2004 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR change wheel

If the parking brake fails to release
after completing this procedure, use
the manual parking brake release
lever.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver ’ s effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
• Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
• Uneven vehicle loading
• High crown in center of road
• High crosswinds
• Wheels out of alignment
• Loose or worn suspension components
Speed sensitive steering
Your vehicle is equipped with speed sensitive, variable assist power
steering (VAPS). At low speeds, steering assist will adjust to reduce
efforts and improve low speed maneuverability and at high speeds, the
assist will adjust to improve steering feel.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)Driving
224

AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride comfort, vehicle
handling and general vehicle performance by adjusting the vehicle ’ s ride
height according to vehicle speed, weight added to or removed from the
vehicle and four-wheel drive (if equipped) operation. Normal vehicle
operation does not require any action by the driver.
When you enter the vehicle and the ignition is off, the air suspension will
have automatically lowered the vehicle to its lowest height to provide
easier entry. When a door or the liftgate is opened, the system
memorizes and maintains that height until either all doors are closed or
the vehicle ’ s speed exceeds 24 km/h (15 mph). The air suspension
system will then raise the vehicle ’ s height to its normal position when the
ignition is turned on, all doors are closed and the transmission is shifted
from P (Park).
When the vehicle is in motion, the air suspension will adjust the vehicle
ride height to normal operating position to maximize your ride comfort.
If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive and you shift into 4WD
LOW, the air suspension will not move to it ’ s lowest position; instead, the
ride height is raised above the normal ride height position (at speeds
below 40 km/h [25 mph]) to improve ground clearance.
If a load is added to, or removed from the vehicle, the load leveling
feature of the air suspension system will adjust the suspension to keep
the vehicle at a constant level.
When exiting the vehicle, the air suspension will automatically lower the
vehicle to its lowest height to provide easier exit. You may hear a buzz or
click from the air suspension system when the ignition is turned off. The
air suspension system will stay active for 40 minutes after the ignition is
turned off to accommodate any load changes. (The air compressor may
run when the vehicle is off; this is normal.)
The air suspension shut-off switch is
located behind two access panels on
the left rear quarter trim panel, near
the liftgate. To remove the first
panel, turn the control
counterclockwise and remove the
panel.
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus) Driving
225

Roll Stability Control enhances your vehicle ’ s stability during maneuvers
that require all available tire traction, like in wet/snowy/icy road
conditions and/or when performing emergency maneuvers. In an
emergency lane-change, the driver will experience better overall vehicle
traction, and have better control of the vehicle.
The Roll Stability Control system helps the driver maintain steering
control if the vehicle begins to slide excessively left or right or spin out.
Roll Stability Control will attempt to correct the sliding motion by
applying brake force at individual tires and, if necessary, by reducing
engine power.
Driving conditions which may activate Roll Stability Control include:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Hitting a patch of ice
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
• Hitting a curb while turning
• Driving on slick surfaces
• Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer to Trailer
Towing in this chapter)
The Roll Stability Control (RSC) system works in to further enhance the
vehicle ’ s overall stability during aggressive maneuvers. The system helps
maintain roll stability of the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by
applying brake force to one or more wheels.
Driving conditions that may activate Roll Stability Control include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Hitting a curb while turning
The Roll Stability Control system automatically turns on when the engine
is started. However, the system does not function when the vehicle is
traveling in R (Reverse) or, if equipped with four-wheel drive, in 4L (4X4
LOW). In R (Reverse) or in 4L (4X4 LOW), ABS and the traction
enhancement feature will continue to function.
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus) Driving
229

Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for
cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
Note: The Control Trac selector knob should not be changed while the
rear wheels are slipping.
Using the Control Trac system
Shifting from 2H to A4WD or 4H
Move the control to the A4WD or
4H position at any forward speed up
to 88 km/h (55 mph). The “ 4X4 ”
light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate if 4H is selected.
Shifting from A4WD to 4H
Move the control from A4WD to 4H
at a stop or while driving at any
speed.
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)Driving
242

The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
• Do not use 4H (4x4 HIGH) or 4L (4x4 LOW) on dry, hard surfaced
roads. This may damage the drivelines and axles.
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application. Ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
• It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
• It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)Driving
244

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “ over-driving ” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus) Driving
245

called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Control Trac four – wheel drive system
When a four – wheel drive mode is selected, the Control Trac system 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 cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On
four – wheel drive vehicles, the
transfer case allows you to select
four – wheel drive when necessary.
Information on transfer case
operation and shifting procedures
can be found in this chapter.
Information on transfer case maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance and specifications chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some four – wheel drive models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive
to four – wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause some
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)Driving
246

momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain
coming up to speed and engaging the front wheels, 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.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring
system, the system indicator light may illuminate depending on how
much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac
, press the AdvanceTrac

button (refer to AdvanceTrac
Stability Enhancement System in this
chapter) while driving in deep sand if you experience excessive engine
power reduction.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even four – wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in
2004 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus) Driving
247