Points to Remember:
•Brake System Interaction:The TBC interacts with the brake
system of the vehicle, including ABS. Therefore, if these systems are
not functioning properly the TBC may not function at full
performance.
•Ignition Off:When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC Output is
disabled and the display is shut down. Reactivation of the ignition
from OFF to RUN will awaken the TBC module.
•Factory Installed:The TBC is only a factory installed item. Ford is
not responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse
or out-of-factory installation.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lb. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, activate the Tow/Haul
feature. This will also assist in transmission cooling. (For additional
information, refer to theUnderstanding the positions of the 5–speed
automatic transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
•Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
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type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the spare tire label for limitations
when using.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guide
for more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or
36,000 miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (2.0 gallons [7.5L], maximum two occurrences within 12
month period)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents, are covered (some
exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theOwner Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
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Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Emergencies
211
Relays ........................................213
Remote entry system .................82
illuminated entry ......................85
locking/unlocking doors ...........80
Reverse sensing system ...........191
Roadside assistance ..................211
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ................97–101
Safety defects, reporting ..........237
Safety restraints ..................97–101
belt minder .............................104
extension assembly ................107
for adults ...........................98–101
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................102
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................103–104
Safety seats for children ..........120
Seat belts (see
Safety restraints) ........................97
Seats ............................................90
child safety seats ....................120
cleaning ...................................242
Servicing your vehicle ..............245
Snowplowing .................8, 208–210
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................280, 287
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......210
utility-type vehicles ....................8Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................283, 287
Speed control ..............................63
Starting your vehicle .......175–176,
179
jump starting ..........................221
Steering wheel
controls ......................................66
tilting .........................................56
T
Tailgate ..................................78–79
Tilt steering wheel ......................56
Tires ...................................131–132
alignment ................................156
care ..........................................155
changing ..................................141
checking the pressure ............134
inspecting and inflating .........133
label .........................................154
replacing ..................................137
rotating ....................................157
safety practices .......................156
sidewall information ...............149
snow tires and chains ............160
spare tire .........................137–138
terminology .............................132
tire grades ...............................132
treadwear ........................131, 155
Towing .......................................165
trailer towing ..........................165
wrecker ....................................227
Traction-lok rear axle ...............183
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................277
Transmission
automatic operation .........56, 184
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....184
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