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

Maintenance and Specifications

• Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to

driving on hilly terrain.

• Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top

cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.

• Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than

two-wheel-drive operation.

• Close windows for high speed driving.

Flex fuel (E-85) cruising range

Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, you will

experience an increase in fuel consumption. You can expect your Miles

Per Gallon (MPG) and your driving range to decrease by about 30%

compared to gasoline operation.

EPA window sticker

Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your

dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA

window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons

with other vehicles.

It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window

sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)

expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy

may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a

catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with

applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic

converter and other emission control components continue to work

properly:

• Use only the specified fuel listed.

• Avoid running out of fuel.

• Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at

high speeds.

• Have the items listed in your scheduled maintenance guide performed

according to the specified schedule.

The scheduled maintenance items listed in the scheduled maintenance

guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its

emissions system.

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2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Maintenance and Specifications

If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for

maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting

emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine

Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry

ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Illumination of the “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light

or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or

loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is

not working properly.

Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially

lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By

law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,

sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not

permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent

it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on

the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the

engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up

specifications.

Please consult your Warranty Guide for complete emission warranty

information.

On board diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s

emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On

Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the

environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet

government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the

service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When the Check

Engine/Service Engine Soon light illuminates, the OBD-II system has

detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause your Check

Engine/Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run

poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

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2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

Maintenance and Specifications

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank

with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three

driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions

present, the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light should turn off.

(A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed

city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your

vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of

the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine

Soon” light is on, refer to the description in the Warning lights and

chimes section of the Instrument cluster chapter. Your vehicle may not

pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.

If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,

the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”

condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a

minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as

described below:

• First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.

• Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with

at least four idle periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the

engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The

engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,

do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID

Check the power steering fluid. Refer to the scheduled maintenance

guide for the service interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use

only MERCON௡ ATF.

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2003 Explorer (exp)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA English (fus)

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

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