1997 FORD EXPEDITION automatic transmission

Transmission control indicator
light (TCIL)
The TCIL (OFF), located on the
end of the gearshift lever, may
flash steadily if a malfunction has
been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford dealer
as soon as possible. If this
condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.
For more information, refer to the
Drivingchapter.
Automatic four wheel drive
indicator (if equipped)
Illuminates when A4WD
(automatic 4±wheel drive) is
engaged.
4x4 (if equipped)
Illuminates when the 4H
(Four-Wheel Drive) or 4L
(Four-Wheel Drive Low) is
engaged.
4x4 low range (if equipped)
Illuminates when 4L (Four-Wheel
Drive Low) is engaged.
OVERDRIVE OFF
A4WD
4x4
LOW
RANGE
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Instrumentation
11

Overdrive control
Activating overdrive
D(Overdrive) is the normal
drive position for the best fuel
economy.
The overdrive function allows
automatic upshifts to second, third
and fourth gear.
Deactivating overdrive
Press the transmission control
switch on the end of the gearshift
lever. The transmission control
indicator light (TCIL) (OFF) will
illuminate on the end of the
gearshift lever.
Transmission will operate in gears
one through three. To return to
normal overdrive mode, press the
transmission control switch again.
The TCIL (OFF) will no longer be
illuminated.
When you shut off and re-start
your vehicle, the transmission will
OVERDRIVE OFF
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Controls and features
48

automatically return to normalD(Overdrive) mode.
Deactivate overdrive whenever
driving conditions (i.e., city traffic,
hilly terrain, etc.) cause the
transmission to shift excessively
between
D(Overdrive) and
D(Drive) ranges. Also deactivate
D(Overdrive) when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down
steep hills
²additional engine braking is
desired
Transmission control indicator
light (TCIL)
The TCIL (OFF), located on the
end of the gearshift lever, may
flash steadily if a malfunction has
been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer as soon as
possible. If this condition persists,
damage to the transmission could
occur.
Hazard flasher control
Use only in an emergency to warn
traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. Depress
control to activate all indicators
simultaneously. Depress control
again to turn off. The hazard lights
can be operated when the ignition
is off.
OVERDRIVE OFFexd_hazards
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Controls and features
49

Parking brake
To engage the parking brake:
To disengage the parking brake:
Always set the parking
brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely
latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First)
(manual transmission).
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with
power steering. Power steering
uses energy from the engine to
help steer the vehicle.
BRAKE
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Driving
109

If the light is displayed while
driving and the air suspension
system service switch is not turned
off, safely pull off the road at your
earliest convenience. Turn the
ignition switch from 4(On) to 3
(Off) and 4(On) again. If the
warning light reappears, turn the
air suspension switch off and have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer
or qualified service technician.
If the vehicle is loaded beyond the
recommended maximum payload,
the CHECK SUSP light may
illuminate. To correct this
condition, remove or redistribute
the payload according to the
recommended requirements and
follow the procedure outlined
above.
TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission
operation
Hold the brake pedal down
while you move the
gearshift lever from position to
position. If you do not hold the
brake pedal down, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and
injure someone.
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Driving
114

D(Overdrive)Ð The normal
driving position for the best fuel
economy. Transmission operates in
gears one through four.
D(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission
control switch on the end of the
gearshift lever. The transmission
control indicator light (TCIL)
(OFF) on the end of the gearshift
lever will remain off.
D(Drive)Ð Not shown on the
display. Activate by pressing the
transmission control switch on the
end of the gearshift lever. The
TCIL(OFF) will illuminate on the
gearshift lever. Transmission
operates in gears one through
three. D(Drive) provides more
engine braking than
D(Overdrive) and is useful
whenever driving conditions (i.e.,
city traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause
the transmission to excessively
shift between
D(Overdrive) and
D(Drive). Also deactivate
D(Overdrive) when:
²driving with a heavy load
²towing a trailer up or down
steep hills
²additional engine braking is
desired
To return to
D(Overdrive)
mode, press the transmission
control switch. The TCIL (OFF)
will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started,
the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
OVERDRIVE OFF
Driving
116

with all of the vehicle wheels on
the ground.
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of control and
personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for
towing a trailer and make sure that
it is properly attached to your
vehicle. See your dealer or a
reliable trailer retailer if you
require assistance.
If your vehicle is not equipped
with the factory heavy duty trailer
tow option, auxiliary coolers are
recommended for the automatic
transmission system if you are
planning on:
²traveling farther than 80 km (50
miles)
²towing in hilly terrain
²towing frequently
Calculating trailer loads
To determine the amount of weight
that your vehicle can carry:
²Obtain ratings from the Safety
Compliance Certification label
and the trailer towing
specifications in this chapter.
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Driving
129

should the vehicle weight ratings
per axle or combination truck and
trailer exceed the weight ratings
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label located on the
driver's side door.
When connecting a trailer hitch:
1. Turn off the air suspension
switch.
2. Connect the trailer.
3. Turn the air suspension back on.
Adjusting an equalizing
hitch so the rear bumper
of the vehicle is lower or higher
than it was unloaded will defeat
the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause
unpredictable handling.
Driving while towing a trailer
Speed control (if equipped) may
not work properly while towing on
long, steep grades.
Driving with an automatic
transmission:
²use D, 1 or 2 rather than
Dwhile towing up or down
steep hills
²anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
Towing behind another vehicle
Your vehicle can not be flat towed
with all wheels on the ground.
No neutral tow kit is available for
your vehicle.
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Driving
132