2005 FORD EXPEDITION Owners Manual

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.
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 people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The AdvanceTrac
with RSC system provides stability enhancement
features such as Roll Stability Control, AdvanceTrac
with RSC and
traction enhancement for certain driving situations when driver
assistance is needed. It helps your vehicle maintain traction, when
driving on slippery and/or hilly road surfaces, by detecting and
controlling wheel spin. Excessive wheel spin is controlled by momentarily
reducing engine power and rapidly applying the anti-lock brakes. The
system is a driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle
primarily on snow and ice-covered roads.
If your vehicle should become stuck in deep snow or mud, try switching
the AdvanceTrac
with RSC system off by pressing the AdvanceTrac

with RSC button. This will allow your tires to “dig” for traction.
If the AdvanceTrac
with RSC system is activated and deactivated
excessively in a short period of time, the brake portion of the system will
shut down to allow the brakes to cool down. A limited AdvanceTrac

with RSC function using only engine power reduction will still help
control the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled
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down, the system will again function normally. Anti-lock braking is not
affected by this condition and will function normally during the
cool-down period.
The AdvanceTrac
with RSC system 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 AdvanceTrac
with RSC system helps the driver maintain steering
control if the vehicle begins to slide excessively left or right or spin out.
AdvanceTrac
with RSC 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 the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
system, 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 toTrailer
Towingin this chapter)
The RSC feature works to further enhance the vehicle’s overall stability
during aggressive maneuvers. The RSC feature helps maintain roll
stability of the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by applying brake
force to one or more wheels.
The AdvanceTrac
with RSC 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.
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The AdvanceTrac
with RSC button
allows the driver to control the
availability of the AdvanceTrac

with RSC system. The RSC system
status is indicated by a warning
indicator light with a “sliding car” icon in the instrument cluster that will
flash when the system is activated and an indicator light in the control
button that will illuminate when the system is turned off. In vehicles with
a message center, the message “ADVANCETRAC OFF” will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTrac
with RSC system, the
warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on. If the
warning indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while the
engine is running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the button once will disable the AdvanceTrac
with RSC
stability enhancement system and the engine power reduction portion of
the traction enhancement feature; the brake portion of the traction
enhancement feature will still function normally. Pressing and holding
the button for more than five seconds will disable the AdvanceTrac

with RSC stability enhancementandtraction enhancement feature. If the
vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand, switching
off the AdvanceTrac
with RSC system may be beneficial so the wheels
are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose engine power while
driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off the AdvanceTrac

with RSC stability enhancement system will restore full engine power
and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC performs a system self-check. During
AdvanceTrac
with RSC system operation you may experience the
following:
•A rumble or grinding noise
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The AdvanceTrac
with RSC indicator light will flash
•If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac
with RSC
operation.
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Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
with Roll Stability Control system. Also, do
not install a stereo loudspeaker near the front center console or
under either front seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely
affect the AdvanceTrac
with Roll Stability Control sensors
located in this area.
Note:Pressing the AdvanceTrac
with RSC button will disable the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC system.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac
with
Roll Stability Control event is an indication that at least some of the
tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a park/brake-shift interlock feature that
prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the
ignition is in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed, or when the ignition is
in the OFF position, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s
brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to OFF, then remove the
key.
2. Push the tilt steering lever down and tilt the steering column all the
way up.
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3. Locate the round access plug on
the underside of the steering
column cover.
4. Remove the access plug using a flat-head screwdriver, then insert your
finger and pull the override button toward you. With the button pulled
toward you, apply the brake pedal and shift the transmission into N
(Neutral).
5. Reinstall the access plug cover, start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission
Your vehicle’s automatic transmission is equipped with a special shift
strategy that insures maximum heater performance during cold weather
operation.
When ambient temperature is 23°F (–5°C) or below and the engine
coolant temperature is below 100°F (38°C), light throttle upshifts may be
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slightly delayed. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches 160°F
(71°C) the normal shift strategy will resume. This is normal operation
and will not affect the function or the durability of the transmission.
If the normal shift strategy does not resume once the engine
coolant temperature reaches the normal operating temperature,
or if the downshifts and other throttle conditions do not function
normally, see your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever
from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake
pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R
(Reverse), the vehicle will move
backward. Always come to a
complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N
(Neutral), the vehicle can be started
and is free to roll. Hold the brake
pedal down while in this gear.
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D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
D (Drive) with Overdrive can be
deactivated by pressing the
transmission control switch (TCS)
on the end of the gearshift lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) will illuminate in the
instrument cluster.
Transmission operates in gears one through three. D (Drive) without
Overdrive provides more engine braking than D (Drive) with Overdrive
and is useful when:
•driving with a heavy load.
•towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
•additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
toDriving while you towin theTrailer towingsection.
To return to D (Drive) with Overdrive mode, press the transmission
control switch (TCS). The TCIL will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
O/D
OFF
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1 (First)
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to D (Drive). Selecting 1 (Low) at higher
speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear, and will shift to 1
(Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.
Forced Downshifts
To gain acceleration in D (Drive) with Overdrive or D (Drive) without
Overdrive (O/D OFF) when passing another vehicle, push the accelerator
to the floor. The transmission will downshift to the appropriate gear:
third, second or first gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
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 minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac
with RSC, it may be
beneficial to turn the system off so the wheels are allowed to spin.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The RSS sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear
bumper when R (Reverse) is selected. The RSS will assist the driver in
detecting certain objects while:
•the vehicle is moving toward a stationary object at a speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
•the vehicle is in R (Reverse) but not moving backward (the brake
pedal is depressed or the parking brake is applied), and a moving
object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a speed of 3 mph
(5 km/h) or less.
•the vehicle is moving in reverse at a speed of less than 3 mph
(5 km/h) and a moving object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at
a speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h).
The RSS is not effective at speeds greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving objects.
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