
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the
ground, such as when changing a tire.
TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal
depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N
(Neutral).
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is
possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
Driving
111

Driving off-road with 4WD
Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more
information on driving off-road, read the ªFour Wheelingº supplement in
your owner's portfolio.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting
from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady
pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine can
overheat.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Driving
117

Driving on snow and ice
A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow
the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep steady
pressure on the brake pedal.
Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider
using one of the lower gears.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs.
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission is submerged
may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
Driving
119

Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer, and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer 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
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle's bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to OFF.
3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
4. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0±13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 3.
5. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to 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
124

HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated. The ªFuel Resetº indicator light
will illuminate in the instrument cluster. The shut-off switch is a device
intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has been
involved in a substantial jolt.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and
return the key to the OFF position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.
Roadside emergencies
128

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
26 10A Right Side Low Beam Headlamp
27 5A Foglamp Relay and Foglamp Indicator
28 10A Left Side Low Beam Headlamp
29 5A Autolamp Module, Transmission Overdrive
Control Switch
30 30A Passive Anti Theft Transceiver, Cluster,
Ignition Coils, Powertrain Control Module
Relay
31 10A Rear Integrated Control Panel (Audio), CD
Player
Relay 1 Ð Interior Lamp Relay
Relay 2 Ð Battery Saver Relay
Relay 3 Ð Rear Window Defroster Relay
Relay 4 Ð One Touch Down Window Relay
Relay 5 Ð ACC Delay Relay
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is
located in the engine compartment.
The power distribution box contains
high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems
from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the Power Distribution Box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
Roadside emergencies
133

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingDescription
12 10A* Rear Wipers
13 Ð Not Used
14 Ð Not Used
15 10A* Running Board Lamps
16 Ð Not Used
17 Ð Not Used
18 15A* Powertrain Control Module, Fuel Injectors,
Fuel Pump, Mass Air Flow Sensor
19 10A* Trailer Tow Stop and Right Turn Lamp
20 10A* Trailer Tow Stop and Left Turn Lamp
21 Ð Not Used
22 Ð Not Used
23 15A* Powertrain Control Module, HEGO Sensors,
Canister Vent
24 15A* Powertrain C ontrol Module, Automatic
Transmission, CMS Sensor
101 30A** Trailer Tow Battery Charge
102 50A** Four Wheel Antilock Brake Module
103 50A** Junction Block Battery Feed
104 30A** 4x4 Shift Motor & Clutch
105 40A** Climate Control Front Blower
106 Ð Not Used
107 Ð Not Used
108 30A** Trailer Tow Electric Brake
109 50A** Air Suspension Compressor
110 30A** Moonroof, Flip Windows and Heated Seats
111 50A** Ignition Switch Battery Feed (Start Circuit)
112 30A** Drivers Power Seat, Adjustable Pedals
113 50A** Ignition Switch Battery Feed (Run and
Accessory Circuits)
114 30A** Climate Control Auxiliary Blower
115 Ð Not Used
Roadside emergencies
135

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue to work properly:
²Use only unleaded fuel.
²Avoid running out of fuel.
²Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
²Have the items listed in your Scheduled Maintenance Guide performed
according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide are essential to the life and performance of your vehicle and to its
emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the charging system warning light,Check Engine
indicator light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange
odors, smoke or loss of oil pressure, could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle's emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Maintenance and care
178