2002 FORD EXPLORER SPORT maintenance schedule

•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) 0-2295
(0-5060)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.
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.
Driving
106

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.
•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
Driving
109

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
•Use theScheduled Maintenance Guideto track routine service.
•Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications.
•Your dealership can provide parts and service.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other lit material away from the battery and
all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do
not remove it while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Specifications
143

SAE 5W-30 engine oil recommendation
Use only oils“Certified For Gasoline
Engines”by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use
Motorcraft (Part: XO-5W30–QSP
U.S.) or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford Motor Company specification
WSS-M2C205–A. It is also
recommended that you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
an equivalent filter meeting the
Ford Motor Company specification for your engine.
Change your engine oil and filter according to theScheduled
Maintenance Guide.
BATTERY
Your vehicle has a Motorcraft
maintenance-free battery that
normally does not require additional
water.
Check the battery electrolyte level
under severe usage. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
If the level is low, add plain tap
water. If possible, use distilled
water. If the battery needs water
often, have the charging system checked.
Note:The electrolyte level in each cell should be at the“level indicator.”
Do not overfill the battery cells.
Keep the top of the battery clean and dry. Also, make certain the battery
cables are always tightly fastened to the terminals. If your battery has a
cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled after cleaning or battery
replacement.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Do not allow flames, sparks or lighted substances
to come near the battery. When working near the battery, always shield
your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper ventilation.
Maintenance and Specifications
147

ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
•Check the level of engine coolant
when the engine is cold.
•The coolant should be at the
“cold fill level”or with the“cold
fill range”as listed on the engine
coolant reservoir.
•Refer to theScheduled
Maintenance Guidefor service
interval schedules.
Make sure to use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water.
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you.
You can also be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the recovery reservoir
when the engine is cool. Add the proper 50/50 coolant mixture to the
“cold full”level. For all other vehicles, follow these steps to add engine
coolant.
1. Turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the reservoir. Slowly turn the cap
counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
RADIATOR
COOLANT
ONLY
WASHERFLUIDONLY
Maintenance and Specifications
149

Running out of fuel
Running out of fuel may have an adverse affect on powertrain
components.
•You 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.
•Your“Check Engine”indicator may come on.
Fuel filler cap
When fueling:
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.
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“Check Fuel Cap”indicator
illuminates and stays on after you
start the engine, the cap may not be
properly installed.
If you must replace the fuel
filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler cap that is designed for your
vehicle.
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 personal
injury.
Fuel filter
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor the appropriate
replacement intervals. Replace the fuel filter with an authorized
Motorcraft part.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
We do not recommend taking fuel economy measurements during the
first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving. You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km - 5,000 km (2,000 miles - 3,000 miles)
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Maintenance and Specifications
154

Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). You can also keep records in summer and winter to
determine how temperature impacts fuel economy. Note that ethanol
decrease fuel economy.
Improving fuel economy
To improve your fuel economy:
•Do not leave your vehicle idling for long periods of time.
•Drive at a moderate pace, with smooth acceleration and deceleration.
•Turn off speed control in hilly terrain.
•Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in yourScheduled
Maintenance Guide.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight.
EPA window sticker
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for fuel economy
comparisons. If you have any questions about this sticker, contact your
dealer.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle has emission control components and a catalytic converter
that enable your vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust emission
standards. To make sure that the emission control components work
properly:
•Use only unleaded fuel.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off your ignition while the vehicle is moving.
•Follow yourScheduled Maintenance Guide.
•Use Ford Motor Company authorized parts for maintenance
replacements or for service.
Consult yourWarranty Guidefor emission warranty information.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry ground cover. The
emission system heats up the engine and exhaust system, which
could cause a fire.
Maintenance and Specifications
156

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
The brake fluid should be checked
and refilled according to the service
maintenance schedule in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal.
2. Check the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean, unopened container. Do not
fill above the MAX line.
Note:Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
that meets Ford Motor Company
specifications.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
Maintenance and Specifications
158