Maintenance and Specifications -> USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES for Your Ford Explorer SUV Third Generation (2002-2005)

Maintenance and Specifications  
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of  
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device  
must accept any interference received, including interference that may  
cause undesired operation.  
The tire pressure monitoring system is NOT a substitute for  
manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be  
checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, see  
Checking the tire pressure in this chapter. Failure to properly  
maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire failure, loss  
of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.  
Changing tires with TPMS  
It is recommended that you always  
have your tires serviced by a dealer  
or qualified technician. Each tire is  
equipped with a tire pressure  
sensor mounted on the wheel  
inside the tire behind the valve  
stem. The tire pressure sensor  
must be unbolted from the wheel prior to tire removal. The  
sensor can be removed by loosening the nut at the valve stem.  
Failure to remove the sensor may damage it. The rubber grommet  
(washer) between the wheel and the tire pressure sensor needs to be  
replaced when any tire is changed to minimize air leaks.  
The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using  
a tire gauge, refer to Checking the tire pressure in this chapter.  
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES  
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you  
currently have on your vehicle.  
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in  
rain and snow. However, in some climates, using snow tires or traction  
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved  
accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class “S” tire cables. See  
your dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire  
cables for your vehicle.  
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:  
258  
2003 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA English (fus)  
Maintenance and Specifications  
Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels.  
Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do  
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.  
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against  
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the  
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.  
Avoid overloading your vehicle.  
Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.  
Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.  
Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your  
vehicle.  
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of  
traction control.  
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS  
Component  
Air filter element  
Fuel filter  
4.0L SOHC V6 engine 4.6L V8 engine  
FA-1695  
FA-1695  
FG-986B  
FG-986B  
Battery  
Oil filter  
BXT-65-650  
FL-820S  
BXT-65-650  
FL-820S  
PCV valve  
Spark plugs*  
EV-243  
AGSF-22PP **  
F6ZE-6C324-CA  
AGSF-32PM  
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark  
plug gap information.  
** If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must be reinstalled in the  
same cylinder. If a spark plug needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs  
with the service number suffix letter as shown on the engine decal.  
259  
2003 Explorer (exp)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA English (fus)