2003 FORD EXPEDITION flat tire

If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Uneven vehicle loading
•High crown in center of road
•High crosswinds
•Wheels out of alignment
•Loose or worn suspension components
Speed sensitive steering
Your vehicle is equipped with engine speed sensitive steering. At higher
engine speeds associated with high vehicle speed, the steering assist will
decrease to improve steering feel.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
maintaining a constant engine speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
LIMITED-SLIP 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
limited slip axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
limited slip rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
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 seat belt.
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2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
1 (First)
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low) at
higher speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear, and will
shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.
Forced Downshifts
To gain acceleration in
(Overdrive) or Drive (O/D OFF) when
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second or first
gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac, it may be beneficial to
turn the system off so the wheels are allowed to spin.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear
bumper when R (Reverse) gear is selected.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at“parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
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Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On
four–wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select
four–wheel drive when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in this chapter.
Information on transfer case maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance and specificationschapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some four–wheel drive models, 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 the front drivetrain
coming up to speed and engaging the front wheels, and is not cause for
concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac, press the AdvanceTrac
button (refer toAdvanceTracStability Enhancement Systemin this
chapter) while driving in deep sand if you experience excessive engine
power reduction.
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214

Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a four–wheel drive vehicle may
accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t
stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping as well as drive slower than usual and consider using one of
the lower gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake
forcefully and steadily. Do not“pump”the brakes. Refer to theBrakes
section of this chapter for additional information on the operation of the
anti-lock brake system.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to loss of
vehicle control or roll over and serious injury.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your four–wheel drive for off-road
use with tires larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you
should not use these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure.
Do not use“aftermarket lift kits”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or roll over
and serious injury.
Tires can be damaged during off-road use. For your safety, tires that are
damaged should not be used for highway driving because they are more
likely to blow out or fail.
You should carefully observe the recommended tire inflation pressure
found on the safety compliance certification label attached to the left
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front door latch post pillar (a label may also be found on the fuel cap
filler door). Failure to follow tire pressure recommendations can
adversely affect the way your vehicle handles. Do not exceed the Ford
Motor Company recommended pressure even if it is less than the
maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
Each day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than
the others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires, and adjust if
required. Check tire pressure with a
tire gauge every few weeks
(including spare). Safe operation
requires tires that are neither
underinflated nor overloaded.
Periodically inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or
other objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air leakage from the tire and make necessary
repairs.
Inspect the tire side walls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If internal
damage to the tire is suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected
to determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide both reliable and reasonably predictable
performance whether loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor Company strongly recommends
that you do not make modifications such as adding or removing parts
(such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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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.
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227

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
R05 T/T battery
charge relayTT 7 wire connector, Battery charge
R06 Front blower
relayBlower motor, Blower motor speed control
(EATC)
R201 T/T park
lamp relayTrailer tow park lamps feed
R202 Fog lamp
relayFront fog lamps
R203 PCM relay Fuse # 32, Fuse # 33, Fuse # 34, Fuel
pump relay, PCM solenoids and sensors
R301 T/T back-up
lamp relayBack-up lamps, TT connector (back-up
lamps), Electrochromic mirror
R302 Speed
control relayElectric cooling fan clutch, Speed control
servo
R303 Fuel pump
relayFuel pump shut-off switch, PCM fuel
pump monitor, Fuel pump
R304 Battery
saver relayRail lamps, Vanity mirror lamps, Dome
lamp, Glove box lamp, Instrument cluster
R305 Horn relay Dual note horn
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and 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
Your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire that may be used as a spare or
a regular tire. The spare is identical to the other tires on your vehicle,
although the wheel may not match.
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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 front or rear
differential as a jacking point.
6. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
7. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
8. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
9. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown and
reinstall the wheel cover.
10. Unblock the wheels.
11. Put flat tire, jack, lug wrench
and tools away. Make sure the jack
is fastened securely so it does not
rattle when you drive.
12. Turn on the air suspension
switch (if equipped).
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