1997 FORD EXPEDITION Owners Manual

When replacing full size
tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires.
Use only the tire sizes that are
listed on the tire pressure decal.
Make sure that all tires are the
same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only
the tire combinations
recommended on the decal. If
you do not follow these
precautions, your vehicle may
not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all
replacement tires are of
the same size, type, load-carrying
capacity and tread design (e.g.,
ªAll Terrainº, etc.), as originally
offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires
with ªhigh performanceª
tires or larger size tires.
Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
Your vehicle requires the use of
the following tire types:
²A/S BSW P255/70R 16
²A/T OWL P255/70R 16
²A/T OWL P265/70R 17
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Ford recommends only tires of this
type and size for your vehicle.
When purchasing replacement tires
for your vehicle, consult your
dealer or qualified service
technician to ensure that the
correct tire types are used.
Using snow tires and traction
devices
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires you currently have on your
vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have
allÐweather treads to provide
traction in rain and snow. However,
in some climates, using snow tires
and traction devices may be
necessary. Ford offers tire cables
as a Ford approved accessory and
recommends use of these or their
equivalents. See your dealer or
qualified service technician for
more information on tire cables for
your vehicle. Follow these
guidelines when using snow tires
and traction devices:
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187

²Install cables securely, verifying
that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the
cables rub or bang against the
vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If this does not work,
remove the cables to prevent
vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when
they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent
vehicle damage. Do not remove
these components from the
vehicle when using snow tires
and traction devices.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30
mph) with tire cables on your
vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information
on other Ford approved methods
of traction control.
FUEL INFORMATION
The ignition key must be turned to
3 (Off) or 1 (Acc) during refueling
to obtain accurate fuel gauge
ratings.
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188

Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel
tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause
leakage and lead to fuel spray
and fire.
If you do not use the
proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can
damage the fuel system or cause
it to work improperly in a
collision.
The fuel system may be
under pressure. If the fuel
cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it
stops before completely
removing the cap.
Automotive fuels can
cause serious injury or
death if misused or mishandled.
Observe the following guidelines
when handling automotive fuel:
²Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
²Always turn off the vehicle
before fueling.
²Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician
immediately, even if no
symptoms are immediately
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189

apparent. The toxic affects of
fuel may not be visible for
hours.
²Fuels can also be harmful if
absorbed through the skin. If
fuel is splashed on the skin,
promptly remove contaminated
clothing and wash skin
thoroughly with soap and water.
²If fuel is splashed in the eyes,
remove contact lenses, flush
with water for 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
²Be particularly careful if you are
taking ªAntabuseº or other
forms of disulfiram for the
treatment of alcoholism.
Breathing gasoline vapors or
skin contact could cause an
adverse reaction. Consult a
physician immediately.
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The
use of leaded fuel is prohibited by
law and could damage your
vehicle. The damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
Your vehicle was not designed to
use fuel containing
manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles
certified to California emission
standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions
Control Information label) are
designed to operate on California
reformulated gasolines. If
California reformulated gasoline is
not available when you refuel, your
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190

vehicle can be operated on
non-California fuels. However, even
though your engine will perform
adequately on other gasolines, the
performance of the emission
control devices and systems may
be adversely affected. Repair of
damage caused by using a fuel that
your vehicle was not designed for
may not be covered by your
warranty.
Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
regular gasoline with an (R+M)/2
octane rating of 87. We do not
recommend gasolines labeled as
ªregularº in high altitude areas that
are sold with octane ratings of 86
or even less.
Do not be concerned if your
vehicle sometimes knocks lightly.
However, if it knocks heavily under
most driving conditions on the
recommended octane fuel, see
your dealer or a qualified service
technician to prevent any engine
damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting,
rough idle or hesitation problems
try a different brand of fuel. If the
condition persists, see your dealer
or a qualified service technician.
The American Automobile
Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
87
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191

issued a gasoline specification to
provide information on high quality
fuels that optimize the
performance of your vehicle. We
recommend the use of gasolines
that meet the AAMA specification
if they are available.
It should not be necessary to add
any aftermarket products to your
fuel tank if you continue to use a
high-quality fuel.
Cleaner air
Ford approves the use of gasolines
to improve air quality, including
reformulated gasolines, that
contain oxygenates such as a
maximum of 10% ethanol or 15%
MTBE. There should be no more
than 5% methanol with cosolvents
and additives to protect the fuel
system.
Filling the fuel tank
1. Turn the engine off. After
opening the fuel door, remove the
cap carefully and slowly by turning
it counterclockwise
1¤4turn until it
stops. Pull to remove the cap. A
tether attaches the cap to the fuel
filler pipe.
2. Make sure that you pump
unleaded fuel and put the nozzle
inside the fuel filler pipe.
²To optimize fill, it may be
necessary to reposition the
nozzle in the filler pipe.SNAP
THENPULLTO
REMOVESNAPON
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192

²The help reduce early nozzle
shut offs and fuel spillage, park
your vehicle so that the fuel
filler door is level.
²Avoid excessively fast fuel
dispensing rates (over 38 L [10
gallons] per minute).
²If you spill any fuel on the body
of your vehicle, clean it off
immediately. The fuel may dull
or soften the paint if it is not
washed off promptly.
3. To replace the fuel cap, align
the tabs on the cap with the
notches on the filler pipe. Turn it
clockwise until it stops.
4. Push the fuel door closed.
If the check engine warning light
illuminates and remains illuminated
while the engine is started, the
fuel cap may not be properly
seated. Turn off the engine,
remove the fuel cap and replace it.
being sure to align the cap
properly.
If the fuel cap is lost, replace it
with an authorized Motorcraft or
equivalent part.
Calculating fuel economy
To accurately calculate your
vehicle's fuel economy:
1. Fill the tank completely and
record the initial odometer
reading.
2. Each time you fill the tank,
record the amount of fuel added
(in liters or gallons).
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