Ford EXPLORER-2003 User Manual

Introduction 4

Instrument Cluster 10

Warning and control lights 10 Gauges 14

Entertainment Systems 17

AM/FM stereo with CD 17 AM/FM stereo cassette with CD 21

Climate Controls 31

Manual heating and air conditioning 31 Electronic automatic temperature control 32 Rear passenger climate control 35

Lights 37

Driver Controls 46

Windshield wiper/washer control 46 Steering wheel adjustment 47 Power windows 52 Mirrors 53 Speed control 54 Message center 66

Locks and Security 81

Keys 81 Locks 81 Anti-theft system 83

Seating and Safety Restraints 94

Seating 94 Safety restraints 104 Air bags 116 Child restraints 124

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Table of Contents

Driving 137

Starting 137 Brakes 140 Traction control/AdvanceTrac 142 Transmission operation 146 Trailer towing 173

Roadside Emergencies 180

Getting roadside assistance 180 Hazard flasher switch 181 Fuel pump shut-off switch 181 Fuses and relays 182 Changing tires 192 Jump starting 200 Wrecker towing 206

Customer Assistance 207

The dispute settlement board 210 Utilizing the mediation/arbitration 213 Getting assistance outside the U.S. and Canada 213 Ordering additional owner’s literature 214 Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 215

Cleaning 216

Maintenance and Specifications 222

Engine compartment 224 Engine oil 226 Battery 232 Fuel information 239 Low tire warning system 257 Part numbers 259 Refill capacities 260 Lubricant specifications 262

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Table of Contents

Accessories 268

Index 272

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without notice and without incurring obligation.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more you know and understand about your vehicle the greater the safety and pleasure you will derive from driving it.

For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the following website:

• In the United States: www.ford.com

• In Canada: www.ford.ca

• In Australia: www.ford.com.au

• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx

Additional owner information is given in separate publications.

This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe options before they are generally available.

Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It is an integral part of the vehicle.

Fuel pump shut-off switch In the event of an accident the

safety switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine. The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g. collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to the Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.

Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is imperative that you consult the relevant section of this guide before touching or attempting adjustment of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in protecting the environment. Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this guide with the tree symbol.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive continuously at the same speed for the first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of new vehicle operation. Vary your speed to allow parts to adjust themselves to other parts.

Drive your new vehicle at least 800 km (500 miles) before towing a trailer.

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during the first few thousand kilometers (miles) of operation, since these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the Maintenance and specifications chapter for more information on oil usage.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

SPECIAL NOTICES

Special instructions

For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic controls.

Please read the section Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

in the Seating and safety restraints chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.

Front seat mounted rear facing child or infant seats should

NEVER be used in front of a passenger side air bag unless the air bag can be and is turned OFF.

Data Recording

Computers in your vehicle are capable of recording detailed data potentially including but not limited to information such as:

• the use of restraint systems including seat belts by the driver and passengers,

• information about the performance of various systems and modules in the vehicle, and

• information related to engine, throttle, steering, brake or other system status.

Any of this information could potentially include information regarding how the driver operates the vehicle, potentially including but not limited to information regarding vehicle speed, brake or accelerator application, or steering input. This information may be stored during regular operation or in a crash or near crash event.

This stored information may be read out and used by:

• Ford Motor Company.

• service and repair facilities.

• law enforcement or government agencies.

• others who may assert a right or obtain your consent to know such

information.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

Emission warranty

The New Vehicle Limited Warranty includes Bumper-to-Bumper Coverage, Safety Restraint Coverage, Corrosion Coverage, and 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel Engine Coverage. In addition, your vehicle is eligible for Emissions Defect and Emissions Performance Warranties. For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered, refer to the Warranty Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Notice to owners of pickup trucks and utility type vehicles

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

Before you drive your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Guide carefully. Your vehicle is not a passenger car. As with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.

Be sure to read Driving off road in the Driving chapter.

Using your vehicle with a snowplow

Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.

Using your vehicle as an ambulance

Do not use this vehicle as an ambulance.

Your vehicle is not equipped with the Ford Ambulance Preparation Package.

