Get Maintenance and Specifications -> BATTERY Guide for Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Maintenance and Specifications

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.

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.

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2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Maintenance and Specifications

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 lever 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.

5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.

6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.

• The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim

strategy.

• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle

quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle

trim is eventually relearned.

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the

transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the

transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and

will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the

adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its

optimum shift feel.

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2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Maintenance and Specifications

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,

the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is

reconnected.

• Always dispose of automotive

batteries in a responsible manner.

Follow your local authorized

standards for disposal. Call your

local authorized recycling center

to find out more about recycling

automotive batteries.

RECYCLE

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the

mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant

concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,

which equates to a freeze point of -36° C (-34° F). Coolant concentration

testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the

Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant

should be maintained at the “cold full” of “cold fill range” level in the

coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions

in the Adding engine coolant section.

Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water

concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above

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.

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2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Maintenance and Specifications -> BATTERY for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

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