2000 FORD EXCURSION tow

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.
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4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
5.4L 3.73 5 896 (13 000) 2 812 (6 200)
6.8L 3.73 7 711 (17 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 4.30 8 164 (18 000) 4 536 (10 000)
4x4 w/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)
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.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
Trailer towing table
4x2 with automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
5.4L 3.73 5 896 (13 000) 2 812 (6 200)
6.8L 3.73 7 711 (17 000) 4 536 (10 000)
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)
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129

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.
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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.
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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.
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132

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants anytime the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a Motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions)
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
²Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed until the vehicle is
being towed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case (with automatic
transmissions)
4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.
LUGGAGE RACK
Maximum load is 90 kg (200 lbs) on the roof rack structure, or 45 kg
(100 lbs) on the roof panel slats, evenly distributed. If it is not possible
to distribute the load, position it as far rearward as possible. Use
adjustable tie down loops to secure the load.
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133

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the Basic warranty period (Canada) or New Vehicle Limited
Warranty period (U.S.) of three years or 60,000 km (36,000 miles),
whichever comes first on Ford and Mercury vehicles, and four years or
80,000 km (50,000 miles) on Lincoln vehicles
Roadside assistance will cover:
²changing a flat tire
²jump-starts
²lock-out assistance
²fuel delivery
²towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford dealership, or your
selling dealer if within 25 kms (15.5 miles) of the nearest Ford
Dealership (one tow per disablement). Even non-warranty related
tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the mud or snow, are covered
(some exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment in Ford vehicles and is
mailed to you if you own a Mercury or Lincoln. In Canada, it is found in
the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States for Ford or Mercury
vehicles, call 1-800-241-3673 or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call
1±800±521±4140. In Canada call 1±800±665±2006.
Should you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1-800-241-3673 in the United States for Ford or
Mercury vehicles; or if you own a Lincoln vehicle, call 1±800±521±4140.
Call 1±800±665±2006 in Canada.
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136

The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment
Fuse Panel Description
1 20A Radio, Secondary Fusing for Audio Options
2 5A Instrument Cluster, Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) Keep Alive Memory, PATS
LED
3 20A Cigar Lighter, Data Link Connector
4 Ð Not Used
5 10A Ignition Run Power Feed (Customer
Access)
6 15A DRL, Brake Shift Interlock (BSI), ECM,
Overhead Trip Computer (OTC), AUX A/C
Components, Hazard Flasher, Speed
Control, Vacuum Pump, Backup Lamps,
Electronic Shift On The Fly Hublock
Solenoid, Heated Seat
7 5A Power Window/Lock Switch Illumination
8 5A Headlamp Switch, LED/Radio
9 Ð Not Used
10 Ð Not Used
11 30A Wiper Run/Park Relay Coil, Wiper Hi/LO
Relay Coil, Washer Pump Relay Coils, Front
Wiper Motor, Rear Wiper Motor Relay Coils
12 Ð Not Used
13 20A Stop Lamps, Center High-mount Stop
Lamp/Hazard, Trailer Tow Stop Lamp,
Speed Control
14 15A Dome Lamp, Cargo Lamp, Courtesy Lamps,
Running Boards, Power Mirrors, Vanity
Mirrors, Map Lamps, Underhood Lamps,
Glove Box Lamp, Power Windows (Delayed
Accessory)
15 5A Stop Lamp Switch (Logic), PATS, GEM
16 15A Hi-beam Headlamps, Instrument Cluster
(Hi-beam Indicator)
Roadside emergencies
141