Middle East/North Africa vehicle specific information

For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with features and options that are different from the ones that are described in this Owner Guide; therefore, a supplement has been supplied that complements this book. By referring to the pages in the provided supplement, you can properly identify those features, recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. Refer to this Owner

Guide for all other required information and warnings.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Introduction

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

Fasten Safety Belt Air Bag-Front

Air Bag-Side Child Seat

Child Seat Installation Warning

Child Seat Tether Anchor

Anti-Lock Brake System

Traction Control AdvanceTrac娂

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

See Owner’s Guide

Child Seat Lower Anchor

Brake System

Brake Fluid Non-Petroleum Based

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield Defrost/Demist

Rear Window Defrost/Demist

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Introduction

Power Windows Front/Rear

Child Safety Door Lock/Unlock

Power Window Lockout

Interior Luggage Compartment Release Symbol

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Engine Coolant Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames, or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid Level

Emission System Engine Air Filter

MAX

MIN

Passenger Compartment Air Filter

Jack

Check fuel cap Low tire warning

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Standard instrument cluster

Optional instrument cluster

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the respective system inspected immediately.

Service engine soon: The Service engine soon indicator light

illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

On board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior

floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

Check fuel cap (if equipped):

Illuminates when the fuel cap may not be properly installed. Continued driving with this light on may cause the Service engine soon light to come on, refer to Fuel filler cap in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership.

Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is

dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle checked by your dealer immediately.

Anti-lock brake system: If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected, have the system serviced immediately. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.

CHECK

FUEL

CAP

ABS

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Air bag readiness: If this light fails to illuminate when ignition is turned to ON, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been detected.

Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.

Charging system: Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly.

Check gage (if equipped):

Illuminates when any of the following conditions has occurred:

• The engine coolant temperature is high.

• The engine oil pressure is low.

• The fuel gauge is at or near empty.

Hi temp low oil (if equipped):

Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high or the engine oil pressure is low. Refer to engine coolant temperature gauge or engine oil pressure gauge in this chapter).

Door ajar (if equipped):

Illuminates when the ignition is in the ON position and any door is open.

Overdrive off: Illuminates when the overdrive function of the transmission has been turned off, refer to the Driving chapter. If the light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have the transmission serviced soon, or damage may occur.

CHECK

GAGE

DOOR

AJAR

O/D

OFF

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

AdvanceTrac娂 (if equipped):

Illuminates when the AdvanceTrac娂 system is active. If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.

Instrument Cluster

Four wheel drive low (if equipped): Illuminates when

four-wheel drive low is engaged.

Four wheel drive high (if equipped): Illuminates when

four-wheel drive high is engaged.

Low Washer (if equipped):

Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.

Speed control: Illuminates when the speed control is activated. Turns off when the speed control system is deactivated.

Turn signal: Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC position and the driver’s door is opened.

Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

4x4

LOW

4x4

HIGH

LOW

WASH

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

GAUGES

Standard instrument cluster gauges

Optional instrument cluster gauges

Speedometer: Indicates the

current vehicle speed.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant

temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the normal range (between “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.

Odometer: Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

• Standard instrument cluster

• Optional instrument cluster

Refer to Message Center in the Drivers Controls chapter on how to switch the display from Metric to English.

Trip odometer: Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys.

• Standard instrument cluster

Press and release the SELECT/RESET button to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display.

• Optional instrument cluster

Press and release the TRIP/RESET button to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display.

TRIP

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Instrument Cluster

Tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale may damage the engine.

Battery voltage gauge: Indicates the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range (as indicated by arrows), have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Engine oil pressure gauge:

Indicates engine oil pressure. The needle should stay in the normal operating range (between “L” and “H”). If the needle falls below the normal range, stop the vehicle, turn off the engine and check the engine oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel tank (when the ignition is in the ON position). The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade.

The arrow next to the fuel pump icon indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.

Refer to Filling the tank in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

AUDIOPHILE IN-DASH SIX CD SOUND SYSTEM

1. Seek: Works in radio or CD

mode. Press and release SEEK strong station or track.

2. Rewind: In CD mode, press to

reverse the CD

/ for previous/next

Fast forward: In CD mode, press until desired selection is reached.

