2004 FORD EXCURSION traction loc

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAir Bag-Front
Air Bag-SideChild Seat
Child Seat Installation
WarningChild Seat Tether
Anchorage
Brake SystemAnti-Lock Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedTraction Control
AdvanceTracMaster Lighting Switch
Hazard Warning FlasherFog Lamps-Front
Fuse CompartmentFuel Pump Reset
Windshield Wash/WipeWindshield
Defrost/Demist
Rear Window
Defrost/DemistPower Windows
Front/Rear
Introduction
8

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

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 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 can’t.
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 thoroughly familiar 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 momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging 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.
Driving
172

or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling 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 possibility of 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.
Apply just 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.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a
lower gear. When descending a
steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control.
When you brake hard, the front
wheels can’t turn and if they aren’t
turning, you won’t be able to steer.
The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the vehicle. Rapid
pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle and still
maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Driving
174

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

service engine soon ..................10
speed control ............................93
turn signal indicator .................13
Limited slip axle (see Traction
Loc) ............................................159
Load limits .................................177
GAWR ......................................177
GVWR ......................................177
trailer towing ..........................177
Loading instructions .................179
Locks
autolock ...................................112
childproof ................................106
doors ........................................105
Lubricant specifications ...257, 259
Lumbar support, seats .............119
M
Manual transmission
fluid capacities ........................254
lubricant specifications ..........259
Message center ...........................93
english/metric button ...............94
menu button .............................94
Mirrors .........................................82
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................86
fold away ...................................88
heated ........................................88
side view mirrors (power) .......87
Motorcraft parts ................237, 254
O
Octane rating ............................236
Odometer .....................................18
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................222Overdrive ...................................101
P
Panic alarm feature, remote
entry system ..............................108
Parking brake ............................158
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....254
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................89
Power adjustable foot pedals ...118
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................188
Power door locks ..............105, 112
Power mirrors .............................87
Power point .................................83
Power steering ..........................159
fluid, checking and adding ....243
fluid, refill capacity ................254
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
Power Windows ...........................85
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................160
R
Radio ......................................19, 27
Radio reception ...........................56
Rear window defroster ...............70
Relays ........................................187
Remote entry system .......106, 108
illuminated entry ....................110
locking/unlocking
doors ................................105, 107
panic alarm .............................108
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................109
Index
270

replacing the batteries ...........108
Reverse sensing system ...........164
Roadside assistance ..................185
Roof rack ...................................103
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ............14, 128–131, 133
Safety defects, reporting ..........212
Safety restraints ........128–131, 133
belt minder .............................135
cleaning the safety belts ........139
extension assembly ................139
for adults .........................129–131
for children .....................144–145
lap belt ....................................134
warning light and
chime ...........................12, 14, 135
Safety seats for children ..........145
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................................128
Seats ..........................................117
child safety seats ....................145
memory seat ...........................118
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................113–115
Servicing your vehicle ..............219
Snowplowing .................................7
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................192
Spark plugs,
specifications .............254, 259–260
Special notice
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................257, 259
Speed control ..............................89
Speedometer ...............................18
Starting your vehicle ........152–154
jump starting ..........................197
Steering .....................................159
Steering wheel
controls ..........................82, 89, 93
tilting .........................................82
T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................192, 249–251
changing ..........................192–193
checking the pressure ............251
replacing ..................................252
rotating ....................................251
snow tires and chains ............253
tire grades ...............................250
treadwear ................................250
Towing .......................................180
recreational towing .................184
trailer towing ..........................180
wrecker ....................................202
Traction-lok rear axle ...............159
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................247
Transmission .............................160
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................245
fluid, refill capacities ..............254
lubricant
specifications ..................257, 259
Transmission control indicator
light ..............................................13
Trip odometer .............................18
Index
271