2003 FORD EXPLORER service

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Maintenance and Specifications
249

Changing tires with TPMS
It is recommended that you always
have your tires serviced by a dealer
or qualified technician.Each tire is
equipped with a tire pressure
sensor mounted on the wheel
inside the tire behind the valve
stem. The tire pressure sensor
must be unbolted from the wheel prior to tire removal. The
sensor can be removed by loosening the nut at the valve stem.
Failure to remove the sensor may damage it.The rubber grommet
(washer) between the wheel and the tire pressure sensor needs to be
replaced when any tire is changed to minimize air leaks.
The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using
a tire gauge, refer toChecking the tire pressurein this chapter.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class“S”tire cables. See
your dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire
cables for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
•Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels.
•Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
•Avoid overloading your vehicle.
•Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
•Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
•Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your
vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
253

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

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Windshield
washer fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateAll 4.0L (4.2
quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be checked by a qualified
technician.
3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
4All rear axles are filled with Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 High Performance
Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant, part number XY—75W140–QL or
equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSL-M2C192–A.
5Limited Slip differentials must add 118ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL—3 or equivalent meeting Ford Specification EST-M2C118–A
to the rear axle whenever the axle has been serviced.
Maintenance and Specifications
256

1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. MERCONand
MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT mix MERCONand
MERCONV. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
2Limited slip differentials must add 118 ml (4 oz) of Additive Friction
Modifier XL—3 or equivalent meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A
to the rear axle whenever the axle has been serviced.
ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.0L SOHC V6
engine4.6L V8 engine
Cubic inches 245 281
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056
inch)1.3-1.4 mm
(0.052-0.056
inch)
Ignition system EDIS EDIS
Compression ratio 9.7:1 9.4:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Dimensions 4-Door 4x2 or 4x4 XLT Model mm
(in.)
(1) Overall length 4812 (189.5)
(2) Overall width 1832 (72.1)
(3) Maximum height* 1828 (71.9)
(4) Wheelbase 2889 (113.7)
(5) Track width, front 1547 (60.9)
(5) Track width, rear 1554 (61.2)
* Height includes roof rack and P255/70R16 tire
Maintenance and Specifications
259

For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use or are not properly installed. When operated, such systems may
cause the engine to stumble or stall or cause the transmission to be
damaged or operate improperly. In addition, such systems may be
damaged or their performance may be affected by operating your
vehicle. (Citizens band [CB] transceivers, garage door openers and
other transmitters with outputs of five watts or less will not ordinarily
affect your vehicle’s operation.)
•Ford cannot assume responsibility for any adverse effects or damage
that may result from the use of such equipment.
Accessories
266

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