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LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack with out cross bars. The
maximum recommended load is 44kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed. If it is
not possible to distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible.
Use the tiedown loops to secure the load.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sport cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increase risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
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Page 152 of 200

WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
Ph shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is available
from your dealer.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or carwash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jam) to
your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
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ENGINE DATA
Engine 4.0L SOHC V6 engine
Cubic inches 245
Required fuel 87 octane
Firing order 1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark plug gap 1.3-1.4 mm (0.052-0.056 inch)
Ignition system EDIS
Compression ratio 9.7:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Dimensions 2 Door 4x2 XL model
mm (in.)2 Door 4x4 Sport
model mm (in.)
(1) Overall length 4608 (181.4) 4608 (181.4)
(2) Overall width 1783 (70.2) 1783 (70.2)
(3) Maximum
height*1704 (67.1) 1779 (70.0)*
(4) Wheelbase 2585 (101.8) 2585 (101.8)
(5) Front track /
rear1486 (58.5)/1486 (58.5) 1486 (58.5)/1486 (58.5)
* Height includes roof rack & P255 tire
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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