2004 FORD EXCURSION charging

position). It also illuminates if the parking brake is engaged. If the brake
system warning light does not illuminate as described, seek service
immediately. Illumination after the parking brake is released indicates low
brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system
should be serviced immediately by a qualified technician.
Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more information.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
To confirm the anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light is functional it
will momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
(alternatively for some vehicles when
the ignition is moved from the ON position to the START position, the light
will momentarily illuminate just prior to reaching the START position). If
the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have the ABS
serviced immediately. If the ABS light remains on, it means the anti-lock
brake system has malfunctioned and is disabled, however, the normal brake
system will still function unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated and parking brake is off. Refer toBrakesin theDriving
chapter for more information.
Safety belt
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For more
information, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Air bag readiness
Illuminates to confirm that the air
bags (front or side) are operational.
If the light fails to illuminate,
continues to flash or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately.
Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly.
ABS
Instrument Cluster
12

BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Motorcraft maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the “level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted
substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.
Maintenance and Specifications
225

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

Head restraints .........................121
Headlamps ...................................71
aiming ........................................73
autolamp system .......................71
bulb specifications ....................75
daytime running lights .............72
flash to pass ..............................72
high beam ...........................13, 72
replacing bulbs .........................76
turning on and off ....................71
warning chime ..........................14
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................57, 60
HomeLink universal
transceiver (see Garage
door opener) .................97–98, 100
Hood ..........................................220
I
Ignition .......................152, 259–260
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................145
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................242
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................216
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................73
J
Jack ............................................192
positioning ...............................192
storage .....................................192
Jump-starting your vehicle ......197K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................112
locking and unlocking
doors ................................111–112
programming entry code .......111
Keys ...................................113–115
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition .........152
L
Lamps
autolamp system .................71, 75
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................75
cargo lamps ...............................73
daytime running light ...............72
fog lamps ...................................72
headlamps .................................71
headlamps, flash to pass ..........72
instrument panel, dimming .....73
interior lamps ...............73–74, 76
replacing bulbs ...................75–79
Lane change indicator (see
Turn signal) .................................73
Liftgate ......................................102
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....12, 157
anti-theft ...................................14
brake ..........................................11
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................11
cruise indicator .........................13
door ajar ....................................14
fuel cap light .............................11
high beam .................................13
low fuel ......................................13
safety belt .................................12
Index
269