2000 FORD EXCURSION weight

4x4 with automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
5.4L 4.10 6 577 (14 500) 3 265 (7 200)
6.8L 3.73 7 711 (17 000) 4 354 (9 600)
6.8L 4.30 8 164 (18 000) 4 536 (10 000)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.73 8 164 (18 000) 4 536 (10 000)
The frame mounted hitch receiver is non-removable.
Towing a Class IV trailer (extra heavy duty) 2 268±4 536 kg
(5 001±10 000 lbs.) trailer weight requires a weight-distributing
or fifth-wheel hitch.
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.
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. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0±13 mm (1/2 inch) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 3.
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
130

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

²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will
eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission
damage and void your warranty coverage.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²The trailer tongue weight should be no more than 10±15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transmissions) or N (Neutral)
(manual transmissions). This aids engine cooling and air conditioner
efficiency.
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
²Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper and
²Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
²Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer's electrical wiring.
Driving
132

²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
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
Maintenance and care
192

Protection and appearance equipment
Air bag anti-theft locks
Carpeted cargo mat
Door edge guards
Diamond plate splash guards
Car/truck covers
Cargo liners, interior
Carpet floor mats
Cleaners, waxes and polishes
Flat splash guards
Front end covers (full)
Hood deflectors
Locking gas cap
Lubricants and oils
Molded splash guards
Molded vinyl floor mats
Rear air deflectors
Side window air deflectors
Step bumpers
Touch-up paint
Universal floor mats
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
²When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
compliance certification label). Consult your dealer for specific weight
information.
²The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems - such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
Customer assistance
222

Engine block heater .................110
Engine oil ..................................160
checking and adding ..............160
dipstick ....................................160
filter, specifications ........162, 204
recommendations ...................162
refill capacities ........................204
specifications ..................207, 209
Exhaust fumes ..........................111
F
Fail safe cooling ........................170
Fluid capacities .........................204
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles..13, 119
control trac ...............................19
description ..............................121
driving off road .......................123
electronic shift ..........19, 120±121
indicator light ...................12, 120
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................115
Fuel ............................................185
calculating fuel economy .......189
cap ...........................................188
capacity ...................................204
choosing the right fuel ...........187
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................192
detergent in fuel .....................188
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................185, 188±189
filter, specifications ........189, 204
fuel pump shut-off switch .....137
gauge .........................................15
improving fuel economy ........189
low fuel warning light ................8
octane rating ...................187, 209
quality ......................................187
running out of fuel .................188safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................185
Fuses ..................................138±139
G
Garage door opener ....................56
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............188
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................189
Gauges .........................................14
battery voltage gauge ...............17
engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........17
fuel gauge ..................................15
odometer ...................................16
speedometer .............................15
tachometer ................................17
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR (Gross
Axle Weight Rating) .................125
calculating ...............................127
definition .................................125
driving with a heavy load ......125
location ....................................125
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............125
calculating .......................125, 127
definition .................................125
driving with a heavy load ......125
location ....................................125
H
Hazard flashers .........................137
Head restraints ...........................77
Headlamps ...................................18
aiming ......................................199
Index
227