2003 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC check transmission fluid

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

Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD vehicles, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to
four–wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary
clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is normal and should be no cause for
concern.
Driving on sand, mud and water
When driving over sand, avoid reducing the tire pressures; instead, shift
to a lower gear. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the
wheels. If you must reduce the tire pressure, make sure you re-inflate
the tires as soon as possible. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against your vehicle and cause it to become stuck.
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
braking ability may be reduced.
Also, if the ignition system gets wet,
the vehicle may stall.
Once you’re 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.
When driving through mud, be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud.
Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the
vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle. If the transmission, transfer case or either axle
become submerged in mud or water, their fluids should be checked and
changed, if necessary. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck
to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts could damage driveline components.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
123

TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
•Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled check
and change intervals.
•Transmission does not consume fluid.
•Check fluid when transmission is not operating properly or if you see
a leak.
•Fluid level must be checked at normal operating temperature, 30 km
(20 miles) of driving.
To check and add fluid:
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) to reach normal operating
temperatures.
2. If driven in hot weather, city traffic, pulling a trailer, allow
transmission to cool for 30 minutes before checking.
3. Engage parking brake, start engine.
4. Put your foot on the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever slowly
through all of the gear ranges.
5. Shift to P (Park) and leave the engine running.
6. Remove the dipstick, wipe clean with a dry lint free rag.
7. Install and fully seat the dipstick into the filler tube.
8. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. Level should be in
the cross-hatched area.
9. If necessary, add fluid in 250ml (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct at normal operating temperatures. Refer to
theLubricant Specificationssection in this chapter for the correct fluid
type. The use of any other non-approved fluid may cause internal
transmission damage.
10. Fluid can be checked at ambient
temperatures between 10–30°C
(50–95°F). DO NOT ADD fluid until
the transmission is at normal
operating temperatures or the transmission will be overfilled.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
193

Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at or below the bottom of
the dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may cause overheating, shift and/or
engagement concerns and internal
transmission damage. If an overfill
condition occurs, excess fluid should
be removed by a qualified technician.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
194

Fluid Ford Part Name Application Capacity
Windshield washer
fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateAll 2.6L
(2.7 quarts)
1Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. MERCONand MERCONV are not interchangeable. DO NOT
MIX MERCONand MERCONV. Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide to determine the correct service interval.
2Indicates only approximate dry-fill capacity. Some applications may vary
based on cooler size and if equipped with an in-tank cooler. The amount
of transmission fluid and fluid level should be set by the indication on
the dipstick’s normal operating range.
3Fill to bottom of filler plug hole.
4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
5Fill to 6 mm to 14 mm (1/4 inch to 9/16 inch) below bottom of filler
plug hole.
6For vehicles equipped with a conventional rear axle, refer to your
scheduled maintenance guide for axle fluid change intervals.
7Vehicles equipped with Traction-Lok axle require synthetic rear axle
lubricant. Rear axles containing synthetic lubricant are lubricated for life.
These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or service is required. The axle lubricant should be changed
any time the axle has been submerged in water.
Add 118 ml (4 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier XL-3 or equivalent
meeting Ford specification EST-M2C118–A for complete refill of
Traction-Lok axles.
8Service refill capacity for the manual transmission is determined by
filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle
on a level surface.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
202

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

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