2000 FORD EXCURSION manual transmission

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
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).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
position for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. This
action could damage the power steering pump.
If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the
power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
After any severe impact such as striking large potholes, sliding into curbs
on icy roads or a collision involving the front end, have the front
suspension and steering checked for possible damage.
!
BRAKE
PULL
Driving
114

If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and the
instrument panel control is moved to 4WD Low while the vehicle
is moving, the system will not engage and no damage will occur to
the 4WD system. Before 4WD Low can be engaged, the vehicle
must be at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed and
the transmission in N (Neutral).
4H or 4L operation is not recommended on dry pavement. Doing
so could result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case,
increased tire wear and decreased fuel economy.
Electronic shift on the fly (ESOF) 4x4 system
The 4WD system:
²provides 4x4 High engagement and disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
²is operated by a rotary control located on the instrument panel that
allows you select 2WD, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low operation.
²uses hub locks that can be engaged and disengaged automatically by
using a rotary control located on the instrument panel.
²automatic hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating
the hub lock control from AUTO
to LOCK. Automatic operation of
the hub locks is recommended.
²For proper operation, make
sure that the arrow and the
indicator dot on the hub are
aligned.
4WD system indicator lights
The 4WD system indicator lights illuminate only under the following
conditions. If these lights illuminate when driving in 2WD, contact your
Ford dealer as soon as possible.
Driving
120

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

Locks
childproof ..................................53
doors ..........................................53
Lubricant specifications ...207, 209
Lumbar support, seats .........76±77
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................204
lubricant specifications ..........209
Message center ...........................58
english/metric button ...............58
menu button .............................59
Mirrors .........................................58
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................57
fold away ...................................55
heated ........................................55
side view mirrors (power) .......54
Motorcraft parts ................189, 204
O
Octane rating ............................187
Odometer .....................................16
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................160
Overdrive .....................................51
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ................................66
Parking brake ............................113
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....204
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................143Power door locks ........................53
Power steering ..........................114
fluid, checking and adding ....171
fluid, refill capacity ................204
fluid, specifications .........207, 209
Preparing to
drive your vehicle .....................115
R
Radio ............................................27
Relays ........................................138
Remote entry system ...........64, 66
illuminated entry ......................67
locking/unlocking doors ...........65
panic alarm ...............................66
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................68
replacing the batteries .............66
Roof rack ...................................133
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................14, 84±87, 89
Safety defects, reporting ..........224
Safety restraints ..............84±87, 89
belt minder ...............................91
cleaning the safety belts ..94, 203
extension assembly ..................90
for adults .............................85±87
for children .......................99±100
lap belt ......................................89
warning light
and chime ......................11, 14, 91
Safety seats for children ..........101
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............84
Index
229