Starting The Engine; Cold Weather Starting - Ford 2001 Explorer Owner's Manual

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°C
2
(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 (E 85) ethanol (same as with unleaded
d
gasoline). If summer grade (E 85) ethanol is used in cold weather
d
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 (E 85) ethanol.
d
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