Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits
could result in substandard vehicle handling, performance,
engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)± is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)± is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer ± including all cargo and
passengers ± that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle's braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 680 kg
[1,500 lbs]).The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight± is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10±15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15±25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (68 kg [150 lbs]).Consult your dealership (or
the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your dealership) for
more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight± refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 2268 kg (5000 lbs.) conventional trailer, multiply 5000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 227 to 340 kg
(500 to 750 lbs.). For an 5216 kg (11,500 lbs.) fifth wheel trailer,
multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 782
to 1304 kg (1,725 to 2,875 lbs.)
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
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223
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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224
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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225
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
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
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1±800±665±2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1±800±521±4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1±800±665±2006.
ROADSIDE COVERAGE BEYOND BASIC WARRANTY
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty's Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1±877±294±2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
FUEL
RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.
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232
Fuse/Relay Location Description
Relay 1 Flasher relay
Relay 2 Heated backlight relay
Relay 3 Delayed accessory relay
Relay 4 Open
Relay 5 Battery saver relay
Relay 6 Open
Relay 7 Open
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle's main electrical systems from overloads.
Always disconnect the battery before servicing high current
fuses.
Always replace the cover to the power distribution box before
reconnecting the battery or refilling fluid reservoirs
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and specificationschapter.
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238