Why does the check engine light in my Explorer turn on when I start my car?

Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. This is a sign that your vehicle is testing its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.

Are Ford Explorer engine noises bad?

Unusual noises can signal a problem with your Ford Explorer engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you're low on oil. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing can be traced back to a loose fan belt, and grinding might be a sign of brake problems rather than engine issues.

What could damage a Ford engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Ford Explorer engine?

Some driving habits are not so great for your engine. These include driving on a near-empty gas tank, revving your engine while the vehicle is in Park, or accelerating too quickly, too soon. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.

Can I add water to my Ford Explorer radiator?

Only in emergencies. A 50/50 mix of coolant and water (or a pre-mixed) coolant is recommended. However, if you must keep driving when you're out of coolant, it's better to drive with water in your coolant reservoir than nothing.

What could cause my Explorer engine to suddenly stop?

There are different reasons your Explorer vehicle engine could suddenly stop. You may be looking at a lack of fuel, faulty sensors, issues with the ignition system, engine overheating, electrical problems, or mechanical troubles.

Where can I go for Ford Explorer repair?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care fixes Ford Explorer engines. Book an appointment today! We have thousands of locations across the country.

Reliable Repairs for 2003 Ford Explorer Engines

Learn about

2003 Ford Explorer Trim Options

Select your Ford Explorer trim level to learn more about Ford-recommended engine repair. Even Ford Explorer parts will get older and change.

V6/4.0L

V8/4.6L

Ford Explorer Repairs and Services

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford Explorer’s engine parts and components will change. We’re here to help when something stops working. Select a service or repair below to learn more about what we can do for your 2003 Ford Explorer.

We Care for Ford Explorer Engines

Ford Explorer engines are known for their reliability. You may have even been thinking about that when you bought it. Even so, pieces and parts can break down over time. Things can go sideways sometimes. When they do, you might find yourself searching for 2003 Ford Explorer engine repair or replacement parts. Luckily, you won’t have to look far, since Firestone Complete Auto Care has 1,700+ locations across the country. We've serviced millions of vehicles since 1926, and our professional technicians are trained to service Ford Explorer engines. Schedule a courtesy inspection at the first sign of engine trouble. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

Illuminated Check Engine Light on 2003 Ford Explorer

An illuminated check engine light on your Ford Explorer is one of the first signs it's time to 'brake' for engine service. A steady or flashing check engine light could signal a serious issue with your or emission system, and it won’t go away by ignoring it. Causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged spark plug, issues with your catalytic converter, or a leaking engine vacuum, but that's only a few of the possible causes. Bring your Explorer to Firestone Complete Auto Care to get computerized diagnostics and our expert techs will get the root of the problem. rattling sounds, essential fluid leaks, or a sinking feeling that something’s wrong.

Ford Explorer Engine Repair

If your 2003 Ford Explorer needs engine repair, our expert techs will let you know what needs to be done and why before they get started. We never do any work without your sign-off. If a repair isn’t urgent right now, we’ll let you know. But if immediate repairs are necessary for your safety, we’ll make sure that's clear, too. We want to give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about your engine repairs. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for Explorer engine repairs and you can drive easy knowing that we use Ford-approved parts and fluids — cambelt, engine oil seal, fuses, or other parts.

Engine Q&A 2003 Ford Explorer

Why does the check engine light in my Explorer turn on when I start my car? Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. This is a sign that your vehicle is testing its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.
Are Ford Explorer engine noises bad? Unusual noises can signal a problem with your Ford Explorer engine. Tapping or knocking could mean you're low on oil. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing can be traced back to a loose fan belt, and grinding might be a sign of brake problems rather than engine issues.
What could damage a Ford engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Ford Explorer engine? Some driving habits are not so great for your engine. These include driving on a near-empty gas tank, revving your engine while the vehicle is in Park, or accelerating too quickly, too soon. Protect your engine’s performance and efficiency by distancing yourself from these habits.
Can I add water to my Ford Explorer radiator? Only in emergencies. A 50/50 mix of coolant and water (or a pre-mixed) coolant is recommended. However, if you must keep driving when you're out of coolant, it's better to drive with water in your coolant reservoir than nothing.
What could cause my Explorer engine to suddenly stop? There are different reasons your Explorer vehicle engine could suddenly stop. You may be looking at a lack of fuel, faulty sensors, issues with the ignition system, engine overheating, electrical problems, or mechanical troubles.
Where can I go for Ford Explorer repair? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care fixes Ford Explorer engines. Book an appointment today! We have thousands of locations across the country.