Page 10 of 200

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Check engine:TheCheck Engine
indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the ON
position to check the bulb. Solid
illumination after the engine is
started indicates the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has
detected a malfunction. Refer toOn board diagnostics (OBD-II)in the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter. If the light is blinking, engine
misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive
in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and
have your vehicle serviced immediately.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
C12345
6
RPMx1000
ABS
CHECK
ENGINE
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
EFH
H
H
PRN D 2 1THEFT
SPEED
CONT
4WD
HIGH
4WD
LOW
O/D
OFF
MPH 2060
4080
km/h
00
1
20
160100
140
180
20
DOOR
AJAR
CHECK
GAGE
!BRAKE
CHECK
ENGINE
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
10
Page 60 of 200

Note:Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to
purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same
key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these
objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These
objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a
momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the
engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on
the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine.
Theft indicator
The theft indicator is located in the instrument cluster.
•When the ignition is in the OFF position, the indicator will flash once
every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLocksystem is functioning as
a theft deterrent.
•When the ignition is in the ON position, the indicator will glow for 3
seconds, then turn off, to indicate normal system functionality.
If a problem occurs with the SecuriLocksystem, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the ON position. If this
occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.
Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed immediately
after switching the ignition to the 3
(OFF) position.
The
THEFTindicator will flash
every two seconds when the vehicle
is armed.
Automatic disarming
Switching the ignition to the 4 (ON) position with acoded keydisarms
the vehicle.
•The
THEFTindicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go
out.
•If the
THEFTindicator stays on for an extended period of time or
flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealer.
3
1
2
5
4
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Locks and Security
60
Page 163 of 200

SAE 5W-30 engine oil recommendation
Use only oils “Certified For Gasoline
Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use
Motorcraft (Part: XO-5W30–QSP
U.S.) or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford Motor Company specification
WSS-M2C205–A. It is also
recommended that you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
an equivalent filter meeting the
Ford Motor Company specification for your engine.
Change your engine oil and filter according to theScheduled
Maintenance Guide.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
163
Page 196 of 200

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