WARNING:Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a
latchplate into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minderchime. To
do so may adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag
system
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minderfeature (if equipped)
Read Steps1-4thoroughly before proceeding with the
deactivation/activation programming procedure.
Note:If you are using MyKey™, the Belt-Mindercannot be disabled.
Also, if the Belt-Minderhas been previously disabled, it will be
re-enabled after the use of MyKey™. Refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and securitychapter.
The driver Belt-Minderfeature can be deactivated/activated by
performing the following procedure:
Before following the procedure, make sure that:
•The parking brake is set
•The gearshift is in P (Park)
•The ignition switch is in the off position
•The driver and passenger safety belts are unbuckled
WARNING:While the design allows you to deactivate your
Belt-Minder, this system is designed to improve your chances of
being safely belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you
leave the Belt-Mindersystem activated for yourself and others who
may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
deactivate/activate the Belt-Minderfeature while driving the vehicle.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position. DO NOT START THE
ENGINE.
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off (Approximately one
minute).
•Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt
warning light turns off.
3. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt nine times at a moderate speed,
ending in the unbuckled state.
•After Step 3, the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three
seconds.
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•Example only:
WARNING:Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label
vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural
damage, serious damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal
injury.
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to transport the cement to your home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 lb. (99 kg), the calculation would be: 1400 - (2 x 220) - (12
x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 1200 = - 240 lb. No, you do not have enough
cargo capacity to carry that much weight. In metric units, the
calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (12 x 45 kg) = 635 - 198 -
540 = -103 kg. You will need to reduce the load weight by at least
240 lb. (104 kg). If you remove 3-100 lb. (45 kg) cement bags, then
the load calculation would be:
1400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (9 x
45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehicle
section in theDrivingchapter of this owner guide.
WARNING:Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra
precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance,
should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires, and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits. If exceeded, cargo should be
removed from the trailer and/or the vehicle until all weights are within
specified limits.
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EngineRear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lb. (kg)Trailer weight
range (0 -
maximum) lb. (kg)
4x2
5.4L with
standard
trailer tow
packageAll 11800 (5352) 0–6000 (0–2721)
5.4L with
optional
trailer tow
packageAll 15000 (6804) 0–9200 (0–4172)
4x4
5.4L with
standard
trailer tow
packageAll 12000 (5443 ) 0–6000 (0–2721)
5.4L with
optional
trailer tow
packageAll 15000 (6804) 0–9000 (0–4082)
Note:For vehicles not equipped with the optional trailer tow package,
the maximum frontal area of trailer should not exceed the frontal area
of the vehicle (36.5 square feet [3.4 square meters]).
Note:For vehicles equipped with the optional trailer tow package, the
maximum frontal area of trailer should not exceed 60 square feet (5.6
square meters).
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EngineRear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
lb. (kg)Trailer weight
range (0 -
maximum) lb. (kg)
Expedition EL (U.S. Only) Expedition Max (Canada Only) 4x2
5.4L with
standard
trailer tow
packageAll 12100 (5488) 0–6000 (0–2721)
5.4L with
optional
trailer tow
packageAll 15000 (6804) 0–8900 (0–4037)
Expedition EL (U.S. Only) Expedition Max (Canada Only) 4x4
5.4L with
standard
trailer tow
packageAll 12300 (5579) 0–6000 (0–2721)
5.4L with
optional
trailer tow
packageAll 15000 (6804) 0–8700 (0–3946)
Note:For vehicles not equipped with the optional trailer tow package,
the maximum frontal area of trailer should not exceed the frontal area
of the vehicle (36.5 square feet [3.4 square meters]).
Note:For vehicles equipped with the optional trailer tow package, the
maximum frontal area of trailer should not exceed 60 square feet (5.6
square meters).
Do not exceed the maximum loads listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. For load specification terms found on the label, refer
toVehicle loadingin this chapter. Remember to figure in the tongue
load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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Integrated hitch rating
The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of
operation:
•Weight carrying- requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar
supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
•Weight distributing- requires an aftermarket weight distributing
system which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between
the truck and the trailer by this system.
Mode Maximum
Gross Trailer
Weight - lb.
(kg)Maximum
Tongue Weight
- lb. (kg)
Weight carrying 6000 (2721) 600 (272)
Weight distributing 9200 (4173) 920 (417)
These are hitch ratings only; actual vehicle ratings are dependent on
engine, transmission and axle combinations.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight
exceeds the limit of the towing system and could result in
vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. Contact your authorized dealer or a
reliable trailer dealer as soon as possible if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10%–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
WARNING:The trailer hitch on this vehicle is part of the
vehicle rear crash safety structure. Do not remove the trailer
hitch. Failure to follow this warning could compromise vehicle crash
structure and increase the risk of injury in a rear end collision.
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•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•causing internal damage to the components.
•affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.
3. On— all electrical circuits
operational. Warning lights
illuminated. Key position when
driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key once the engine starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator
before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have
difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the
vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
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