2004 FORD EXCURSION climate control

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 climate.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
250

Do not replace your tires with “high performance” tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and Specifications
253

attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................147
in rear seat ..............................147
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............214
exterior ....................................217
instrument panel ....................216
interior .....................................216
plastic parts ............................215
washing ....................................213
waxing .....................................213
wheels ......................................214
wiper blades ....................215–216
woodtone trim ........................216
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......57, 60
Clock ......................................23, 32
Compass, electronic ..............86, 95
calibration .................................96
set zone adjustment .................96
Console ......................................101
overhead ..............................82–83
Controls
power seat ...............................119
steering column ........................93
Coolant
checking and adding ..............227
refill capacities ................231, 254
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................89
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .............................217–218
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................206
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................210
Getting roadside assistance ...185Getting the service you
need .........................................204
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................211
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................206
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................209
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................72
Defrost
rear window ..............................70
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................245
engine oil .................................222
Doors
door ajar warning .....................14
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..........................171, 173
sand .........................................172
snow and ice ...........................174
through water .................173, 177
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................197
Emission control system ..........241
Engine ................................259–260
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................214
coolant .....................................227
diesel ...........................................7
Index
267