3. DSP (Digital Signal Processing if equipped): Press to enter DSP mode.

Press SEL to select the desired signal modes, (i.e., JAZZ CLUB, HALL, CHURCH or STADIUM).

DSP ambiance (if equipped): This feature gives the feeling of “being there” to your music, creating increased clarity as well as an open and spacious feel to the music. Press DSP to access the ambiance menu. Press SEL to engage/disengage.

Turn the volume control to increase/decrease the level of ambiance.

Press the DSP control again to access the occupancy modes. Use the SEL control to optimize the sound based upon the occupants in the vehicle.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

The following occupancy modes can be selected:

• ALL SEATS

• DRIVER SEAT

• REAR SEATS

4. Mute: Press to MUTE playing

media; press again return to playing media

5. Eject: Press to eject a CD. Press

and hold to eject all loaded discs.

6. Bass: Press BASS; then press

SEL the bass output.

Treble: Press TREB; then press SEL the treble output.

7. Select: Use with Bass, Treble,

Balance and Fade controls to adjust levels.

8. Balance: Press BAL; then press

SEL left/right speakers.

Fade: Press FADE; then press SEL rear/front speakers.

9. Menu: Press MENU and SEL to

access clock mode, RDS on/off, Traffic announcement mode and Program type mode. On Audiophile audios, press MENU to access the compression feature. Press SEL to turn the feature ON or OFF.

/ to decrease/increase

/ to shift sound to the

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

Traffic: Allows you to hear traffic broadcasts. With the feature ON, press SEEK or SCAN to find a station broadcasting a traffic report (if it is broadcasting RDS data).Traffic information is not available in most

U.S. markets.

FIND Program type: Allows you to search RDS-equipped stations for a certain category of music format: Classic, Country, Info, Jazz, Oldies, R&B, Religious, Rock, Soft, Top 40.

Show TYPE: Displays the station’s call letters and format.

Compression: Brings soft and loud CD passages together for a more

consistent listening level.

Setting the clock: Press MENU until SELECT HOUR or SELECT MINUTE is displayed. Use SEL to manually increase (

( ) the hours/minutes. Press MENU again to disengage clock mode.

10. Memory presets: To set a

station: Select frequency band AM/FM; tune to a station, press and hold a preset button until sound returns.

11. CD: Press to select CD mode.

12. AM/FM: Press to select AM/FM

frequency band.

Autostore: Allows you to set the strongest local radio stations without losing your original manually set preset stations for AM/FM1/FM2 . Press and momentarily hold AM/FM. AUTOSTORE will flash on the display. When the six strongest stations are filled, the station stored in preset 1 will begin playing. If there are less than six strong stations, the system will store the last one in the remaining presets. Press again to disengage.

13. Power/volume: Press to turn

ON/OFF; turn to increase or decrease volume levels.

) or decrease

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

Automatic Volume Control (if equipped): Changes the volume automatically and slightly with vehicle speed to compensate for road and wind noise. The recommended level is 1–3. Level 0 turns the speed sensitive volume off and level 7 is the maximum setting. Press and hold the volume control for five seconds. Press SEL to increase/decrease volume levels. The selected level will appear in the display.

14. Load: Press to load a CD. Press

and hold to load up to six discs.

15. Shuffle: Press to play tracks in

random order.

16. Scan: Press for a brief sampling

of radio stations or CD tracks. Press again to stop.

17. Disc tune: Radio: Press

or to manually tune down or up the radio frequency band.

CD: Press on the CD.

• CD Door: Insert a CD label side up.

to select the previous track or to select the next track

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

PREMIUM AM/FM STEREO/CASSETTE/SINGLE CD

1. Power/volume: Press to turn

ON/OFF; turn to increase/decrease volume.

2. Scan: Press to hear a brief

sampling of all listenable stations, tape selections or CD tracks. Press again to stop.

3. CD Door: Insert a CD with the

label side up.

SCAN

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

not be inserted into the CD player. The label may peel and cause the CD to become jammed. It is recommended that homemade CDs be identified with permanent felt tip marker rather than adhesive labels. Ballpoint pens may damage CDs. Please contact your dealer for further information.

4. Cassette door: Insert the

cassette with the opening to the right.

