2008 FORD EXPEDITION four wheel drive

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 AdvanceTrac
with RSC, press the
AdvanceTrac
with RSC button (refer toAdvanceTrac
with 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
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
296

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.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
298

Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (as much as
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example; bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
authorized dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle.
The EPA window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy
comparisons with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the range of fuel economy expected on
the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy may vary
depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
368

change oil soon warning,
message center .......................349
checking and adding ..............349
dipstick ....................................349
filter, specifications ........351, 375
recommendations ...................351
refill capacities ........................376
specifications ..........................376
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................268
F
Fail safe cooling ........................358
Family entertainment system ....48
Floor mats .................................145
Fluid capacities .........................376
Foglamps .....................................87
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......290
control trac .............................290
description ..............................291
driving off road .......................293
indicator light .........................290
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................279
Fuel ............................................360
calculating fuel
economy ..................123, 135, 365
cap ...........................................362
capacity ...................................376
choosing the right fuel ...........363
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................368
detergent in fuel .....................365
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................360, 362, 365
filter, specifications ........360, 375
fuel pump shut-off switch .....302
improving fuel economy ........365
octane rating ...................364, 379quality ......................................364
running out of fuel .................365
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................360
Fuses ..................................303–304
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............362
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................365
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................301
Headlamps ...................................87
aiming ........................................89
autolamp system .......................87
bulb specifications ....................92
daytime running lights .............88
flash to pass ..............................88
high beam .................................88
replacing bulbs .........................93
turning on and off ....................87
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system ...........76–77
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................118
Hood ..........................................345
How to get going ........................20
I
Ignition ...............................265, 379
Illuminated visor mirror ...........100
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................216
2008 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
386