2003 FORD EXPLORER window

•If tar or grease spots are present, use Ford Extra Strength Tar and
Road Oil Removal (B7A-19520–AA).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear window and wiper blades should be cleaned
regularly. If the wiper does not wipe properly, substances on the
windshield, rear window or the wiper blades may be the cause. These
may include hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree
sap, or other organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow
these tips:
•The windshield or rear window may be cleaned with a non-abrasive
cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23),
available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the painted surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning
213

•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Flex fuel (E-85) cruising range
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, you will
experience an increase in fuel consumption. You can expect your Miles
Per Gallon (MPG) and your driving range to decrease by about 30%
compared to gasoline operation.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
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:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
Maintenance and Specifications
244

Trailer hitch mount bike carrier
Trailer hitch receiver cover
Trailer hitch wiring adaptor
Trailgate table and adaptor
Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
All-weather floor mats
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Door edge guards
Front end covers (full and sport)
Front hood deflectors
Grille guard/brush guard
Interior trim kit
Locking gas cap
Molded splash guards
Rear air deflector
Side window air deflectors
Skid plate
Tail lamp surrounds
Tow hooks
Universal floor mats
Accessories
265

plastic parts ............................212
washing ....................................210
waxing .....................................210
wheels ......................................211
wiper blades ............................213
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............28
Compass, electronic ....................60
calibration .................................61
set zone adjustment ...........60, 63
Console ........................................44
overhead ....................................45
rear ......................................45, 47
Controls
power seat .................................93
steering column ........................53
Coolant
checking and adding ..............229
refill capacities ................233, 254
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................50
Customer Assistance ................176
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................215, 263
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................203
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................207
Getting roadside assistance ...176
Getting the service you
need .........................................201
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................208
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................203
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................206D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Defrost
rear window ..............................32
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................247
engine oil .................................221
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driveline universal joint and
slip yoke ....................................248
Driving under special
conditions ..147, 152, 155, 161, 163
sand .................................154, 162
snow and ice ...................156, 164
through water .........155, 163, 167
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ...........................28
E
Electronic message center .........62
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................195
Emission control system ..........244
Engine ........................................259
cleaning ...................................211
coolant .....................................229
fail-safe coolant ......................234
idle speed control ...................227
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 259
refill capacities ........................254
service points ..................219–220
starting after a collision .........177
Engine block heater .................137
Index
268

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

trailer towing ..........................169
wrecker ....................................200
Traction control ........................139
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................248
Transmission .............................143
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................247
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
Trunk ...........................................79
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................259
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................261Vehicle loading ..........................167
Ventilating your vehicle ...........137
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................221
Water, Driving through .............167
Windows
power .........................................48
rear wiper/washer .....................43
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................42
checking and adding fluid .....221
liftgate reservoir .....................221
replacing wiper blades .............43
Wrecker towing .........................200
Index
272