5. Eject: Press to eject the

cassette/CD. The radio will resume playing.

6. Tape: Press to start tape play.

Press to stop tape during rewind/fast forward.

CD: Press to start CD play. With the dual media audio, press CD to toggle between single CD and CD changer play (if equipped).

7. Mute: Press to MUTE playing

media; press again return to playing media.

8. Auto: Press to set first six

strongest stations (if available) into AM, FM1 or FM2 memory buttons; press again to return to normal stations.

9. Clock: Press and hold to set the

clock. Press the decrease hours or SEEK to increase hours. Press the

SEEK to

TUNE

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

to decrease minutes or TUNE to increase minutes. If your vehicle has a stand alone clock this control will not function.

10. Balance: Press BAL; then press

SEL left/right speakers.

Fade: Press FADE; then press SEL rear/front speakers.

11. Memory preset buttons: To

set a station: Select frequency band AM/FM, tune to a station, press and hold a preset button until sound returns.

12. Shuffle (CD): Press to play

tracks in random order.

13. Compression (CD): Press to

bring soft and loud passages together for a more consistent listening level.

14.

Works in tape mode only. Reduces tape noise and hiss; press to activate/deactivate.

The Dolby威 noise reduction system is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby威 and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

15. Side 1–2: Works in tape mode

only. Press to play reverse side of the tape.

/ to shift sound to the

Dolby威 noise reduction:

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

16. Fast Forward (FF): Press for

a slow advance, press and hold for a fast advance.

17. Rewind (REW): Press for a

slow rewind, press and hold for a fast rewind.

18. Select (SEL): Use with Bass,

Treble, Balance and Fade controls.

19. Bass: Press BASS; then press

SEL

/ to decrease/increase

the bass output.

Treble: Press TREB; then press SEL

/ to decrease/increase

the treble output.

20. Tune: Works in radio mode only.

Press TUNE

/ to change

frequency down/up.

SEEK

TUNE

REW

SEL

21. Seek: Press and release

SEEK

/ for previous/next

strong station, selection or track.

22. AM/FM: Press to select

AM/FM1/FM2 frequency band.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

SEEK

TUNE

MP3 AUDIO SYSTEM

Entertainment Systems

1. Balance: Press

sound to the left/right speakers.

2. Fade: Press

sound to the rear/front speakers.

3. Scan: Press to hear a brief

sampling of all listenable radio stations, CD or MP3 tracks. Press again to stop.

4. CLK: To set the clock press and

hold the CLK control for the following functions:

• To set the hour, press SEEK

to the hours.

• To set the minutes, press TUNE DIR

the minutes.

Release CLK to save the clock settings. Press CLK again to return the display to radio mode.

/ to shift

/ control to decrease or increase

/ to decrease or increase

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

5. EJ (Eject): Press to stop and

eject a disc. If a disc is ejected and not removed, the player will automatically reload the disc and return to radio mode.

6. COMP (Compression): In CD

and MP3 mode, press to adjust the soft and loud sounds together for a more consistent listening level. The compression icon (c) will illuminate in the display.

7. Shuffle: Press to engage random

play on the CD or MP3 disc. SHF then ON will briefly appear in the display. Press SEEK to select another random track on the disc. Press shuffle again to disable.

8. Repeat: Press to repeat the

current track.

9. CD

and hold until the desired selection point is reached. This function is not enabled in MP3 mode.

10.

hold until the desired selection point is reached. This function is not enabled in MP3 mode.

11. MP3 directory: Allows you to

listen to songs in MP3 flat file mode and MP3 directory mode.

• Insert a MP3 disc to engage in the flat file mode. The MP3 icon will be displayed.

• While in the MP3 flat file mode, press the MP3 DIR control to enter into the directory mode. Press the TUNE DIR control to change directories. The MP3 icon and the DIR icon will be displayed.

12. Track: Press to locate a specific

MP3 track or directory. TRAC will appear in the display. Rotate volume control to advance or reverse through the tracks or directories. The MP3 icon will flash in the display while the track function is enabled.

(Fast forward): Press

CD (Rewind): Press and

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

13. Memory presets: To set a station: Select frequency band AM/FM;

tune to a station, press and hold a preset button until sound returns.

