2002 Ford Explorer Sport Owner Guide 6th Printing - Page 9
2002 Ford Explorer Sport Manual
Page 9 highlights
Instrumentation 3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely tightened. These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the 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 light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. Light is blinking: Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. 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 is not CHECK installed correctly. Check the fuel FUEL cap for proper installation. When CAP the fuel filler cap is properly re-installed, the light(s) will turn off after a period of normal driving. Continuing to operate the vehicle with the fuel cap mis-installed can activate the Service Engine Soon/Check Engine warning light. It may take a long period of time for the system to detect an improperly installed fuel filler cap. For more information, refer to Fuel filler cap in the Maintenance and care chapter. 9