2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Owner Guide 6th Printing - Page 129

Starting 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. STARTING THE ENGINE NOTE: Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter. 1. Turn the key to 5 (START) without pressing the accelerator 4 pedal and release as soon as the 3 engine starts. The key will return to 5 4 (ON). 2. If the temperature is above -12° 2 C (10° F) and the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 1 seconds and try again. 3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to START position. 4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up. 5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake. Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only) As the outside temperature approaches freezing, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade (Ed85) ethanol (same as with unleaded gasoline). If summer grade (Ed85) 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 (Ed85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter grade (Ed85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and driving results. However, fuel composition varies, and sub-optimal winter grade blends could produce increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation at temperatures below 129