2003 FORD EXPEDITION tow

•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Your vehicle is equipped with heavy duty trailer tow wiring. An electrical
connector is provided under the instrument panel for installing a
customer-supplied electric brake controller. A Class I (4–pin) electrical
connector and Class II/III/IV (7–pin) electrical connector are provided at
the hitch. These connectors provide power to the trailer for taillamps,
stop and turn lamps, back up lamps, battery charge, electric brakes
(when a customer provided controller is installed) and ground. A kit
containing a wiring harness/adapter and installation instructions to attach
an electric brake controller may be obtained from any Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer (part number 5A416). Before towing a trailer,
make sure the trailer brakes (if equipped) and lamps are properly
connected and functional. Refer to the brake controller instructions to
check for trailer brake functionality.
EngineRear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Trailer weight
range (0 -
maximum) kg
(lbs.)
4x2
4.6L All 5216 (11500) 0-2819 (0-6215)
5.4L All 6577 (14500) 0–4037 (0–8900)
4x4
4.6L All 5216 (11500) 0-2639 (0-5819)
5.4L All 6577 (14500) 0–3945 (0–8699)
Maximum frontal area of trailer is 5.6 square meters (60 square feet)
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.
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If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac, you may experience
AdvanceTracactivations during typical cornering maneuvers with a
heavily loaded trailer; this is normal. Cornering at a slower speed while
towing will reduce the tendency of the AdvanceTracstability
enhancement system to activate.
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.
Integrated hitch rating
The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of
operation:
•Weight carrying- requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar
supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
•Weight distributing- requires an aftermarket weight distributing
system which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between
the truck and the trailer by this system.
Mode Maximum
Gross Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Tongue Weight
- kg (lbs.)
Weight carrying 2721 (6000) 272 (600)
Weight distributing 4014 (8850) 401 (885)
These are hitch ratings only; actual vehicle ratings are dependent on
engine, transmission and axle combinations.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight exceeds the
limit of the towing system and could result in vehicle structural
damage, loss of vehicle 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.
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%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
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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 in the
ON position, apply the brake and place the gearshift lever in
(Overdrive) for 10 seconds, then return the gearshift lever to P (Park)
and release the brake. With the ignition still in the ON position, and all
doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand (without passengers) 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.
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.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
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 hitch. 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.
Driving
224

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.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmissionsection in this
chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up 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.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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Launching or retrieving a boat
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.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do 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 vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time 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.
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):
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
•Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
•Maximum 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 before the vehicle is
towed.
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.
Vehicles equipped with Control Trac four-wheel drive system:
Vehicles equipped with the Control Trac four-wheel drive system cannot be
towed with any wheels on the ground. See your local dealer if you must
flat-tow a vehicle equipped with the Control Trac four-wheel drive system.
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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 56.3 km (35 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
information on:
•Coverage period
•Exact fuel amounts
•Towing of your disabled vehicle
•Emergency travel expense reimbursement
•Travel planning benefits
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 Owner Information Guide 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.
Roadside Emergencies
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The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
1 10A* Front wiper motor, Instrument cluster,
Rear wiper motor, Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)
2 20A* Turn signal flasher, Stoplamp switch,
Hazard flasher, IVD (AdvanceTrac)
stoplamps relay
3 7.5A* Power mirrors, Memory seat switch,
Memory seat module
4 10A* DVD player, Rear seat audio controls,
CDDJ
5 7.5A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM) (KA
power), SC deactivate switch, Manual
climate control mode switch, Stoplamp
switch, Brake-shift interlock (BSI)
solenoid, EATC control head, BSM module,
Speed control servo, 3rd row seat relay
6 15A* Headlamp switch, Parklamps, License plate
lamps, Trailer tow electric brake controller,
BSM parklamps relay
7 7.5A* Radio
8 10A* Rear window defroster switch, Heated
mirrors
9 10A* Alternator
10 20A* Back-up lamps, Back-up lamp relay, Trailer
tow parklamp relay
11 10A* A/C clutch relay, 4x4 IWE solenoid
12 10A* Speed control servo, Speed control
13 10A* EATC control head, Manual climate control
head
Roadside Emergencies
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
28 5A* SecuriLock transceiver
29 30A* Trailer tow electric brake controller
30 30A* BSM (door locks), Liftgate glass release
relay, Liftgate glass release motor,
Door/Liftgate locks, Parklamps relay
(BSM), Headlamps relay (BSM), Door
lock/Unlock relay (BSM)
31 25A* Radio
32 15A* CMS, Transmission solenoids
33 20A* Canister vent solenoid, EVR CC, HEGOs,
VMV solenoid, IMTV solenoid, A/C clutch
relay coil
34 20A* PCM, Fuel injectors, Idle air control (IAC)
solenoid, Mass air flow sensor
35 20A* Instrument cluster high beam indicator,
High beam headlamps
36 10A* Trailer tow right turn lamp
37 20A* Cargo area power point
38 25A* Rear wiper motor, Washer pump (rear
window wash)
39 20A* Instrument panel or floor console power
point, Rear console power point
40 20A* Headlamp switch, High beam relay coil, LH
low beam fuse # 25, LH low beam fuse #
23, BSM (autolamps headlamp relay), DRL
41 20A* Cigar lighter, OBD II Connector
42 10A* Trailer tow left turn lamp
101 30A** Starter relay, Starter solenoid
102 30A** Ignition switch, Starter solenoid
103 30A** ABS module (pump motor)
104 30A** LH 3rd row power seat
105 30A** Spare
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