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PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
Driving
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Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift
lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into
and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this gear.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the transmission control
switch (TCS) on the end of the
gearshift lever.
OVERDRIVEOFF
Driving
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RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a
trip 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.
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.
Driving
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SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km
(3 miles).
²Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification Label. Tire pressure information can also be found on the
Tire Information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheels, if your vehicle is equipped with dual rear wheels it is
recommended that only the front wheels be rotated (side to side).
²Four tire rotation
Maintenance and specifications
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Exhaust fumes ..........................151
F
Fail safe cooling ........................231
Fluid capacities .........................254
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................156
Fuel ............................................233
calculating fuel economy .......238
cap ...........................................235
capacity ...................................254
choosing the right fuel ...........236
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................241
detergent in fuel .....................237
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................233, 235, 238
filter, specifications ........238, 253
fuel pump shut-off switch .....175
gauge .........................................18
improving fuel economy ........238
low fuel warning light ..............14
octane rating ...........236, 260±261
quality ......................................237
running out of fuel .................237
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................233
Fuses ..................................177±178
G
Garage door opener ..................103
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............235
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................238
Gauges .........................................16
battery voltage gauge ...............18engine coolant temperature
gauge .........................................17
engine oil pressure gauge ........17
fuel gauge ..................................18
odometer ...................................19
speedometer .............................18
trip odometer ............................19
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................160
calculating ...............................163
definition .................................160
driving with a heavy load ......160
location ....................................160
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................160
calculating .......................160, 163
definition .................................160
driving with a heavy load ......160
location ....................................160
H
Hazard flashers .........................174
Headlamps ...................................85
aiming ........................................86
bulb specifications ....................88
daytime running lights .............85
flash to pass ..............................86
high beam ...........................15, 85
replacing bulbs ...................89±90
turning on and off ....................85
warning chime ..........................16
Heating
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................83
heater only system ...................78
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................79
Hood ..........................................215
Index
269