2000 FORD EXCURSION brakes

3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
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 (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
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 vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
Your vehicle may tow a
Conventional/Class IV trailer
provided the maximum trailer
weight is less than or equal to the
maximum trailer weight listed for
your engine and rear axle ratio on
the following charts.
Your vehicle's load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
The hitch receiver was designed not to be removed. Any
modification or removal of the hitch receiver compromises the
safety benefit it was designed to provide.
Driving
128

Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the chains
under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Attach safety chains to the hitch, not the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, use the frame
mounted hitch receiver.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
Driving
131

If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Checking and adding brake fluidÐdiesel engine
Check and refill the Hydromax
brake fluid reservoir using the
following procedure. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Maintenance and care
164

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories (such as antennas) and fold in the side
view mirrors before entering a car wash. If you have wax applied to the
vehicle at a commercial car wash, it is recommended that you clean the
wiper blades and windshield as described inCleaning the wiper blades
and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Maintenance and care
200

A
Accessory delay ..........................53
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................95
and child safety seats ..............97
description ................................95
disposal ......................................99
driver air bag ............................97
indicator light .....................11, 99
operation ...................................97
passenger air bag .....................97
Air cleaner filter .......177±178, 204
Air conditioning ..........................22
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................24
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................165
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................112±113
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................13
Audio system (see Radio) .........27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................116
fluid, adding ............................172
fluid, checking ........................172
fluid, refill capacities ..............204
fluid, specification ..................209
Auxiliary power point .................21
Axle
lubricant specifications ..207, 209
refill capacities ........................204
traction lok ..............................179B
Battery .......................................175
acid, treating emergencies .....175
charging system warning light...12
jumping a disabled battery ....151
maintenance-free ....................175
replacement, specifications ...204
servicing ..................................175
voltage gauge ............................17
Belt minder .................................91
Brakes ........................................112
anti-lock ...........................112±113
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 113
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....163
fluid, refill capacities ..............204
fluid, specifications .........207, 209
lubricant specifications ..207, 209
parking ....................................113
shift interlock ..........................115
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....204
Cargo net .....................................73
CD changer .................................39
Certification Label ....................211
Child safety restraints ..............100
child safety belts ....................100
Child safety seats ......................101
attaching with tether straps ..105
in front seat ............................102
in rear seat ..............................102
Cleaning your vehicle ...............199
engine compartment ..............201
Index
225

bulb specifications ..................198
daytime running lights .............18
flash to pass ..............................51
high beam ...........................12, 50
replacing bulbs .......................195
turning on and off ....................18
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................22
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................22
Hood ..........................................159
I
Ignition .................................44, 209
Infant seats (see Safety seats)..101
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................194
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................202
cluster ..................................8, 202
lighting up panel and interior...18
location of components ..............8
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......151
K
Keyless entry system
locking and unlocking doors ....70
programming entry code .........69
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........44L
Lamps
autolamp system .....................194
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................198
cargo lamps ...............................18
daytime running light ...............18
headlamps .................................18
headlamps, flash to pass ..........51
instrument panel, dimming .....18
interior lamps .............62±63, 198
replacing
bulbs ................194±195, 197±198
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................44
Liftgate ........................................73
Lights, warning and indicator ......8
air bag ........................................11
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 113
anti-theft ...................................13
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................13
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................13
engine oil pressure ...................13
high beam .................................12
low fuel ........................................8
safety belt .................................11
service engine soon ................8±9
turn signal indicator .................12
Load limits .................................125
GAWR ......................................125
GVWR ......................................125
trailer towing ..........................125
Loading instructions .................127
Index
228