
•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.
WARNING: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 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 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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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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
slick mud. As when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
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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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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.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................291
Accessory delay ........................115
AdvanceTrac ..............................293
Air cleaner filter .......397–398, 400
Air suspension ...........................298
description ..............................298
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................218, 222, 224
and child safety seats ............220
description ..............218, 222, 224
disposal ....................................228
driver airbag ............220, 223, 225
indicator light .................222, 227
operation .................220, 223, 225
passenger airbag .....220, 223, 225
side airbag ...............................222
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................377
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................291
Anti-theft system ..............178, 182
arming the system ..................182
disarming a triggered
system .....................................183
Armrests ....................................188
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................20, 24, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................303
fluid, adding ............................397
fluid, checking ........................397
fluid, refill capacities ..............401
fluid, specification ..................401
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....39
Auxiliary power point ...............111Axle
lubricant specifications ..........401
refill capacities ........................401
B
Battery .......................................375
acid, treating emergencies .....375
jumping a disabled battery ....341
maintenance-free ....................375
replacement, specifications ...400
servicing ..................................375
Belt-Minder.............................214
Booster seats .............................242
Brakes ........................................290
anti-lock ...................................291
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................291
fluid, checking and adding ....397
fluid, refill capacities ..............401
fluid, specifications .................401
lubricant specifications ..........401
parking ....................................292
shift interlock ..................300, 302
Bulbs ..........................................101
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....401
Cargo cover ...............................160
Cargo management system ......160
Cassette tape player ...................24
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................331
Child safety seats ......................232
in front seat ............................232
in rear seat ..............................232
LATCH .....................................235
recommendations ...................230
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Index
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Illuminated visor mirror ...........109
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................232
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................395
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................361
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................97
J
Jack ............................................331
positioning ...............................331
storage .....................................331
Jump-starting your vehicle ......341
K
Keyless entry system ...............176
autolock ...................................165
keypad .....................................176
locking and unlocking doors ..177
programming entry code .......176
Keys ...................................163, 179
positions of the ignition .........284
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................95
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................101
daytime running light ...............96
fog lamps ...................................96
headlamps .................................95
headlamps, flash to pass ..........96
instrument panel, dimming .....97
interior lamps ...................99, 102
replacing bulbs ...............102, 105LATCH anchors .........................235
Liftgate ......................155, 159, 171
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........291
Limited-slip axle .......................299
Load limits .................................269
Loading instructions .................275
Locks
autolock ...................................165
childproof ................................169
doors ........................................165
Lubricant specifications ...........401
Lug nuts ....................................340
Lumbar support, seats .....188–189
M
Message center .................131, 141
english/metric button .....136, 146
system check button ......135, 144
warning messages ...........138, 151
Mirrors ...............................115, 117
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................116
fold away .................................117
heated ..............................118–119
programmable memory ..........172
signal .......................................119
Moon roof ..................................126
Motorcraft parts ........365, 383, 400
N
Navigation system .......................83
O
Octane rating ....................387–388
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................372
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Index
413