
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.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
168

•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)
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.
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
172

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE
Certification label
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Certification label be affixed
to a vehicle and prescribe where the
Certification label may be located.
The Certification label is located on
the front door latch pillar on the
driver’s side.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
attached to a metal tag and is
located on the driver side
instrument panel. (Please note that
in the graphic XXXX is
representative of your vehicle
identification number.)
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
191

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty — 3 years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of
the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Following is a list of several Ford Genuine Accessory products. Not all
accessories are available for all models. To find out what accessories are
available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online
store at: www.fordaccessories.com.
Vehicle Security
Air bag anti-theft locks
Automatic headlamp system
Daytime running lights
Cargo shade
First aid kit
Fog lamps
Highway safety kit
Locking gas cap
Non-decorative wheel locks
Vehicle security systems
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
192

Comfort and convenience
Cell phone holder
Engine block heater
Remote keyless entry
Remote start system
Side window deflectors
Speed control
Tire step — quick step
Travel equipment
Bike carriers
Canoe carrier
Kayak carrier
Luggage/cargo carrier
Pet guard
Raised cross bars
Roof rack (removable)
Ski/snowboard carrier
Seatback organizer (with removable headrest)
Soft tonneau cover (hard, soft w/snaps, snapless)
Trailer hitch assembly
Trailer hitch balls (all capacities)
Trailer hitch bar
Trailer hitch receiver cover
Trailgate table (hitch installed)
Protection and appearance equipment
Cargo liners— soft, interior
Cargo organizer
Carpeted cargo mat
Cargo tray — hard, interior
Cover — front end (full, sport)
Door edge guards
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
193

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ....................................78–79
and child safety seats ..............80
description ................................79
disposal ......................................82
driver air bag ............................81
indicator light ...........................82
operation ...................................81
passenger air bag .....................81
Air cleaner filter .......................184
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ................................98
Audio system
Single CD ..................................16
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 19
Automatic transmission ............100
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................102
fluid, refill capacities ..............185
fluid, specification ..................189
Auxiliary power point .................41
Axle
lubricant specifications ..187, 189
refill capacities ........................185
traction lok ..............................100
B
Battery .......................................163
acid, treating emergencies .....163
jumping a disabled battery ....136
maintenance-free ....................163
replacement, specifications ...184
servicing ..................................163
BeltMinder ...................................74
Brakes ..........................................98
anti-lock .....................................98anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .............................98
fluid, checking and adding ....176
fluid, refill capacities ..............185
fluid, specifications .........187, 189
lubricant specifications ..187, 189
parking ......................................99
shift interlock ..........................100
C
Calculating load ........................114
Capacities for refilling fluids ....185
Cargo area shade ..................49–50
Cassette tape player ...................16
CD-single premium .....................19
Cell phone use ............................39
Certification Label ....................191
Child safety restraints ................83
child safety belts ......................83
Child safety seats ........................86
attaching with tether straps ....90
in front seat ..............................87
in rear seat ................................87
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............153
instrument panel ....................155
interior .....................................155
interior trim ............................155
plastic parts ............................154
safety belts ..............................155
washing ....................................152
waxing .....................................152
wheels ......................................153
wiper blades ............................154
Clock adjust
Single CD ..................................16
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
195

Clutch
operation while driving ..........104
recommended shift speeds ....105
Compass/temperature display ...47
Console ........................................39
floor ...........................................39
overhead ....................................39
Controls
power seat .................................64
Coolant
refill capacities ................169, 185
specifications ..................187, 189
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................44
Customer Assistance ................121
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................156
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................144
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............148
Getting roadside assistance ...121
Getting the service you
need .........................................142
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................149
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................145
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................148
D
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........187
Driving under special
conditions ..................103, 108, 111
sand .........................................110
snow and ice ...........................112through water .........................112
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................136
Emergency Flashers .................122
Engine ........................................189
cleaning ...................................153
idle speed control ...................163
lubrication specifications ......187,
189
refill capacities ........................185
service points ..........................160
starting after a collision .........122
Engine block heater ...................97
Engine oil
filter, specifications ................184
refill capacities ........................185
specifications ..................187, 189
Exhaust fumes ............................97
F
Floor mats ...................................49
Fluid capacities .........................185
Foglamps .....................................28
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......106
description ..............................106
driving off road .......................107
electronic shift ........................107
indicator light .........................106
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................100
Fuel
capacity ...................................185
filling your vehicle with fuel ..172
filter, specifications ................184
fuel pump shut-off switch .....122
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
196

octane rating ...........................189
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......122
G
Garage door opener ....................40
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................113
calculating ...............................114
definition .................................113
driving with a heavy load ......113
location ....................................113
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................113
calculating .......................113–114
definition .................................113
driving with a heavy load ......113
location ....................................113
H
Hazard flashers .........................122
Head restraints ...........................66
Headlamps
aiming ........................................30
autolamp system .......................28
flash to pass ..............................29
high beam .................................29
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................26
I
Ignition .................................94, 189
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .......................86Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................155
cluster ........................................10
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......136
K
Keyless entry system .................56
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........94
L
Lamps
autolamp system .................28, 42
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................32
fog lamps ...................................28
high beams ................................29
instrument panel, dimming .....29
interior lamps ...........................31
Liftgate ........................................51
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ............98
Load limits .................................113
GAWR ......................................113
GVWR ......................................113
trailer towing ..........................113
Loading instructions .................114
Lubricant specifications ...187, 189
M
Manual transmission .................104
fluid capacities ........................185
lubricant specifications ..........189
reverse .....................................105
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
197