4. Make sure the parking brake is
set.
5. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key once the engine
starts.
1. Turn the key to 4 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release once the engine
starts. The key will return to 3
(ON).
2. When the engine starts, release
the key.
3. After idling for a few seconds,
apply the brake, shift into gear and
drive.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
234
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
This vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system which assists in
starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
If your vehicle is factory-equipped
with an engine block heater, a
rubber cap/plug assembly will be
visibly attached to the grille on the
front of the vehicle. For factory
equipped, this assembly is loose
shipped in-vehicle for authorized
dealer installation. If not
factory-equipped, the engine block
heater can be purchased through
authorized dealer accessories.
Replacement rubber caps are
available through an authorized
dealer, 3L1Z-6E088-AA.
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
235
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock – floor-shift transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed, or when the ignition is
in the OFF position, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s
brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown, perform the following procedure:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the ignition to OFF, then remove the
key.
2. Using a screwdriver or similar
tool, remove the protective cover to
the interlock release access hole,
located to the right of the gearshift
lever.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
tool straight down into the access
hole and press downward while
pulling the gearshift lever out of the
P (Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.
4. Remove tool and reinstall the protective cover.
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
247
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
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
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control
switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) only.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate 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.O/D
OFF
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
250
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
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
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 coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
2008 Navigator(nav)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
265