2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC light

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
180

To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap. The
cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the “cold fill range” or the “cold full” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration, refer
toChecking Engine Coolantsection. If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34° F/–36° C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
184

•Loss of engine power
•Illumination of the charging system, temperature, or “Check Engine”
light in the instrument panel.
Exhaust leaks may result in harmful and potentially lethal fumes
entering the passenger compartment.
It is unlawful to intentionally remove an emission control device or
prevent it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission
system is on the Vehicle Emission Control Information decal located on
or near the engine.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
Engine/Service Engine Soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight should turn off.
(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck Engine/Service Engine Soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
It may be a legal requirement in your area to pass an I/M test of the
on-board diagnostics system. If the system or battery has just been
serviced, the on-board diagnostic system is reset to a “not ready for I/M
test” condition. To ready the system, allow the vehicle to sit for at least
eight hours without starting. Then, start the engine and complete the
following driving cycle:
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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

FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of genuine Ford accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local authorized Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Ford of
Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically
engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to
complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In
addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets
or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford
Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford
accessory found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component
damaged by the defective accessory. The accessory will be warranted for
whichever provides you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
This means that genuine Ford accessories purchased along with your
new vehicle and installed by the dealer are covered for the full length of
your New Vehicle’s Limited Warranty — 3 years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles)
(whichever occurs first). Contact your dealer for details and a copy of
the warranty.
Not all accessories are available for all models.
Following is a list of several Ford Genuine Accessory products. Not all
accessories are available for all models. To find out what accessories are
available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online
store at: www.fordaccessories.com.
Vehicle Security
Air bag anti-theft locks
Automatic headlamp system
Daytime running lights
Cargo shade
First aid kit
Fog lamps
Highway safety kit
Locking gas cap
Non-decorative wheel locks
Vehicle security systems
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Accessories
Accessories
208

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

Clutch
operation while driving ..........117
recommended shift speeds ....118
Compass/temperature display ...52
Console ........................................41
floor ...........................................41
overhead ....................................42
Controls
power seat .................................72
Coolant
refill capacities ................185, 201
specifications ..................203, 205
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer Assistance ................135
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................172
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................160
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............164
Getting roadside
assistance ................................135
Getting the service
you need .................................158
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................165
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................161
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............164
D
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........203
Driving under special
conditions ..................116, 121, 124
sand .........................................123
snow and ice ...........................125
through water .........................125E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................152
Emergency Flashers .................136
Engine ........................................205
cleaning ...................................169
idle speed control ...................179
lubrication
specifications ..................203, 205
refill capacities ........................201
service points ..........................176
starting after a collision .........136
Engine block heater .................110
Engine oil
filter, specifications ................200
refill capacities ........................201
specifications ..................203, 205
Exhaust fumes ..........................110
F
Floor mats ...................................54
Fluid capacities .........................201
Foglamps .....................................31
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......119
description ..............................119
driving off road .......................120
electronic shift ........................120
indicator light .........................119
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................113
Fuel
capacity ...................................201
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................................188
filter, specifications ................200
fuel pump shut-off switch .....136
octane rating ...........................205
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......136
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
212

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