2004 LINCOLN AVIATOR hitch

Forced downshifts
²Allowed in D (Drive) with Overdrive or D (Drive) without Overdrive.
²Depress the accelerator to the floor.
²Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
REAR PARK ASSIST
The Rear Park Assist sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near
the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the vehicle is
moving at speeds less than 5 km/h (3 mph). The system is not effective
at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the Rear Park Assist system as contained in this
section. The Rear Park Assist is only an aid for some (generally large
and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at ªparking
speedsº. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the system;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
reverse and when using the system.
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.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the Rear Park Assist system may create false beeps.
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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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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

Interior style
Cell phone holders
Electrochromatic compass/temperature interior mirrors
Floor mats
Interior trim kits
Leather wrapped steering wheels
Scuff plates
Lifestyle
Bike racks
Cargo organization and management
Engine block heaters and blankets
Rear seat entertainment systems
Towing mirrors
Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories
Peace of mind
Airbag anti-theft locks
First aid and safety kits
Full vehicle covers
Locking gas cap
Navigation systems
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Accessories
322