Get Driving -> STARTING Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Driving

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. OFF/LOCK, shuts off the engine

and all accessories/locks the steering

wheel, gearshift lever and allows key

removal.

3

2

4

2. ACC, allows the electrical

accessories such as the radio to

operate while the engine is not

running. This position also unlocks

the steering wheel.

1

3. ON, all electrical circuits

operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving.

4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If

the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle

checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more

information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating

and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

137

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without

turning the key to 4 (START).

3

2

4

1

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a

light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.

• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the

light may not illuminate.

138

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

Starting the engine

1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without

turning the key to 4 (START). If

there is difficulty in turning the key,

rotate the steering wheel until the

key turns freely. This condition may

occur when:

3

2

4

• the front wheels are turned

• a front wheel is against the curb

1

2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then

release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could

damage the starter.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,

turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still

fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will

allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is

flooded with fuel.

Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)

As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors

should supply winter grade ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline). If

summer grade ethanol is used in cold weather conditions, you may

experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation until the

engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of

winter grade ethanol.

Do not crank the engine for more than 30 seconds at a time as starter

damage may occur. If the engine fails to start, turn the key to OFF and

wait 30 seconds before trying again.

Do not use starting fluid such as ether in the air intake system (see Air

Cleaner decal). Such fluid could cause immediate explosive damage to

the engine and possible personal injury.

If you should experience cold weather starting problems on E₈₅ethanol,

and neither an alternative brand of E₈₅ethanol nor an engine block

heater is available, the addition of unleaded gasoline to your tank will

improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate

on E₈₅ethanol alone, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.

See Choosing the right fuel in the Maintenance and specifications

chapter for more information on ethanol.

139

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving

If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible

fuel vehicles only)

1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then

crank the engine.

2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the

accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start,

repeat Step 1.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting

and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is

strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-23° C (-10° F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least

three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the

night before starting the vehicle.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater

with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid

its dangerous effects.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer

inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of

time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating

or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

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.

140

2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Driving -> STARTING for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Related Topics

Driving

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals