on and stays on after you start
the engine, the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. Turn off the
engine, remove the fuel filler cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford or Motorcraft fuel filler cap is not used.
The fuel system may be under pressure. 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 injure you or others.
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 possible
personal injury.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fillups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1 600 km (1 000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3 000 km±5 000 km (2 000 miles-3 000 miles).
Maintenance and care
206

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel .
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance
guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the ªCheck Engineº light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Maintenance and care
210

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted 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. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult your ªWarranty Guideº for complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your ªCheck Engine/Service Engine
Soonº light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrumentationchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the ªCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonº light on.
If the vehicle's powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a ªnot ready for I/M testº
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
²First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
²Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
BULBS
Replacing exterior bulbs
Check the operation of the following lamps frequently:
²Headlamps
²Foglamps
²High-mount brakelamp
²Brakelamps
Maintenance and care
211

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................................103, 109
and child safety seats ............105
description ......................103, 109
disposal ....................................112
driver air bag ..................106, 110
indicator light ...........12, 108, 111
operation .........................106, 110
passenger air bag ...........106, 110
side air bag ..............................109
Air cleaner filter ...............182, 224
Air conditioning ..........................22
rear seat controls .....................25
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................183
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ..............................125±126
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................13
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transmission ............129
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................130
fluid, adding ............................188
fluid, checking ........................188
fluid, refill capacities ..............224
fluid, specification ..................228
Auxiliary power point .................72
Axle
lubricant specifications ..226, 228
refill capacities ........................224
traction lok ..............................128B
Battery .......................................192
acid, treating emergencies .....192
charging system warning
light ............................................13
jumping a disabled battery ....166
maintenance-free ....................192
replacement, specifications ...224
servicing ..................................192
voltage gauge ............................18
Belt minder .................................99
Brakes ........................................125
anti-lock ...........................125±126
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 126
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....180
fluid, refill capacities ..............224
fluid, specifications .........226, 228
lubricant specifications ..226, 228
parking ....................................126
shift interlock ..........................129
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....224
Cargo area shade ........................74
Cargo cover .................................74
Cassette tape player ...................37
Certification Label ....................231
Child safety restraints ..............112
child safety belts ....................112
Child safety seats ......................113
attaching with tether straps ..117
in front seat ............................115
in rear seat ..............................115
Index
245

Cleaning your vehicle ...............218
engine compartment ..............220
exterior ....................................219
exterior lamps .........................221
instrument cluster lens ..........222
instrument panel ....................221
interior .....................................222
mirrors .....................................223
plastic parts ............................221
safety belts ..............................223
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................219
wheels ......................................220
windows ..................................223
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............22
Clock ......................................35, 50
Clutch
fluid ..........................................181
operation while driving ..........133
recommended shift speeds ....134
Compass, electronic ....................66
calibration .................................68
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................71
overhead ....................................64
Controls
power seat .................................89
Coolant
checking and adding ..............183
refill capacities ................187, 224
specifications ..................226, 228
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................57
Customer Assistance ................151
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................240Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................232
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................238
Getting roadside assistance ...151
Getting the service you
need .........................................232
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................242
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................235
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................238
D
Daytime running lamps (see
Lamps) .........................................20
Defrost
rear window ..............................26
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................188
engine oil .................................177
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........226
Driving under special
conditions ..........................139±140
mud ..........................................139
sand .........................................139
snow and ice ...........................140
through water .................139, 143
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................166
Emission control system ..........210
Index
246