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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an underinflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
To reduce the risk of injury, never run the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when changing a tire.
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 safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving 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 loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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105
accelerator in each gear.Do not rock the vehicle for more than a
few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur
or the engine may overheat.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
In an emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control. Also
avoid abrupt braking. In the event of an emergency stop, do not attempt
any sharp steering wheel movements. If the vehicle goes from one type
of surface to another (i.e., from concrete to gravel) there will be a
change in the way the vehicle responds to a maneuver (steering,
acceleration or braking).
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD vehicles, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to
four–wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary
clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is normal and should be no cause for
concern.
Driving on sand, mud and water
When driving over sand, avoid reducing the tire pressures; instead, shift
to a lower gear. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the
wheels. If you must reduce the tire pressure, make sure you re-inflate
the tires as soon as possible. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against your vehicle and cause it to become stuck.
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 60 000
km (36 000 miles), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 80 000 km (50 000 miles) on Lincoln
vehicles*.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•changing a flat tire
•jump-starts
•lock-out assistance
•limited fuel delivery*
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 25 kms (15.5 miles) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company 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).
* Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for exact
fuel amounts.
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, the card is
found in the Roadside Assistance book in the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box Description
50A–Not used
50B–Fuel pump relay
51–Not used
52–Not used
53–PCM diode
54–PCM relay
55–Blower relay
56A–A/C clutch solenoid
56B–Horn relay
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may compromise the
integrity of your tires. The use of tire sealants may also affect your tire
pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
Spare tire information
The spare tire can be used as a spare or a regular tire.
Location of the spare tire and tools
The spare tire and tools for your vehicle are stowed in the following
locations:
Tool Location
Spare tire Under the vehicle, just in front of
the rear bumper
Jack, Jack handle, jack handle
extension, wheel lug nut wrenchIn the passenger side rear cab
compartment behind the access
door in trim panel
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How to change a flat tire
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse) (manual transmission).
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire, be
sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions) the
wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to
the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
Before changing the tire:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or R
(Reverse) (manual transmission).
4. Set the parking brake.
5. Turn off the ignition.
To change the tire:
Note:Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
1. Block both the front and rear of
the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire. For example, if the right
front tire is flat, block the left rear
wheel.
2. Remove any wheel trim by inserting the flat end of the lug nut wrench
under the wheel trim flange, then twisting the wrench to pry it off.
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•Rear
To lessen the risk of
personal injury, do not put
any part of your body under the
vehicle while changing a tire. Do
not start the engine when your
vehicle is on the jack. The jack is
only meant for changing the tire.
•Never use the differential as a
jacking point.
5. Remove the wheel lug nuts with the lug nut wrench.
6. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts (cone side in) until the wheel is
snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel
has been lowered.
7. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
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8. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown.
9. Stow the flat tire. Refer to
Stowing the spare tire.
10. Stow the jack and lug nut
wrench. Make sure the jack is
fastened so it does not rattle when
you drive.
11. Unblock the wheels.
JUMP STARTING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Note:Do not push start your vehicle. You could damage the catalytic
converter.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which, if you come in contact
with, burns skin, eyes and clothing.
Only connect batteries with the
same nominal voltage (12 volts).
Use jump leads with insulated
clamps and sufficient cross section.
Do not disconnect the battery from
the vehicle’s electrical system.
Suitable jump leads for this purpose
can be obtained from your dealer.
Note:(+) terminal is larger than
the (-) terminal.
1
4 3
2 5
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U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climates.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
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