
•Third row
•The anchors are on the back of the seat frame.
4. Clip the tether strap hook to the
anchor.
If the tether strap is clipped
incorrectly, the child safety
seat may not be retained properly
in the event of a collision.
5. Refer to theInstalling child
safety seats in combination lap
and shoulder belt seating
positionssection of this chapter for
further instructions to secure the
child safety seat.
6. Tighten the child safety seat
tether strap according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child
being injured in a collision greatly increases.
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
131

NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS
Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks 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.
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
•Keep tires properly inflated;
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt. All occupants must
wear safety belts and children/infants must use appropriate restraints
to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Study yourOwner’s Guideand any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.
VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD (when you select the 4WD mode)
has the ability to use all four wheels to power itself. This increases
traction which may enable you to safely drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
Tires, Wheels and Loading
132

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door
before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against exhaust fumesin
this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked. If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing
snow conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged
with snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a
significant reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow and/or ice away from the air induction inlet. The following
starting instructions are for vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine; if
your vehicle is equipped with a Diesel engine, refer toStarting the
enginein your6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplement.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
169

•If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, thelight may not illuminate.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without
turning the key to 5 (START).
2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped)
Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in
a region where temperatures reach
-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best
results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the
vehicle. The heater can be plugged
in the night before starting the
vehicle. The plug for the block
heater is exposed in the front of the
vehicle, beneath the grille. Vehicles
equipped with a gasoline engine have the plug exposed on the driver
side of the vehicle; vehicles equipped with a Diesel engine have the plug
exposed on the passenger side of the vehicle.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
3
2
1
5
4
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
171

If any steering components are serviced or replaced, install new
fasteners (many are coated with thread adhesive or have prevailing
torque features which may not be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications inWorkshop Manual.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a safety belt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
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 arenot
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.
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.
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Driving
175

3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s engine, away from the battery and the
carburetor/fuel injection system.Do notuse fuel lines, engine rocker
covers or the intake manifold asgroundingpoints.
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may cause an
explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
+–+–
+–+–
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
206

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
INTERIOR TRIM
•Clean the interior trim areas with a damp cloth, then dry by wiping
with a dry, soft, clean cloth.
•Do not use household or glass cleaners as these may damage the
finish.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats and safety belts:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with Motorcraft Extra Strength
Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-41).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with Motorcraft Spot and Stain Remover (ZC-14).
•Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the vehicle’s
seatbelts, as these actions may weaken the belt webbing.
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Cleaning
222

A
Accessory delay ..........................66
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ........................................117
and child safety seats ............119
description ..............................117
disposal ....................................121
driver air bag ..........................119
indicator light .........................121
operation .................................119
passenger air bag ...................119
Air cleaner filter ...............253–255
Air conditioning ..........................45
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................233
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................172–173
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 21
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................177, 179
fluid, adding ............................250
fluid, checking ........................250
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specification ..................262
Auxiliary power point .................64
Axle
lubricant specifications ..259, 262
refill capacities ........................256
traction lok ..............................175
B
Battery .......................................231
acid, treating emergencies .....231
jumping a disabled battery ....204
maintenance-free ....................231
replacement, specifications ...255servicing ..................................231
BeltMinder .................................112
Brakes ........................................172
anti-lock ...........................172–173
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................172
fluid, checking and adding ....250
fluid, refill capacities ..............256
fluid, specifications .........259, 262
lubricant specifications ..259, 262
parking ....................................173
shift interlock ..........................176
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................54
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....256
Cargo net .....................................82
Cell phone use ............................81
Certification Label ....................263
Changing a tire .........................140
Child safety restraints ..............122
child safety belts ....................122
Child safety seats ......................124
attaching with tether straps ..128
in front seat ............................126
in rear seat ..............................126
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............220
instrument panel ....................222
interior .....................................222
interior trim ............................222
plastic parts ............................221
safety belts ..............................222
washing ....................................219
waxing .....................................219
wheels ......................................220
REVIEW COPY
2005 U137 Excursion(hdw), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
Index
268