Page 248 of 352

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
Driving with a 6–speed automatic transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an
Adaptive Transmission Shift
Strategy. The Adaptive Transmission
Shift Strategy offers the optimal
transmission operation and shift
quality. When the engine is turned
off, the shift data which includes the
adaptive information will be stored
automatically in the Transmission
Control Module (TCM). If the
battery is disconnected for any
reason, the stored information from
the last time the key was turned to
OFF will be read. This way, no
information will be lost with any
battery removal or battery
disconnect.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Depress the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear. If your vehicle is
equipped with a floor-shift transmission, press the gearshift lever
release button (on the front of the lever) while shifting into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
248
Page 249 of 352

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 position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six except in 4X4 where transmission
operates in gears two through six.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever.
Transmission operates in gears one through six.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
249
Page 259 of 352

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 authorized dealer.
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
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
259
Page 277 of 352

The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, activate
the hazard flashers and set the
parking brake.
2. Place the gearshift in P (Park)
and turn the engine OFF.
Location of the spare tire and tools
The spare tire and tools for your vehicle are stowed in the following
locations:
Item Location
Spare tire Under the vehicle, just forward of the rear
bumper
Jack tools and jacking
instructionsUnder the access panel located in the floor
compartment behind the rear seat
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
277
Page 279 of 352

Tire change procedure
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure the parking brake is set, then block the wheels (both
front or both rear) on the opposite end of the vehicle from the wheel
being changed. If on a grade, block both opposite wheels on the
downward side of the hill.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the Air
Suspension system prior to jacking, hoisting or towing your
vehicle.
Turn off the running boards (if equipped) before jacking or
placing any object under the vehicle. Never place your hand
between the extended running board and the vehicle. A moving
running board may cause injury.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack and changing the wheel.
If your vehicle is equipped with air suspension, refer to Message center
in the Driver Controls chapter for instructions on turning the air
suspension system off.
Refer to the instruction sheet (located in the rear floor compartment
behind the 3rd row seat with the jack tray tools assembly kit) for
detailed tire change instructions.
2008 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
279
Page 281 of 352
When one of the rear wheels is off the ground, the transmission
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the transmission is in P (Park). To prevent the vehicle
from moving when you change the tire, be sure that the parking brake
is set and the block the wheels (both front or both rear) on the
opposite end of the vehicle from the wheel being changed. If on a
grade, block both opposite wheels on the downward side of the hill. If
the vehicle slips off the jack, someone could be seriously injured.
• Front
• Rear
Turn off the running boards (if equipped) before jacking or
placing any object under the vehicle. Never place your hand
between the extended running board and the vehicle. A moving
running board may cause injury.
2008 Navigator (nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Roadside Emergencies
281
Page 285 of 352

considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
285
Page 292 of 352
With a disabled vehicle (without access to wheel dollies, car hauling
trailer or flatbed transport vehicle) your vehicle can be towed (all wheels
on the ground) under the following conditions:
Special Conditions:
•Release the parking brake.
•Turn the air suspension control to OFF.
•Turn the ignition to the OFF/UNLOCKED position.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
If the vehicle’s battery is discharged, refer toAutomatic transmission
operationin theDrivingchapter for directions on how to move the
gearshift lever out of the P (Park) position, for proper towing.
•Do not exceed a distance of 50 miles (80 km).
•Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) vehicle speed.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
292