14. CD door: Insert a CD with the

label side up.

15. Tune/Directory: Press TUNE

DIR frequency down/up or change the

MP3 directories.

16. Seek: Press and release

SEEK strong station selection or CD and

MP3 tracks.

17. Power/volume: Press to turn

ON/OFF; turn to increase or decrease volume levels.

18. CD: Press CD to play a CD or

MP3 disc. When the MP3 disc is loaded, CD and LOAD will appear on the display. The display will briefly show the total number of tracks on the disc as TXXX (XXX=number of tracks).

19. AM/FM: Press to select a

frequency band in radio mode.

/ to change the radio

/ for previous/next

20. Bass: Press

decrease/increase the bass output.

/ to

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

21. Treble: Press / to

decrease/increase the treble output.

MP3 functions

Your audio system is equipped with MP3 capability which allows you to listen to songs in MP3 flat file mode and MP3 directory mode.

To engage MP3 flat file mode, insert an MP3 disc. If an MP3 disc is already present in the player, press the CD control. The MP3 icon will display while the player is in MP3 mode.

While in MP3 flat file mode, press the MP3 DIR control to enter into MP3 directory mode. The MP3 icon and the DIR icon will display while the player is in directory mode.

Your MACH威 MP3 player is also equipped with an anti-shock buffer for MP3 discs.

MP3 file directory structure

The MACH威 MP3 music system recognizes MP3 disc file and directory (folder) structure as follows:

• There are two different modes for MP3 disc playback: MP3 flat file mode (default) and MP3 directory mode.

• MP3 flat file mode ignores any directory structure present on the MP3 disc. The player sequentially numbers each MP3 track on the disc (denoted by the .mp3 file extension) from T001 to T255.

• MP3 directory mode represents a directory structure consisting of one level of directories (folders). The CD player sequentially numbers all MP3 tracks on the disc (denoted by .mp3 extension) and all directories containing MP3 files, from 01–01 to 99–99. The first two digits denote the directory number and the last two digits denote the track number within that directory.

• Creating discs with only one level of subdirectories will help with navigation through the disc files.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

Error messages

You may experience an error message for the following situations:

• NO DISC when the CD control is pressed and there is not a CD present.

• DISC ERR when there is a damaged or unreadable disc. Such as, data discs containing no .mp3 files, or for data discs containing more than 255 files or directories.

• CD ERR for any other disc malfunction.

RADIO FREQUENCIES

AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:

AM - 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz

FM- 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz

RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS

There are three factors that can affect radio reception:

• Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.

• Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.

• Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency is displayed.

CASSETTE/PLAYER CARE

Do:

• Use only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or less.

• Tighten very loose tapes by inserting a finger or pencil into the hole

and turning the hub.

• Remove loose labels before inserting tapes.

• Allow tapes which have been subjected to extreme heat, humidity or

cold to reach a moderate temperature before playing.

• Clean the cassette player head with a cassette cleaning cartridge after 10–12 hours of play to maintain good sound/operation.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

Entertainment Systems

Don’t:

• Expose tapes to direct sunlight, extreme humidity, heat or cold.

• Leave tapes in the cassette player for a long time when not being

played.

CD/CD PLAYER CARE

Do:

• Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.

• Inspect discs before playing. Clean only with an approved CD cleaner

and wipe from the center out.

Don’t:

• Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods of time.

• Insert more than one disc into each slot of the CD changer magazine.

• Clean using a circular motion.

CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 12 cm (4.75 in) audio compact discs only. Due to technical incompatibility, certain recordable and re-recordable compact discs may not function correctly when used in Ford CD players. Irregular shaped CDs, CDs with a scratch protection film attached, and CDs with homemade paper (adhesive) labels should not be inserted into the CD player. The label may peel and cause the CD to become jammed. It is recommended that homemade CDs be identified with permanent felt tip marker rather than adhesive labels. Ball point pens may damage CDs. Please contact your dealer for further information.

AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTY AND SERVICE

Refer to the Warranty Guide for audio system warranty information. If service is necessary, see your dealer or qualified technician.

2003 Explorer (exp) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)

+ 250 hidden pages