
•Narrower — to provide greater
maneuverability in tight spaces,
particularly in off-road use.
As a result of the above dimensional
differences, SUV’s and trucks often
will have a higher center of gravity
and a greater difference in center of
gravity between the loaded and
unloaded condition.
These differences that make your
vehicle so versatile also make it
handle differently than an ordinary
passenger car.
INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
New vehicles are fitted with tires
that have a rating on them called
Tire Quality Grades. The Quality
grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you
the following information about tire grades exactly as the government
has written it.
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If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
On ABS-equipped vehicles, a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and
pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal
pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on
loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper
functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a
malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain steering
control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will
enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled
stop.
•The anti-lock system does not always reduce stopping distance.
Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to stop.
•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up,
remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
ABS
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The air suspension system can be enabled or disabled through the
message center. Refer toMessage centerin theDriver Controlschapter.
If the system is off, the rear air suspension will not operate and will not
raise (pump) or lower (vent) while the vehicle is not moving. However, if
the system determines that the vehicle is low or high and needs to make
a height adjustment while driving at speeds above 15 mph (24 km/h), the
system will pump or vent as required. Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
On vehicles equipped with air suspension, turn the air
suspension and the ignition switch off prior to jacking, hoisting
or towing your vehicle.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility vehicles
and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks arenotdesigned 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 or 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.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload your vehicle
and use extra precautions, such as driving at slower speeds, avoiding
abrupt steering changes and allowing for increased stopping distance,
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. Over loading or loading the
vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute
to loss of vehicle control and vehicle rollover.
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when this position is selected. This is appropriate for all on-road
driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow or
gravel.
•4X4provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to front and
rear wheels. The RTT location in the message center will display
“4X4” when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended
for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or
shallow sand.
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenotdesigned 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 or abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles.
Note:The Control Trac selector switch should not be changed while the
rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting between modes
Press any button (4X2, 4X4 AUTO or 4X4) at any forward speed up to
55 mph (88 km/h). The message center may display “4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESS” during the system shift. The RTT location in the message
center will then display “4X4 AUTO” if 4X4 AUTO is selected or “4X4” if
4X4 is selected.
Note:Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
Four–wheel drive vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand,
snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
The AdvanceTracwith RSC stability enhancement system can be turned
off manually by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSC button (refer to
AdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control (RSC) Stability
Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 4X2, 4X4
AUTO or 4X4 while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more
strenuous off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management
feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced
momentum through the obstacle.
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How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differently than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4X4 mode on dry, hard surfaced roads. This may damage
the drivelines and axles.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application. Ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
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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
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called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
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 the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Control Trac four–wheel drive system (if equipped)
When a four–wheel drive mode is selected, the Control Trac system uses
all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On
four–wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select
four–wheel drive when necessary. Information on transfer case operation
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.
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GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
At home
You must take your Lincoln or Mercury vehicle to an authorized dealer
for warranty repairs. While any authorized dealer handling your vehicle
line will provide warranty service, we recommend you return to your
selling authorized dealer who wants to ensure your continued
satisfaction. Please note that certain warranty repairs require special
training and/or equipment, so not all authorized dealers are authorized to
perform all warranty repairs. This means that, depending on the
warranty repair needed, you may have to take your vehicle to another
authorized dealer. A reasonable time must be allowed to perform a repair
after taking your vehicle to the authorized dealer. Repairs will be made
using Ford or Motorcraft parts, or remanufactured or other parts that are
authorized by Ford.
If you have questions or concerns, or are unsatisfied with the service you
are receiving, follow these steps:
1. Contact your Sales Representative or Service Advisor at your
selling/servicing authorized dealer.
2. If your inquiry or concern remains unresolved, contact the Sales
Manager, Service Manager or Customer Relations Manager.
3. If you require assistance or clarification on Ford Motor Company
policies or procedures, please contact the Lincoln Mercury Customer
Relationship Center at 1-800-521-4140.
Away from home
If you own a Ford or Mercury vehicle and are away from home when
your vehicle needs service, or if you need more help than the authorized
dealer could provide, after following the steps described above, contact
the Ford Customer Relationship Center to find an authorized dealer to
help you.
In the United States:
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48121
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)
(TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952)
www.customersaskford.com
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