2004 FORD EXCURSION warning

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder
in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full
steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient
space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a
controlled stop.
•The anti-lock system does not reduce stopping distance. Always leave
enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to
stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
ABS
TheABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
Driving
157

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.)
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Driving
158

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
In the OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can
be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
depressed. To avoid unwanted movement, always set the parking
brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
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.
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 for more than a few minutes. The
transmission and tires may be damaged 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 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
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Driving
161

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.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
The RSS detects obstacles within
approximately 1.8 meters (5.9 ft.) of
the rear bumper with a decreased
coverage area at the outer corners
of the bumper, (refer to the figures
for approximate zone coverage
areas). As you move closer to the
obstacle, the rate of the tone
increases. When the distance to the
obstacle is less than 25.0 cm (10
in.), the tone will sound
continuously. If the system detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 25.0 cm (10 in.) from the side
of the vehicle, the tone will sound
for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
Driving
165

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.
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 fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not 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 emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and 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. Use all
available road surface to return the vehicle to a safe direction of
travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Driving
171

Illumination of the “Service Engine Soon” light, charging system warning
light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke
or loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system
is not working properly.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your “Check Engine/Service Engine
Soon” light is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with the “Check Engine/Service Engine Soon” light on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
Maintenance and Specifications
242

A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................157
Accessory delay ..........................86
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................140
and child safety seats ............142
description ..............................140
disposal ....................................144
driver air bag ..........................142
indicator light ...................12, 144
operation .................................142
passenger air bag ...................142
Air cleaner filter ...............248, 254
Air conditioning ..........................60
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................68
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................57
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................227
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................157
Anti-theft system
warning light .............................14
Audio system (see Radio) ...19, 27
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................161
fluid, adding ............................245
fluid, checking ........................245
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specification ..................259
Auxiliary power point .................83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
refill capacities ........................254
traction lok ..............................159B
Battery .......................................225
acid, treating emergencies .....225
charging system warning
light ............................................12
jumping a disabled battery ....197
maintenance-free ....................225
replacement, specifications ...254
servicing ..................................225
BeltMinder .................................135
Brakes ........................................156
anti-lock ...................................157
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light .....................12, 157
brake warning light ..................11
fluid, checking and adding ....244
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
parking ....................................158
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................89
shift interlock ..........................160
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................75
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....254
Cargo net ...................................102
CD-6 disc .....................................27
CD-single premium .....................19
Certification Label ....................261
Changing a tire .........................192
Child safety restraints ..............145
child safety belts ....................145
Child safety seats ......................145
Index
266

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