Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles can skid like any other vehicle. If you start to skid while
driving on a snowy or icy road, turn the steering wheel in the direction
of the slide until you regain control. Although a 4WD vehicle may
accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t
stop any faster.
Don’t press hard on the accelerator or brake pedal or make quick
steering changes while on snow or ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop. If your vehicle is equipped with
ABS, apply the brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to the
Brakessection of this chapter for additional information on the
operation of the anti-lock brake system. If your vehicle is not equipped
with ABS, use a “squeeze” braking technique. Push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet
continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel.
If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze
technique.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
Ford strongly recommends that you do not add or remove steering or
suspension parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment. Do
not use aftermarket “lift kits” or other suspension modifications. These
could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling characteristics, which could
lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over and serious injury. Frequent
inspection of vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle
is subjected to heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
2003 U207 Explorer Sport(u27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
112
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
