2003 FORD EXCURSION heating

For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “cold full” level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, 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 coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the “cold fill range” or the “cold full” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer
toChecking Engine Coolantsection. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34° F/–36° C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Maintenance and Specifications
200

You can check the fluid without driving if the ambient temperature is
above 10°C (50°F). However, if fluid is added at this time, an overfill
condition could result when the vehicle reaches normal operating
temperature.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at ambient temperature
(10°C-35°C [50°F-95°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission failure.
An overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
ADD COLD HOT DO NOT ADD
DON'T ADD IF IN CROSSHATCHED AREA  CHECK WHEN HOT IDLING IN PARK
Maintenance and Specifications
215

plastic parts ............................185
washing ....................................183
waxing .....................................183
wheels ......................................184
wiper blades ............................185
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......41, 43
Compass, electronic ....................66
calibration .................................67
set zone adjustment .................67
Console ........................................72
overhead ....................................56
Controls
power seat .................................89
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............197
refill capacities ................201, 222
specifications ..................225, 227
Cruise control (see
Speed control) ............................61
Customer Assistance ................154
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................187
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................176
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............180
Getting roadside assistance ...154
Getting the service
you need .................................174
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................181
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................176
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............179D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................214
engine oil .................................192
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........225
Driving under special
conditions ..................134, 140, 143
sand .........................................142
snow and ice ...........................144
through water .................142, 146
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................166
Emission control system ..........211
Engine ................................227–228
cleaning ...................................184
coolant .....................................197
diesel ...........................................7
fail-safe coolant ......................202
idle speed control ...................195
lubrication
specifications ..................225, 227
refill capacities ........................222
service points ..........................191
starting after a collision .........155
Engine block heater .................127
Engine oil ..................................192
checking and adding ..............192
dipstick ....................................192
filter, specifications ........194, 222
recommendations ...................194
refill capacities ........................222
specifications ..................225, 227
Index
236

Exhaust fumes ..........................127
F
Fail safe cooling ........................202
Fluid capacities .........................222
Foglamps .....................................46
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......136
driving off road .......................138
electronic shift ................137–138
indicator light .........................136
manual locking hubs ..............137
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................130
Fuel ............................................203
calculating fuel economy .......208
cap ...........................................205
capacity ...................................222
choosing the right fuel ...........206
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................211
detergent in fuel .....................207
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................203, 205, 208
filter, specifications ........207, 222
fuel pump shut-off switch .....155
improving fuel economy ........208
octane rating ...........206, 227–228
quality ......................................206
running out of fuel .................207
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................203
Fuses ..................................156–157
G
Garage door opener ..............56, 68
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............205Gas mileage (see
Fuel economy) ..........................208
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................147
calculating ...............................149
definition .................................147
driving with a heavy load ......147
location ....................................147
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................147
calculating .......................147, 149
definition .................................147
driving with a heavy load ......147
location ....................................147
H
Head restraints ...........................91
Headlamps ...................................45
aiming ........................................47
autolamp system .......................45
bulb specifications ....................49
daytime running lights .............46
flash to pass ..............................47
high beam .................................46
replacing bulbs .........................50
turning on and off ....................45
Heating
heater only system ...................43
heating and air conditioning
system .................................40–41
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see
Garage door opener) ......68–69, 71
Hood ..........................................190
I
Ignition .......................124, 227–228
Index
237