
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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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 AdvanceTracwith 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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CONTROL TRAC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
If equipped with the Control Trac 4x4 System, and 4L (4x4 LOW)
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
Before 4L (4x4 LOW) can be engaged, the vehicle must be
brought to a complete stop, the brake pedal depressed and the
transmission placed in N (Neutral).
The vehicle should not be operated in 4H (4x4 HIGH) or 4L (4x4 LOW)
on dry pavement. Doing so could result in difficult disengagement of the
transfer case, increased tire wear, decreased fuel economy and may
damage driveline components.
Your 4x4 features the heavy-duty Control Trac system which includes a
computer-operated transfer case. This unique system is interactive with
the road, continually monitoring and adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize vehicle control.
System indicator lights
The Control Trac system indicator lights illuminate only under the
following conditions. If these lights illuminate when driving in 2H or
A4WD, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible.
•4X4 HIGH- momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4H is
selected.
•4X4 LOW– momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L is
selected.
4x4
HIGH
4x4
LOW
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Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Trac system functions
in four modes:
•2H (2WD HIGH)delivers power
to the rear wheels only. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement.
•A4WD (4X4 AUTO)provides
electronic control four-wheel
drive with power delivered to all
four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow or gravel.
•4H (4X4 HIGH)provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power
to front and rear wheels. The “4X4 HIGH” light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended
for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or
shallow sand.
•4L (4X4 LOW)provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. The “4X4 LOW” light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster when this position is selected.
This position is not recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this
position for off-road low-speed operation or when extra power is
required, such as climbing steep grades, going through deep sand or
pulling a boat out of the water.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTracwith RSC, the
AdvanceTracwith RSC system will automatically turn off the stability
enhancement feature when you shift the Control Trac A4WD system into
4L (4X4 LOW). The brake traction enhancement feature will still be
enabled.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC stability enhancement system can be
turned off manually by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSC button
(refer toAdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control (RSC) Stability
Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 2H, A4WD or
4H while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more strenuous
off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management feature,
allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced momentum
through the obstacle.
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Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenotdesigned 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
Vehicles equipped with a message center will provide an audible tone
and a temporary display of the Control Trac Four-Wheel Drive System
mode after a mode change has been successfully completed.
Shifting from 2H to A4WD or 4H
Move the control to the A4WD or
4H position at any forward speed up
to 55 mph (88 km/h). 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.
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Shifting from 2H, A4WD or 4H to 4L
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop and
keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
3. Move the control to the 4L
position.
If any of the above shift conditions are not met, the message center will
display the appropriate information.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages.
Shifting from 4L to 4H, A4WD or 2H
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop and
keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral).
3. Move the control to the 4H,
A4WD or 2H position.
If any of the above shift conditions
are not met, the message center will
display the appropriate information.
Note:Some noise may be heard as
the system shifts or engages.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
Four–wheel drive vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand,
snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC stability enhancement system can be
turned off manually by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSC button
(refer toAdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control (RSC) Stability
Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 2H, A4WD or
4H while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more strenuous
off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management feature,
allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced momentum
through the obstacle.
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How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
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.
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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.
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 35 mph (56 km/h). 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
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