
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 fullyreleased, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes maynot be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
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 position.
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
bypressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift
lever. This will illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and activate Drive.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: citytraffic, hillyterrain, heavyloads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automaticallyreturned each time the keyis turned
off.
2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slipperyroads.
•To return to
(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts bymoving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
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•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Shift strategy (4R100 automatic transmission)
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your 4R100
automatic transmission electronicallycontrols the shift qualitybyusing
an adaptive learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is
maintained bypower from the battery. When the batteryis disconnected
or a new batteryis installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive
strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation.
If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred
kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other
throttle conditions do not function normally, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
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
steadypattern. Press lightlyon 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.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal is fullydepressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fullyset.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
1
24 R
L3D
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3. Start the engine, then press the brake pedal and release the parking
brake.
4. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then slowlyrelease the
clutch pedal while slowlypressing on the accelerator.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the clutch
pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These
actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
Recommended shift speeds
Downshift according to the following charts for your specific
engine/drivetrain combination:
Maximum downshift speeds1
6-speed transmission
Shift from: Transfer case position (if equipped)2
2H or 4H 4L
D(Overdrive) - 472 km/h (45 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph)
4 - 3 56 km/h (35 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph)
3 - 2 32 km/h (20 mph) 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 - 1 8 km/h (5 mph) 3 km/h (2 mph)
1 - LO Onlyshift to LO when at a stop.
1Use 2H or 4H for 4WD equipped vehicles.2Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slipperysurfaces.
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so maydamage the transmission.
2. Move the gearshift lever into the neutral position and wait at least
three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
•The gearshift lever can onlybe moved into R (Reverse) bymoving it
from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from
accidentallybeing shifted into R (Reverse) from
(Overdrive).
Parking your vehicle
1. Applythe brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fullyapplythe parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
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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
steadypattern. Press lightlyon 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 few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
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 fullyreleased, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes maynot be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Refer toTransmission temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergencysituation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel onlyas rapidlyand as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergencystop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
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Vehicles with a higher center of gravitysuch as utilityand
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differentlythan vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars anymore
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorilyunder
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslycould result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injuryand death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the waythe vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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 the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows
you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in theDriving
chapter. Information on transfer
case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughlyfamiliar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentaryclunk and ratcheting
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After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Companyjoins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles maymake it necessaryto travel diagonallyup
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibilityof stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Applyjust enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
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The PTO can be used during mobile and stationary
continuous/intermittent applications.
PTO operation is disabled while the vehicle is in Overdrive (the TCIL will
not be illuminated), in N (Neutral), during engine cranking. Transmission
upshift and downshift schedules will be reduced byabout 15% and will
have a firmer shift feel during PTO mobile applications.
The PTO cannot be disabled while the transmission is in D (Drive)
(Overdrive position with Overdrive canceled), 2 (Second) or 1 (First).
Refer to theBody Builder’s Layout Bookfor recommended electrical
installation.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowlyespeciallyif the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capabilitymaybe limited
and your vehicle maystall. Water mayalso enter your engine’s air intake
and severelydamage your engine.
Once through the water, always drythe brakes bymoving your vehicle
slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quicklyas drybrakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including anystandard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
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