2003 FORD EXPEDITION brake

Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTracsystem. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTracsensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracevent
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road and that you may lose control of the vehicle. If
you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
If you find yourself regularly experiencing AdvanceTracevents,
you are driving too fast for conditions, you should reduce your
speed, and drive less aggressively. It is always possible to lose control
of a vehicle due to inappropriate driving habits under severe
conditions. The occurrence of an AdvanceTracevent is an indication
that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this may cause you to lose control of the vehicle increasing the
risk of severe personal injury or property damage.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a park/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.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed, or when the ignition is
in the OFF position:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to OFF, then remove the
key.
2. Push the tilt steering lever down and tilt the steering column all the
way up.
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3. Locate the round access plug on
the underside of the steering
column cover.
4. Remove the access plug using a flat-head screwdriver, then insert your
finger and pull the override button toward you. With the button pulled
toward you, apply the brake pedal and shift the transmission into N
(Neutral).
5. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission
Your vehicle’s automatic transmission is equipped with a special shift
strategy that insures maximum heater performance during cold weather
operation.
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When ambient temperature is–5°C (23°F) or below and the engine
coolant temperature is below 38°C (100°F), light throttle upshifts may
be slightly delayed. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches 71°C
(160°F) the normal shift strategy will resume. This is normal operation
and will not affect the function or the durability of the transmission.
If the normal shift strategy does not resume once the engine
coolant temperature reaches the normal operating temperature,
or if the downshifts and other throttle conditions do not function
normally, see your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
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 is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key 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).
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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.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
Drive–Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission
control switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift
in the
position. The TCIL will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Transmission operates in gears one through three.
(Drive) provides
more engine braking than
(Overdrive) and is useful when:
•driving with a heavy load.
•towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
•additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
toDriving while you towin theTrailer towingsection.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch
(TCS). The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
O/D
OFF
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Always keep the sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from dirt, snow and ice (do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects). These elements may cause the system to operate
inaccurately.
If the vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
CONTROL TRAC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
If equipped with the Control Trac 4x4 System, and 4L (4x4 LOW)
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
Before 4L (4x4 LOW) can be engaged, the vehicle must be
brought to a complete stop, the brake pedal depressed and the
transmission placed in N (Neutral).
The vehicle should not be operated in 4H (4x4 HIGH) or 4L (4x4 LOW)
on dry pavement. Doing so could result in difficult disengagement of the
transfer case, increased tire wear, decreased fuel economy and may
damage driveline components.
Your 4x4 features the heavy-duty Control Trac system which includes a
computer-operated transfer case. This unique system is interactive with
the road, continually monitoring and adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize vehicle control.
System indicator lights
The Control Trac system indicator lights illuminate only under the
following conditions. If these lights illuminate when driving in 2H or
A4WD, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible.
•4X4 HIGH- momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4H is
selected.
4x4
HIGH
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•4X4 LOW–momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L is
selected.
Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Trac system functions
in four modes:
•2H (2WD HIGH)delivers power
to the rear wheels only. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement.
•A4WD (4X4 AUTO)provides
electronic control four-wheel
drive with power delivered to all
four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow or gravel.
•4H (4X4 HIGH)
provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power
to front and rear wheels. The“4X4”light will illuminate in the instrument
cluster when this position is selected. This position is not recommended
for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter
or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand.
•4L (4X4 LOW)provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. The“4X4 LOW”light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster when this position is selected.
This position is not recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this
position for off-road low-speed operation or when extra power is
required, such as climbing steep grades, going through deep sand or
pulling a boat out of the water.
Note:
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac, the AdvanceTrac
system will automatically turn off the stability enhancement feature when
you shift the Control Trac A4WD system into 4L (4X4 LOW). The brake
traction enhancement feature will still be enabled.
The AdvanceTracstability enhancement system can be turned off
manually by pressing the AdvanceTracbutton (refer toAdvanceTrac
Stability Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 2H,
A4WD or 4H while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more
strenuous off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management
feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced
momentum through the obstacle.
4x4
LOW
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Shifting from 2H, A4WD or 4H to 4L
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop and
keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
3. Move the control to the 4L
position.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages.
Shifting from 4L to 4H, A4WD or 2H
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop and
keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
3. Move the control to the 4H,
A4WD or 2H position.
Note:Some noise may be heard as
the system shifts or engages.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
Four–wheel drive vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand,
snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
The AdvanceTracstability enhancement system can be turned off
manually by pressing the AdvanceTracbutton (refer toAdvanceTrac
Stability Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 2H,
A4WD or 4H while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more
strenuous off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management
feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced
momentum through the obstacle.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
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The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4H (4x4 HIGH) or 4L (4x4 LOW) on dry, hard surfaced
roads. This may damage the drivelines and axles.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application. Ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small inanimate objects, such as
highway reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement which could cause the
vehicle to slide sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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