Driving on snow and ice
AWD and 4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD 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 an AWD or a 4WD 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, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of AWD or 4WD vehicles
without also putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to
slide and swing around during braking.
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).
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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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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
16 40A** Blower motor
17 30A** Trailer tow electronic brakes
18 — Not used
19 — Not used
20 30A** Front wiper motor
21 20A* Rear of console power point
22 20A* Subwoofer
23 20A* 4x4 module
24 10A* Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Keep Alive Power, Canister vent
25 20A* Front of console power point/Cigar
lighter
26 20A* 4x4 module, AWD module
27 20A* 6–speed transmission control module
(TCM) (4.6L engine only)
28 20A* Heated seats
29 15A* Right high/low beam headlamp
30 20A* Cargo bed power point
31 15A* Fog lamps
32 5A* Power mirrors
33 30A* ABS valves
34 15A* Left high/low beam headlamp
35 10A* AC clutch
36 20A* Console bin power point
37 30A* Driver window motor
38 15A* 5–speed transmission (4.0L engine
only)
39 15A* PCM power
40 15A* Fan clutch, PCV valve, AC clutch
relay
41 15A* SDARS, DVD, SYNC
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1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
5. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX lines. Do not add
fluid if the level is in this range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance product specifications
and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper fluid type.
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 an underhood 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
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A
Accessory delay ..........................73
AdvanceTrac ..............................235
Air cleaner filter ...............335–336
Air conditioning ..........................52
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................159, 168, 170
and child safety seats ............161
description ..............159, 168, 170
disposal ....................................174
driver airbag ............161, 169, 171
indicator light .................168, 173
operation .................161, 169, 171
passenger airbag .....161, 169, 171
side airbag ...............................168
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................252
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................315
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................232–233
Anti-theft system ......................129
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................21, 25, 33
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................243, 246
fluid, adding ............................333
fluid, checking ........................333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
fluid, specification ..................337
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....41
Auxiliary power point .................70
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........337refill capacities ........................337
B
Battery .......................................313
acid, treating emergencies .....313
jumping a disabled battery ....281
maintenance-free ....................313
replacement, specifications ...336
servicing ..................................313
Belt-Minder.............................154
Booster seats .............................188
Brakes ........................................232
anti-lock ...........................232–233
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................233
fluid, checking and adding ....333
fluid, refill capacities ..............337
fluid, specifications .................337
lubricant specifications ..........337
parking ....................................233
shift interlock ..........................242
C
Calculating load ........................219
Capacities for refilling fluids ....337
Cargo cage .................................111
Cargo management system ......115
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................271
Child safety seats ......................178
attaching with tether
straps .......................................185
in front seat ............................179
in rear seat ..............................179
LATCH .....................................182
recommendations ...................176
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Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................178
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................332
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................299
cluster ........................................12
J
Jack ....................................271, 274
positioning .......................271, 276
storage .....................271, 274–275
Jump-starting your vehicle ......281
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...........................118, 120
keypad .....................................128
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................129
programming entry code .......128
Keys ...........................................131
positions of the ignition .........227
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............60–61
daytime running light ...............57
fog lamps ...................................57
headlamps .................................56
interior lamps ...........................60
replacing bulbs .........................65
LATCH anchors .........................182
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........233
Load limits .................................213Loading instructions .................219
Locks
autolock ...........................118, 120
childproof ................................123
doors ........................................118
Lubricant specifications ...........337
Lug nuts ....................................280
Luggage rack .............................116
Lumbar support, seats .....137, 139
M
Message center .....................84, 96
english/metric button .......88, 101
system check button ........87, 100
warning messages .............93, 106
Mirrors ...................................75–76
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................75
fold away ...................................77
heated ........................................77
side view mirrors (power) .......76
Moon roof ....................................83
Motorcraft parts ........301, 321, 336
N
Navigation system .......................49
O
Octane rating ............................325
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................308
P
Parking brake ............................233
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....336
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