Page 90 of 216
•a readiness light and tone
•a diagnostic module
•and the electrical wiring which connects the components
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not
touch them after inflation.
If the air bag has deployed,the air bag will not function
again and must be replaced immediately.If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a
collision.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the status of the system. Refer toAir bag readinesssection in
theInstrument clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is
not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
•The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
•A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
90
Page 132 of 216
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle’s taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 19 mm (3/4 inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a 1,590 kg
(3,500 lb.) trailer weight and 159 kg (350 lb.) tongue weight capability.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1,590 kg
(3,500 lb).
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off your speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle/trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10–15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
132
Page 133 of 216
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage. Replace the rear axle lubricant
any time the axle has been submerged in water.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
Camper bodies
Your Explorer Sport Trac is not recommended for slide–in camper
bodies.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All vehicles equipped with a manual transmission:
Before you have your vehicle towed:
•Release the parking brake.
•Move the gearshift to the neutral position.
•Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•The maximum recommended speed is 88 km/h (55 mph).
•The maximum recommended distance is unlimited.
2003 P207 Explorer Sport Trac(p27)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
133
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