
and shifting procedures can be found in this chapter. Information on
transfer case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this
information before you operate your vehicle.
Normal characteristics
On some four–wheel drive models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to
four–wheel drive while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary
clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and engaging the front wheels, and is not cause for concern.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Note:If air is released from your tires, the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) indicator light may illuminate.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTracwith RSC, press the
AdvanceTracwith RSC button (refer toAdvanceTracwith Roll
Stability Control (RSC) Stability Enhancement Systemin this
chapter) while driving in deep sand if you experience excessive engine
power reduction.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through 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.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even four–wheel drive vehicles can lose traction in
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Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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.
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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
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
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
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 the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor 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 working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Transmission fluid should be checked by an authorized dealer. If
required, fluid should be added by an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................271
Accessory delay ........................107
AdvanceTrac ..............................273
Air cleaner filter .......372–373, 375
Air suspension ...........................278
description ..............................278
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................202, 206, 208
and child safety seats ............204
description ..............202, 206, 208
disposal ....................................211
driver airbag ............204, 207, 209
indicator light .................206, 211
operation .................204, 207, 209
passenger airbag .....204, 207, 209
side airbag ...............................206
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................354
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................271
Anti-theft system
arming the system ..................168
Armrests ....................................173
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 24, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................282
fluid, adding ............................372
fluid, checking ........................372
fluid, refill capacities ..............376
fluid, specification ..................376
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....39
Auxiliary power point ...............103Axle
lubricant specifications ..........376
refill capacities ........................376
B
Battery .......................................352
acid, treating emergencies .....352
jumping a disabled battery ....319
maintenance-free ....................352
replacement, specifications ...375
servicing ..................................352
Belt-Minder.............................198
Booster seats .............................213
Brakes ........................................270
anti-lock ...................................271
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................271
fluid, checking and adding ....372
fluid, refill capacities ..............376
fluid, specifications .................376
lubricant specifications ..........376
parking ....................................272
shift interlock ..................280–281
Bulbs ............................................92
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....376
Cargo cover ...............................150
Cargo management system ......150
Cassette tape player ...................24
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................310
Child safety restraints ..............212
child safety belts ....................212
Child safety seats ......................216
in front seat ............................217
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Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................370
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................339
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................89
J
Jack ............................................310
positioning ...............................310
storage .....................................310
Jump-starting your vehicle ......319
K
Keyless entry system ...............165
autolock ...................................152
keypad .....................................166
locking and unlocking doors ..167
programming entry code .......166
Keys ...................................167–169
positions of the ignition .........265
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................87
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................92
daytime running light ...............88
fog lamps ...................................87
headlamps .................................87
headlamps, flash to pass ..........88
instrument panel, dimming .....89
interior lamps .....................91, 93
replacing bulbs ...................93, 96
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................90
Liftgate ..............146, 149, 158–159Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........271
Limited-slip axle .......................279
Load limits .................................250
Loading instructions .................256
Locks
autolock ...................................152
childproof ................................156
doors ........................................152
Lubricant specifications ...........376
Lug nuts ....................................318
Lumbar support, seats .....173–174
M
Message center .................122, 132
english/metric button .....128, 140
system check button ......127, 140
warning messages ...........129, 141
Mirrors ...............................107–108
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................107
fold away .................................109
heated ..............................109–110
programmable memory ..........161
signal .......................................110
Moon roof ..................................117
Motorcraft parts ........343, 360, 375
N
Navigation system .......................75
O
Octane rating ............................364
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................349
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