2004 LINCOLN AVIATOR trailer

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart (in theTrailer Towingsection) to find the maximum GCWR for
your type engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
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TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing with your vehicle may require the use of a trailer tow
option package.
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
When towing maximum loads under high outside temperatures and on
steep grades, the A/C system may cycle on and off to protect the engine
from overheating. This may result in a temporary increase of interior
temperatures.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
²Stay within your vehicle's load limits.
²Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
²Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this chapter.
²Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to the
severe duty schedule in the scheduled maintenance guide.
²Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km
(500 miles).
²Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
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4x2
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Trailer weight range-kg
(lbs.) (0-Maximum)
4.6L 3.55 5580 (12300) 0-3311 (0-7300)
4.6L 3.73 3856 (8500) 0±1588 (0±3500)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table and
instructions on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer toVehicle loading
in this chapter. Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the
completed towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
In ambient temperatures greater than 38ÉC (100ÉF), it is recommended that
the maximum GCW be reduced to 5262 kg (11600 lbs) for the 3.55 axle or
3629 (8000 lbs) for the 3.73 axle. At these temperatures, vehicle speed
should be kept below 97 km/h (60 mph) during highway operation. Extended
operation above 4000 rpm should be avoided.
Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs) requires a 3.55 axle and a weight
carrying class III/IV distributing hitch.
Towing a trailer over 2268 kg (5000 lbs) requires a 3.55 axle and a weight
carrying class III/IV hitch with aftermarket weight-distributing equipment.
AW D
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weight
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Trailer weight range-kg
(lbs.) (0-Maximum)
4.6L 3.73 5580 (12300) 0-3220 (0-7100)
Notes:For high altitude operation, reduce GCW by 2% per 300 meters
(1000 ft) elevation. For definitions of terms used in this table and instructions
on how to calculate your vehicle load, refer toVehicle loadingin this chapter.
Maximum trailer weights shown. The combined weight of the completed
towing vehicle and the loaded trailer must not exceed the GCWR.
In ambient temperatures greater than 38ÉC (100ÉF), it is recommended that
the maximum GCW be reduced to 5262 kg (11600 lbs). At these
temperatures, vehicle speed should be kept below 97 km/h (60 mph) during
highway operation. Extended operation above 4000 rpm should be avoided.
Towing a trailer over 1588 kg (3500 lbs) requires a weight carrying class III/IV
distributing hitch.
Towing a trailer over 2268 kg (5000 lbs) requires a weight carrying class III/IV
hitch with aftermarket weight-distributing equipment.
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226

Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Trailer hitch cover
Your vehicle is equipped with a removable trailer hitch trim cover. To
remove the trim cover:
1. Loosen the two push pins in the
bottom of the cover by turning them
counterclockwise with a flathead
screwdriver or similar object.
2. To reinstall the cover, insert the
three plastic tabs into their slots (as
shown in the illustration) and push
the cover up into the bumper trim.
3. Hold the cover against the bumper trim and reinstall the two screws.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
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227

Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10±15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed
the maximum tongue loads as stated:
²Class II receiver: 159 kg (350 lbs.)
²Class III/IV receiver: 227 kg (500 lbs.) (weight-carrying)/331 kg (730
lbs.) (weight-distributing)
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
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228

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to the
Driving with a 5±speed automatic transmissionsection in this
chapter.)
²Under extreme conditions with large frontal trailers, high outside
temperatures and highway speeds, the coolant gauge may indicate
higher than normal coolant temperatures. If this occurs, reduce speed
until the coolant temperature returns to the normal range. Refer to
Engine coolant temperature gaugein theInstrument cluster
chapter.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
²Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
²Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
²Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
²If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
²The trailer tongue weight should be 10±15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
²After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
²To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
²Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels.
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229

Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
²do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
²do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
²causing internal damage to the components.
²affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) 4x2 vehicles:
This applies to all 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel drive capability.
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
²Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
AWD vehicles:
Vehicles equipped with AWD cannot be towed with any wheels on the
ground as vehicle damage may occur.
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230

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
24 30A Subwoofer, Navigation
25 5A Trailer tow battery charge relay
coil
26 5A SecuriLockytransceiver
27 5A Rear park assist, VAPS module
28 5A Radio, Navigation
29 10A DTRS, Feed to Fuse 28
30 5A Instrument cluster, Compass
module, Auxiliary A/C relay coil
The relays are located on the reverse side of the passenger compartment
fuse panel. To access the relays, you must remove the fuse panel.
Roadside Emergencies
237