I have three questions about the X I just bought.

[Splorin' 461]

Yes, I searched first.

2003 4WD Limited V8
1. My X has the two package. What does that entail?
2. There is an on/off power button on my rear view mirror with a little lift on either side of the button. What is this for? I cannot find anything in the manual on this.
3. How do you turn on the fog lights? There is no setting for the fog lights on the dial and the manual doesn't seem to say how these are used.

Thanks!

 

[dieselscout80]

3. How do you turn on the fog lights? There is no setting for the fog lights on the dial and the manual doesn't seem to say how these are used.

Thanks!

Pull the switch out (to rear).

 

[EXPLORER04]

Yes, I searched first.

2003 4WD Limited V8
2. There is an on/off power button on my rear view mirror with a little lift on either side of the button. What is this for? I cannot find anything in the manual on this.


Thanks!

That's for the auto dimming mirror

 

[Splorin' 461]

Thanks guys.

 

[Joe in NY]

for some reasons in early fords with the turning light control fog lights can only be used when in manual mode. But newer ones can be on with auto...

But why do you need the fog lights? They dont do anything other than waste energy from the engine. ( more gas )

 

[extra-medium]

for some reasons in early fords with the turning light control fog lights can only be used when in manual mode. But newer ones can be on with auto...

But why do you need the fog lights? They dont do anything other than waste energy from the engine. ( more gas )

Seriously though you don't use more gas from using your fog lights. And mine provide good lighting closer in to the front of my vehicle and to the sides so I can see the edge of the pavement better.

 

[Number4]

1. The tow package, if you have the 2 inch receiver, means you can pull up to 7000lbs.

 

[IPcamper]

You can find all of the specs for your Explorer at this site.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2003-2/2003-ford-explorer-specifications/

 

[Splorin' 461]

@ Joe in NY, electrical accessories do not use any additional fuel. I don't understand that myth at all. It doesn't even make sense.

I just wanted to know how to use the fog lights. I will almost certainly never use them unless I want to look cool. You can always tell who is cool on the road because the cool people have their fog lights on.

I'm more curiouser if any of the vehicles components revive an upgrade with the tow package. Is there better brakes, suspension, different drive ratio, etc.? Or is it just a tow hitch and electrical hook-up?

That is a very useful link though, thanks IPcamper.

 

[IPcamper]

I am the original owner of our 03 Explorer, V8, with tow package.
The dealer told us that the Tow package included
... the Class III/IV hitch
... The 7 pin trailer adapter
... Pre-wired for electric brake controller
... A larger transmission cooler
... a larger engine oil cooler
... Stiffer rear struts.

I don't know if the larger transmission cooler is true, but it always take 7 quarts of oil instead of six to change the oil on our explorer and it does have an engine oil cooler. It is pre-wired for an electric brake control. Ours also came with the 17 inch wheels.
You can find more info on the towing specs from this pdf file.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...04uF3ScJZ_UyjC0OX752iNA&bvm=bv.77880786,d.aWw

 

[Splorin' 461]

I am the original owner of our 03 Explorer, V8, with tow package.
The dealer told us that the Tow package included
... the Class III/IV hitch
... The 7 pin trailer adapter
... Pre-wired for electric brake controller
... A larger transmission cooler
... a larger engine oil cooler
... Stiffer rear struts.

I don't know if the larger transmission cooler is true, but it always take 7 quarts of oil instead of six to change the oil on our explorer and it does have an engine oil cooler. It is pre-wired for an electric brake control. Ours also came with the 17 inch wheels.
You can find more info on the towing specs from this pdf file.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...04uF3ScJZ_UyjC0OX752iNA&bvm=bv.77880786,d.aWw

Thanks! That's exactly the info I was looking for. Its good to know that its got a bigger oil/trans cooler and stiffer springs.

Thanks for the PDF too. I would never have found that.

 

[Joe in NY]

So if I have a 20kW generator it uses then same amount of fuel when only a 1kW load applied as to a 20kW load?

That is false. Energy doesn't come out of no where. The engine turns the alternator and then alternator supplies what it is requested. The higher the load on the alternator, the higher the load of your engine. More load = more gas. Plain and simple.

I don't understand how people don't understand basic energy and electricity...

 

[extra-medium]

So if I have a 20kW generator it uses then same amount of fuel when only a 1kW load applied as to a 20kW load?

That is false. Energy doesn't come out of no where. The engine turns the alternator and then alternator supplies what it is requested. The higher the load on the alternator, the higher the load of your engine. More load = more gas. Plain and simple.

I don't understand how people don't understand basic energy and electricity...

You are correct about your generator situation, but fog lights don't put that much more strain on the electrical system of a vehicle. If you are running a huge stereo set up with amps and subs and tv screens then yeah, you would need more power output, but the engineering that has gone into the electrical systems in vehicles to run factory installed accessories incorrect, but if you believe that, more power to you.

 

[Number4]

The alternator is not clutch operated, it spins with the engine. Whether you are going 5 mph or 60, it spins at the same rate regardless of the amperes need. If it engaged like the clutch on the ac compressor, then that would be different.

 

[Joe in NY]

so take an alternator with a 5 watt buld and turn it. Easy right? Yes.

Now put a 1,000 Watt build (most alternators are 160 amp ~1.6KW), is it still easy to turn? NO! That is exactly what is happening when the engine is turning it. The more you draw the more gas the engine needs to run the alternator to run the load. Basic high school physics here guys...

A good test: Idle the engine at 2,000 rpm with all lights and heaters off. Now keep your foot dead still at 2,000 rpm no load. Turn on the defrost elements, seat heaters, and high beams. What does the engine do? Oh yeah, it slows down to around 1,700 rpm ~ 1,800 rpm. Why is that???

 

[Duranged84]

Maybe you have other issues, unless you meant defrost elements as in actual defrost and rear desfrost, which would engage the ac clutch.... I've spun my alternator by hand when the belt broke and had everything running... Im not saying you are wrong, but I would be interested in seeing actual data that 2 stock or even wal-fart brand foglights using any more gas at all than with them off... As was compared, 5 watts of electricity vs 1000 watts... I think thats a bit of a stretch for comparing the extra load of 2 foglights.


I would also like to add, that personally, if the minute difference in fuel consumption from running 2 extra lights, and even a half decent stereo system were of concern, then I bought the wrong vehicle anyway....

 

[dieselscout80]

Actually GM uses the PMC to shutdown the alternator which dies reduce the load on a engine. The PMC restarts the alternator when the battery voltage drops below 12 volts or so on my Chevy Uplander worked that way.

 

[Duranged84]

Gm uses the ecu as a voltage regulator instead of having one in the alternator. The purpose is not specifically to reduce engine load but for more precise voltage control.

 

[Joe in NY]

^^^ precise voltage control... good joke. Our 2007 Suburban runs at 15.3 volts! Its on its 3rd battery already! My explorer runs happily at 14.3 volts unless at idle. Then it drops.