2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC warning

STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
Positions of the ignition
1. ACCESSORY, electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel
and allows key removal.
3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also
allows the automatic transmission gearshift lever to be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
4. ON, all electrical accessories are operational and warning lights will
illuminate. This is the position the key is in when you’re driving.
5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
3
1
2
5
4
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
Driving
107

BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsations or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSlamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be
serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
!
BRAKE
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
111

Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), press
the parking brake pedal down until
the pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, pull the lever (2).
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
!
BRAKE
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
112

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
114

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

P
Parking brake ............................112
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....200
Power steering ..........................112
fluid, checking and adding ....192
fluid, refill capacity ................201
fluid, specifications .........203, 205
Power Windows ...........................45
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................113
R
Radio ................................16, 19, 23
Single CD ..................................16
Remote entry system .................62
locking/unlocking doors ...........61
Roadside assistance ..................135
S
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ..................76–80
Safety Canopy .............................91
Safety defects, reporting ..........167
Safety restraints ....................76–80
belt minder ...............................82
cleaning the safety belts ..........85
extension assembly ..................85
for adults .............................77–79
for children .........................94–95
warning light and chime ..........81
Safety seats for children ............97
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ........................76
Seats ............................................71
child safety seats ......................97
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...................145Spark plugs,
specifications .....................200, 205
Special notice
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................203, 205
Speed control ..............................49
Starting your
vehicle ........................107–108, 110
jump starting ..........................152
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................41
Stereo
Single CD ..................................16
T
Tailgate ..................................54–55
Tilt steering wheel ......................41
Tires ...........................................196
changing ..................................145
tire grades ...............................197
treadwear ................................196
Tonneau cover .............................57
Towing .......................................128
recreational towing .................133
trailer towing ..........................128
Traction-lok rear axle ...............113
Transmission
automatic operation ...............113
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................194
fluid, refill capacities ..............201
lubricant specifications ..203, 205
manual operation ....................117
Trunk ...........................................59
Turn signal ..................................34
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
214