2000 FORD EXPEDITION brakes

Automatic transmission may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of
(Overdrive) into
D (Drive).
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 (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.
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.
Driving
149

2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
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.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may
require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads
on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and
suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be
sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the ªService Guideº.
²Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
If your vehicle is equipped with the optional heavy duty trailer tow
wiring, it is pre-wired for trailer towing. An electrical connector is
provided under the instrument panel for installing a customer-supplied
electric brake controller. Another electrical connector is provided at the
hitch. This connector provides power to the trailer for taillamps, stop
Driving
152

and turn lamps, back up lamps, battery charge, electric brakes (when a
customer provided controller is installed) and ground. The kit included
with your vehicle provides you with adaptors to attach the brake
controller and convert the hitch connector for Class I trailer usage.
Trailer towing table (with heavy duty trailer tow option)
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/trailer weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioTire
sizeMaximum GCWRTrailer weight
range
(0 - maximum)
4x2
4.6L 3.3140.6 cm
(16 in)4 990 kg (11 000 lbs.)0-2676 kg
(0-5 900 lbs.)
4.6L 3.3140.6 cm
(17 in)4 990 kg (11 000 lbs.)0-2676 kg
(0-5 900 lbs.)
5.4L 3.3140.6 cm
(16 in)5 443 kg (12 000 lbs.)0-3 084 kg
(0-6 800 lbs.)
5.4L 3.5540.6 cm
(16 in)5 897 kg (13 000 lbs)0-3 538 kg
(0-7 800 lbs)
5.4L 3.5543.2
(17 in)5 897 kg (13 000 lbs)0-3 538 kg
(0-7 800 lbs)
5.4L 3.7340.6 cm
(16 in)6 123 kg (13 500 lbs.)0-3 757 kg
(0-8 300 lbs.)
5.4L 3.7343.2
(17 in)6 124 kg (13 500 lbs)0-3 765 kg
(0-8 300 lbs)
4x4
4.6L 3.5540.6 cm
(16 in)5 216 kg (11 500 lbs.)0-2 722 kg
(0-6 000 lbs.)
4.6L 3.5543.2 cm
(17 in)4 990 kg (11 000 lbs.)0-2 495 kg
(5 500 lbs.)
5.4L 3.3140.6 cm
(16 in)5 443 kg (12 000 lbs.)0-2 903 kg
(0-6 400 lbs.)
5.4L 3.5540.6 cm
(16 in)5 897 kg (13 000 lbs.)0-3 357 kg
(0-7 400 lbs.)
5.4L 3.5543.2 cm
(17 in)5 760 kg (12 500 lbs.)0-3 130 kg
(0-6 900 lbs.)
Maximum frontal area of trailer is 5.6 square meters (60 square feet)
Driving
153

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.
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.
Do not attach safety chains to 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
Driving
155

Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford specifications) for your engine application.
BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap 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.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and care
186

Do not let the fluid level in the reservoir for the master cylinder
fall below the MIN mark. If master cylinder runs dry, this may
cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling
system components.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
Your engine's cooling system has been factory-filled with a 50/50 mixture
of distilled water and Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in
Maintenance and care
187

AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by a qualified service technician.
CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Refer to the Customer Assistance chapter for a list of Ford-approved
cleaners, polishes and waxes.
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, 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.
Maintenance and care
221

Accessory delay ..........................78
Air bag supplemental
restraint system .................114,118
and child safety seats ............116
description .......................114,118
disposal .............................118,121
driver air bag ...................116,119
indicator light ...............9,118,120
operation ..........................116,119
passenger air bag ............116,119
side air bag ..............................118
Air cleaner filter .........199,200,226
Air conditioning ..........................51
automatic temperature
control system ..........................54
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................60
Air suspension ...........................138
description ..............................138
warning light .............................12
Ambulance packages ....................3
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................187
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................134,135
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................11
Armrests ......................................94
Audio system (see Radio) .........25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................142
fluid, adding ............................194
fluid, checking ........................194
fluid, refill capacities ..............226
fluid, specification ..................232
Auxiliary power point .................24
Axle
lubricant specifications ...229,232
refill capacities ........................226
traction lok ..............................139
Battery .......................................197acid, treating emergencies .....197
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....175
maintenance-free ....................197
replacement, specifications ...226
servicing ..................................197
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder ...............................110
Brakes ........................................134
anti-lock ............................134,135
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,135
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....186
fluid, refill capacities ..............226
fluid, specifications ..........229,232
lubricant specifications ...229,232
parking ....................................136
pedals (see Power
adjustable foot pedals) ............21
shift interlock ..........................141
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....226
Cassette tape player ...................25
CD changer .................................47
Certification Label ....................234
Child safety restraints ..............122
child safety belts ....................122
Child safety seats ......................123
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat .......................124,127
tether anchorage hardware ...128
Cleaning your vehicle ...............221
engine compartment ..............222
exterior ....................................222
exterior lamps .........................223
instrument panel ....................224
instrument panel lens ............224
interior ..............................224,225
plastic parts ............................223
safety belts ..............................225
Index
248