2003 FORD EXPLORER fuel cap

Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”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:
•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.
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.
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 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
240

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 fill-ups 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).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
Maintenance and Specifications
241

Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L SOHC V6 engine 4.6L V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1695 FA-1695
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B
Battery BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-820S FL-820S
PCV valve EV-243 F6ZE-6C324-CA
Spark plugs* AGSF-22PP ** AWSF-32P
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the
same cylinder. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs
with the service number suffix letter as shown on the engine decal.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Fill to line on
reservoir
Engine oil
(including filter
change)Motorcraft SAE
5W-30 Super
Premium Motor
Oil4.0L 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil4.6L 5.7L (6.0
quarts)
Fuel tank N/A All 85.2L (22.5
gallons)
Maintenance and Specifications
254

Engine oil ..................................221
checking and adding ..............221
dipstick ....................................221
filter, specifications ........225, 254
recommendations ...................225
refill capacities ........................254
specifications ..................257, 259
Exhaust fumes ..........................137
F
Fail safe cooling ........................234
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....235
Floor mats ...................................73
Fluid capacities .........................254
Foglamps .....................................33
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......149
driving off road ...............151, 159
indicator light .........................150
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................142
Fuel ............................................235
calculating fuel
economy ............................64, 241
cap ...........................................240
capacity ...................................254
choosing the right fuel ...........238
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................244
detergent in fuel .....................240
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................235, 240–241
filter, specifications ........241, 254
fuel pump shut-off switch .....177
improving fuel economy ........241
octane rating ...................238, 259
quality ......................................239
running out of fuel .................240
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................235Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................235, 238
Fuses ..................................178, 180
G
Garage door opener ..............46, 56
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............240
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................241
Gauges .........................................14
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................167
calculating ...............................169
definition .................................167
driving with a heavy load ......167
location ....................................167
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................167
calculating .......................167, 169
definition .................................167
driving with a heavy load ......167
location ....................................167
H
Head restraints ...........................91
Headlamps
aiming ........................................35
bulb specifications ....................38
daytime running lights .............33
flash to pass ..............................34
high beam .................................34
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system ...........27–28
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .........................56, 59
Index
269

Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................50
Power adjustable foot pedals .....50
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................183
Power door locks ........................77
Power point ...........................45, 47
Power steering ..........................142
fluid, checking and adding ....246
fluid, refill capacity ................254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
Power Windows ...........................48
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................142
R
Radio ......................................17, 21
Rear window defroster ...............32
Relays ................................178, 186
Remote entry system .................79
illuminated entry ......................82
locking/unlocking doors ...........89
opening the trunk .....................79
Reverse sensing system ...........147
Roadside assistance ..................176
Roof rack .....................................75
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................101, 103–108
Safety Canopy ...................118–119
Safety defects, reporting ..........209
Safety restraints ........101, 103–108
belt minder .............................109
cleaning the safety belts ........112extension assembly ................108
for adults .........................104–107
for children .............................121
warning light and chime ........109
Safety seats for children ..........124
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............101
Seats ............................................91
child safety seats ....................124
heated ........................................95
memory seat .......................80, 94
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................254, 259
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................257, 259
Speed control ..............................50
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......136
Starting your vehicle ........134, 136
jump starting ..........................195
Steering wheel
controls ......................................53
T
Tire warning ..............................252
Tires ...........................188, 249, 252
changing ..........................188, 191
replacing ..................................191
snow tires and chains ............253
spare tire .........................188–190
tire grades ...............................250
treadwear ................................249
Towing .......................................169
recreational towing .................175
Index
271