
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Four–wheel drive vehicles have advantages over two–wheel drive
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a four–wheel drive vehicle may
accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t
stop any faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four
wheels. Do not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake forcefully and
steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this
chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake
system.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
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Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the 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.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
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4. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir. It should be between the
MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in
small amounts, continuously
checking the level until it reaches
the range between the MIN and
MAX lines. Be sure to put the cap
back on the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................259
Accessory delay ........................121
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........189–190, 194
and child safety seats ............191
description ......................190, 194
disposal ....................................197
driver air bag ..................192, 195
indicator light .................193, 197
operation .........................192, 195
passenger air bag ...........192, 195
Air cleaner filter ...............349–350
Air conditioning ..........................96
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ..............................100
Air suspension ...........................262
description ..............................262
Antifreeze (see
Engine coolant) ........................329
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................259–260
Armrests ....................................163
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................18, 28, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................269
fluid, adding ............................346
fluid, checking ........................346
fluid, refill capacities ..............351
fluid, specification ..................356
Auxiliary power point ...............118
Axle
lubricant specifications ..353, 356
refill capacities ........................351
B
Battery .......................................327acid, treating emergencies .....327
jumping a disabled battery ....298
maintenance-free ....................327
replacement, specifications ...350
servicing ..................................327
BeltMinder .................................185
Brakes ........................................259
anti-lock ...........................259–260
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............260
fluid, checking and adding ....346
fluid, refill capacities ..............351
fluid, specifications .........353, 356
lubricant specifications ..353, 356
parking ....................................261
shift interlock ..........................268
Bulbs ..........................................106
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....351
CD-single premium ...............18, 28
Cell phone use ..........................145
Certification Label ....................358
Changing a tire .........................220
Child safety restraints ..............198
child safety belts ....................198
Child safety seats ......................201
in front seat ............................202
in rear seat ......................202, 205
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............316
instrument panel ....................318
interior .....................................318
plastic parts ............................317
safety belts ..............................318
washing ....................................315
waxing .....................................315
wheels ......................................316
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lighting up panel and
interior .....................................104
J
Jack ............................................220
positioning ...............................220
storage .....................................220
Jump-starting your vehicle ......298
K
Keyless entry system
programming entry code .......156
Keys ...................................157–159
positions of the ignition .........255
L
Lamps
autolamp system .....................102
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................107
daytime running light .............103
fog lamps .................................102
headlamps ...............................102
headlamps, flash to pass ........103
instrument panel, dimming ...104
interior lamps .........105–106, 108
replacing bulbs .......106, 108–111
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ......................105
Liftgate ..............................146, 150
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........260
Limited-slip axle .......................264
Load limits .................................241
Loading instructions .................247Locks
childproof ................................149
doors ........................................148
Lubricant specifications ...353, 356
Lug nuts ....................................227
Lumbar support, seats .............163
M
Message center .........................134
english/metric button .............139
system check button ..............140
warning messages ...................140
Mirrors ...............................116, 121
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................121
fold away .................................123
heated ......................................122
programmable memory ..151, 165
signal .......................................122
Moon roof ..................................117
Motorcraft parts ................339, 350
N
Navigation system .......................56
quick start .................................61
radio functions ..........................62
setting the clock .......................89
O
Octane rating ............................338
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................324
P
Panic alarm feature,
remote entry system ................151
Parking brake ............................261
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