2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC brakes

3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
128

Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of
the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over
1,588 kg (3,500 lb).
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.Do
not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the towing vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Make sure your trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
131

1. Drive on an expressway or highway for at least 10 minutes.
2. Drive in stop-and-go traffic for at least 20 minutes with a minimum of
four idle periods.
The engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the engine until the above drive cycle is
complete.
Note:If your “Check Engine” light is on, your vehicle may not pass an
I/M test.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the fluid. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidefor
service maintenance schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
schedules.
2. Turn the steering wheel left and
right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level.
5. If the fluid is below the MIN line,
add fluid in small amounts until it
reaches the correct level (between
the MIN and MAX lines).
Use only MERCONAT F.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the “MAX” line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DONOTOVERFILLPOWERSTEERINGFLUID
M
A
X
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
192

A
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..............86–87, 91
and child safety seats ..............88
description ..........................87, 91
disposal ......................................94
driver air bag ......................89, 92
indicator light .....................90, 93
operation .............................89, 92
passenger air bag ...............89, 92
Air cleaner filter .......................200
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................111
Audio system
Single CD ..................................16
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................16, 19, 23
Automatic transmission ............113
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specification ..................205
Auxiliary power point .................43
Axle
lubricant
specifications ..................203, 205
refill capacities ........................201
traction lok ..............................113
B
Battery .......................................179
acid, treating emergencies .....179
jumping a disabled battery ....152
maintenance-free ....................179
replacement, specifications ...200
servicing ..................................179
BeltMinder ...................................82
Brakes ........................................111anti-lock ...................................111
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............111
fluid, checking and adding ....192
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
fluid, specifications .........203, 205
lubricant specifications ..203, 205
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................113
C
Calculating load ........................127
Capacities for refilling fluids ....201
Cargo cage ...................................55
Cassette tape player ...................16
CD-single premium ...............19, 23
Cell phone use ............................41
Certification Label ....................207
Child safety restraints ................95
child safety belts ......................95
Child safety seats ........................97
attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ..............................99
in rear seat ........................99, 101
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............169
instrument panel ....................171
interior .....................................171
interior trim ............................171
plastic parts ............................170
safety belts ..............................171
washing ....................................168
waxing .....................................168
wheels ......................................169
wiper blades ............................170
Clock adjust
Single CD ..................................16
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
211

G
Garage door opener ....................42
Gauges .........................................13
GAWR (Gross Axle
Weight Rating) ..........................126
calculating ...............................127
definition .................................126
driving with a heavy load ......126
location ....................................126
GVWR (Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating) ..........................126
calculating .......................126–127
definition .................................126
driving with a heavy load ......126
location ....................................126
H
Hazard flashers .........................136
Head restraints ...........................74
Headlamps
aiming ........................................33
autolamp system .......................31
flash to pass ..............................32
high beam .................................32
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................29
I
Ignition ...............................107, 205
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..97
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................171
cluster ........................................10
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......152K
Keyless entry system .................65
Keys
positions of the ignition .........107
L
Lamps
autolamp system .................31, 47
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................35
fog lamps ...................................31
high beams ................................32
instrument panel, dimming .....32
interior lamps ...........................34
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........111
Load limits .................................126
GAWR ......................................126
GVWR ......................................126
trailer towing ..........................126
Loading instructions .................127
Locks
childproof ..................................61
Lubricant specifications ...203, 205
M
Manual transmission .................117
fluid capacities ........................201
lubricant specifications ..........205
reverse .....................................118
Mirrors
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................48
fold away ...................................49
side view mirrors (power) .......48
Moon roof ....................................51
Motorcraft parts ........................200
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
213