03 Ford Explorer

Also, as I believe there are no stupid questions, how do I tell if the car is running on dual fuel, rather than just gas with the petrol disconnected? I didn't realise until we poked around a bit that there is a gas port at the back, and it has a conversion sticker under the bonnet. I really want to be able to run it on both, as gas can be hard to get in remote areas (read impossible).

Hi. Not wanting to rain on your new purchase but they are nicknamed "Ford Exploder" That said some people have had a good run out of them so it could be a lucky dip. In regards to your gas question. The engine should start on petrol and transfer to gas automatically within a short period of the engine starting. You would need to make sure there is at least quarter of a tank of petrol. There should also be a 2 or 3 way switch some where handy on the dash which can manually change from petrol to gas and vice versa. Normally it will have a petrol bowser symbol on it and with the switch towards this symbol it should be running on petrol. ( There are some systems that have a light instead of a symbol and a button instead of a switch) The best idea is to make sure you have both gas and petrol. Start and run the engine in park at about 1500 rpm and make sure it runs with the switch in both positions. Once you have achieved that it is then a matter of working out which position is for gas and the other for petrol. ( a three way switch has both off in the centre) Good luck with your purchase and I hope it stays reliable for you. Bob.

Good on you.We have a 2002 4 ltr V6 on petrol only towing a Jayco Westport,18ft.We have done over 30000 km in last 9 months,only major problem was collapsed rear wheel bearing but this was fixed [did both] in Darwin,no problem.Uses a bit of petrol when towing but performs ok,have only used high and low range a couple of times.Very comfortable and well appointed.Had some hassels when matching up caravan to car as the Explorer is quite high and we had to get a low hitch from Hayman Reese,all worked out ok. Now..........if you listen to all the Toyota and Nissan owners you would expect to see Explorers littering the road all over Australia.....well I have met more Toyota and Nissan owners with cars disabled during our travels than Explorers.Also dont be taken in by the diesel verses pertol argument......petrol still works out cheaper taking into account purchase price of vehicle etc.Enjoy your Explorer,we are.

We've had a 2000 Explore since new and it hasn't missed a beat. Been round the block more than once,went out to Steep Point with ease, and towied our campervan along the GRR, and now a Coromal pop top to NQ every Winter.with a few local trips in between. Got nearly 200,000kms. on the clock. Sure it likes a drink, but it weighs nearly 2 Tonne itself, plus about 1.5 Tonne of van. and all the goodies we all carry on board. Enjoy your Explorer. Cheers.

Roger B...