2002 FORD EXPLORER check engine

System check
Selecting this function from the
SETUP menu causes the message
center to cycle through each of the
systems being monitored. For each
of the monitored systems, the
message center will indicate either an OK message or a warning message
for three seconds.
Pressing the RESET control cycles the message center through each of
the systems being monitored.
The sequence of the system check report is as follows:
1. oil life in XX%
2. Oil pressure
3. Engine Temp
4. charging system
5. washer fluid level
6. brake fluid level
7. fuel level
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle's operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for 4
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages. This allows you to use the full functionality of
the message center after you acknowledge the warning by pressing the
RESET control and clearing the warning message.
Warning messages that have been reset are divided into two categories:
²They will reappear on the display ten minutes from the reset.
²They will not reappear until an ignition OFF-ON cycle has been
completed.
This acts as a reminder that these warning conditions still exist within
the vehicle.
Instrumentation
24

Door ajar Warning cannot be reset
Low oil pressure Warning returns after 10 minutes
Check engine temperature
Check charging system
Transmission overheated
Check transmission
Low fuel level
Low brake fluid level Warning returns after the ignition key
is turned from OFF to ON.
Change oil soon
Oil change required
Low washer fluid level
DOOR AJAR.Displayed when a door or liftgate is not completely
closed.
LOW OIL PRESSURE.Displayed when the engine oil level is low. If
this warning message is displayed, check the level of the engine oil.
Refer toEngine oilin theMaintenance and carechapter for
information about adding engine oil.
CHECK ENGINE TEMP.Displayed when the engine coolant is
overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the
engine and let it cool. Check the coolant and coolant level. Refer to
Engine coolantin theMaintenance and carechapter. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your dealer as soon as safely
possible.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM.Displayed when the electrical system is
not maintaining proper voltage. If you are operating electrical accessories
when the engine is idling at a low speed, turn off as many of the
electrical loads as soon as possible. If the warning stays on or comes on
when the engine is operating at normal speeds, have the electrical
system checked as soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED.Indicates the transmission is
overheating. This warning may appear when towing heavy loads or when
driving in a low gear at a high speed for an extended period of time.
Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, turn off the engine and let it
cool. Refer toTransmission fluidin theMaintenance and care
chapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
dealer for transmission service as soon as possible.
Instrumentation
25

CHECK TRANSMISSION.Indicates the transmission is not operating
properly. If this warning stays on, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
LOW FUEL LEVEL.Displayed as an early reminder of a low fuel condition.
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the brake fluid level is low and
the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toChecking
and adding brake fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
CHANGE OIL SOON/OIL CHANGE REQUIRED.Displayed when the
engine oil life remaining is 5 percent or less. When oil life left is between 5%
and 0%, the CHANGE OIL SOON message will be displayed. When oil life left
reaches 0%, the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message will be displayed.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center.
USE ONLY RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change
[approximately 8 000 km (5 000 miles) or 180 days] perform the following:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
2. Press and release the RESET
control to display ªOIL LIFE XX%
HOLD RESET NEW.
3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to display ªIF
NEW OIL HOLD RESET.
4. Press and hold the RESET
control to display OIL LIFE SET TO
100%. Your oil life is now reset.
To reset the oil monitoring system to your personalized oil life %:
1. Press the SETUP control to
access the System Check function.
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Instrumentation
26

2. Press and release the RESET
control to display ªOIL LIFE XX%
HOLD RESET NEW.
3. Press and hold the RESET
control for 2 seconds to display ªIF
NEW OIL HOLD RESET.
4. Release the RESET control
momentarily, then press RESET and
SETUP controls at the same time to
activate a service mode which will
display OIL LIFE XX% RESET TO
ALTER.
5. Press RESET until you find your personalized OIL LIFE XX%.
6. With your personalized OIL LIFE XX% displayed, press SETUP to
continue the system check.
LOW WASHER FLUID LEVEL.Indicates the washer fluid reservoir is
less than one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level. Refer to
Windshield washer fluidin theMaintenance and carechapter.
DATA ERR.These messages indicate improper operation of the vehicle
network communication between electronic modules.
²Fuel Computer
²Oil life
²Charging system
²Door sensor
²Washer fluid
²Brake Fluid
²Compass
²Outside temperature
²Engine sensor
Contact your dealer as soon as possible if these messages occur on a
regular basis.
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Instrumentation
27

The SecuriLockypassive anti-theft
system is not compatible with non-
Ford (aftermarket) remote start
systems. Use of these systems may
result in vehicle starting problems and
a loss of security protection. Large
metallic objects, electronic devices on
the key chain that can be used to
purchase gasoline or similar items, or
a second key on the same key ring as
the PATS ignition key may cause
vehicle starting issues. If present, you
need to keep these objects from
touching the PATS ignition key while
starting the engine. These objects and
devices cannot damage the PATS ignition key, but can cause a momentary
issue if they are too close to the key during engine start. If a problem
occurs, turn ignition OFF and restart the engine with all other objects on the
key ring held away from the ignition key. Check to make sure the encoded
ignition key is an approved Ford encoded ignition key.
If your keys are lost or stolen you
will need to do the following:
²Use your spare key to start the
vehicle. or
²Have your vehicle towed to a
dealership or locksmith. The key
codes will need to be erased from
your vehicle and new key codes will need to be re-coded.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly and you may want to store an
extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to prevent
an unforeseen inconvenience.
The correct PATS key must be used for your vehicle. The use of the
wrong type of PATS key may lead to a ªNO-STARTº condition. Refer to
the Rotunda Key Application Matrix for the correct PATS key type for
your particular vehicle make and model year. If a key Application Matrix
is not available, call 1±800±ROTUNDA (1±800±768±8632) (press 2) to
order a Key Application Matrix.
If an unprogrammed key is used in the ignition it will cause a
ªNO STARTºcondition.
Controls and features
129

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, avoid pressing 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 toStarting 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.
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.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
Starting
171

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
²Make sure the parking brake is
set.
²Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
If there is difficulty in turning the
key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns
freely. This condition may occur
when:
²front wheels are turned
²front wheel is against the curb
²steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
4
3
2
1
O/D
OFF
DOOR
AJARCHECK
GAGE
4X4
LOW
4X4
HIGH
CHECK
FUEL
CAPTHEFT
BRAKE
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
TRIP
Starting
172

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
²If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not illuminate.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
3 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above ±12ÉC
(10ÉF) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12É C (10É F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, Press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
O/D
OFF
4X4
LOW
4X4
HIGH
CHECK
FUEL
CAPTHEFT
BRAKE
SERVICE
ENGINE
SOON
4
3
2
1
Starting
173