Page 179 of 216

SAE 5W-30 engine oil recommendation
Use only oils “Certified For Gasoline
Engines” by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use
Motorcraft (Part: XO-5W30–QSP
U.S.) or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford Motor Company specification
WSS-M2C205–A. It is also
recommended that you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter or
an equivalent filter meeting the
Ford Motor Company specification for your engine.
Change your engine oil and filter according to theScheduled
Maintenance Guide.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
179
Page 182 of 216

60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36° C (-34° F).
•Boiling protection up to 129° C (265° F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the “cold fill level” or within the “cold
fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir (depending upon
application).
•Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service interval
schedules.
•Be sure to read and understandPrecautions when servicing your
vehiclein this chapter.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool, until the appropriate fill level is obtained.
R
A
D
I
A
T
O
R
C
O
O
L
A
N
T
O
N
L
Y
WASHERFLUIDONLY
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
182
Page 200 of 216

SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the original tires.
Your tires have all-weather treads to provide traction in the rain and
snow. In some climate, using snow tires or traction devices may be
necessary. For Motor Company offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class “S” cables. See
your dealer for more information.
Follow these guidelines:
•Do not use tire cables or chains with P255/70R16 size tires.
•Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels.
•If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel wheels (of the
same size and specification) be used, as chains may chip aluminum
wheels.
•Install cables or chains securely, verifying that they do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Avoid overloading your vehicle.
•Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
•Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph).
•Drive cautiously.
Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 4.0L SOHC V6 engine
Air filter element FA-1744
Fuel filter FG-1036
Battery BXT-65-650
Oil filter FL-820S
PCV valve EV-243
Spark plugs* AGSF-22PP
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
200
Page 212 of 216

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