2000 FORD EXPEDITION Owners Manual

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)
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Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of control
and personal injury.
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.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the factory heavy duty trailer tow
option, auxiliary coolers are recommended for the automatic
transmission system if you are planning on:
²traveling farther than 80 km (50 miles)
²towing in hilly terrain
²towing frequently
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle's bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
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. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to OFF.
3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
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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
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1 814 kg (4 000 lb.) trailer weight and 181 kg (400 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
Use a frame-mounted weight distributing hitch for trailers over 1814 kg
(4 000 lb).
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area 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 10% 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) and increase idle speed. 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.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions, reliability and
causing internal transmission damage.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
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Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
The rear crossbar can be adjusted to fit the item being carried. The front
crossbar does not move.
To adjust the luggage rack, push the
adjustment lever forward (toward
the front of the vehicle), then slide
the crossbar forward and lock the
adjusting levers by pushing them
down (toward the back of the
vehicle). Pull the crossbar rearward
to ensure that it is locked in place.
Load luggage at the front crossbar and adjust the rear crossbar as
necessary.
²Do not exceed 90.7 kg (200 lb) of luggage if the weight is placed
directly on the crossbars.
²Do not exceed 68 kg (150 lb) if the weight is resting directly on the
roof.
Use adjustable tie down loops to secure the load.
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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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159

Roadside coverage beyond basic warranty
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, you may purchase additional coverage beyond the
basic coverage period by consulting the Ford Roadside Assistance Club
brochure or by calling 1±877±294±CLUB (1±877±894±2582).
HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
RESETTING THE FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
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160