
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:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Refer toTransmission fluid temperature gaugein theInstrument
Clusterchapter for transmission fluid temperature information.
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
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.
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 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.
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
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the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
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.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode), 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 4WD
vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures can be
found in theDrivingchapter. 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 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4x4 while
the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting
sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and the
automatic locking hubs engaging 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.
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.
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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 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.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep
speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid aggressive
steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control which can
lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.
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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•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA fuel economy estimates
If applicable, every new vehicle should have a sticker on the window
called the Monroney Label which contains EPA fuel economy estimates.
Contact your authorized dealer if the Monroney Label is not supplied
with your vehicle. The EPA fuel economy estimates should be your guide
for the fuel economy comparisons with other vehicles. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Maintenance and Specifications
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refill capacities ........................391
Event data recording ....................8
Exhaust fumes ..........................267
F
Fail safe cooling ........................369
Family entertainment system ....67
Fluid capacities .........................391
Fog lamps ..................................107
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......284
description ..............................290
driving off road .......................292
electronic shift ................285, 290
indicator light .........................286
lever operated shift ................286
manual locking hubs ..............284
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................273
Fuel ............................................371
calculating fuel
economy ......................26, 34, 376
cap ...........................................373
capacity ...................................391
choosing the right fuel ...........374
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................379
detergent in fuel .....................375
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................371, 373, 376
filter, specifications ........371, 390
fuel pump shut-off switch .....305
improving fuel economy ........376
octane rating ...................375, 395
quality ......................................375
running out of fuel .................375
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................371
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......305
Fuses ..................................306–307G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............373
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................376
Gauges .........................................20
transmission fluid
temperature gauge ...................24
H
Hazard flashers .........................304
Head restraints .................164, 170
Headlamps .................................107
aiming ..............................109, 111
autolamp system .....................107
daytime running lights ...........108
flash to pass ............................108
high beam ...............................108
replacing bulbs ...............115–117
turning on and off ..................107
Heating
heater only system ...................98
heating and air conditioning
system ...............................99, 102
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................139
Hood ..........................................356
I
Ignition ...............................264, 395
Illuminated visor mirror ...........121
Infant seats (see Safety
seats) .........................................199
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................381
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Power adjustable foot pedals ...131
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................310
Power door locks ......................148
Power mirrors ...........................127
Power point ...............................123
Power steering ..........................272
fluid, checking and adding ....382
fluid, refill capacity ................391
Power Windows .........................124
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................273
R
Radio ................................42, 44, 51
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................67
Rear-view camera system .........282
Relays ........................................306
Remote entry system ...............152
illuminated entry ....................157
locking/unlocking
doors ................................148, 153
replacing the batteries ...........155
Reverse sensing system ...........280
Roadside assistance ..................303
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..........................173–178
Safety defects, reporting ..........344
Safety restraints ................173–178
Belt-Minder...........................181
extension assembly ................184
for adults .........................174–178for children .............................195
lap belt ....................................179
warning light and
chime ...............................180–181
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................207
Safety seats for children ..........199
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................395
Satellite Radio Information ........64
Seats ..........................................164
child safety seats ....................199
cleaning ...................................352
heated ......................................102
memory seat ...................154, 169
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................157
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ................................159, 161
Servicing your vehicle ..............355
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................46
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................53
Snowplowing .................7, 300–301
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............189
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................390, 395
Special notice ................................8
ambulance conversions ..............7
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......302
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Speed control ............................131
Starting your vehicle ........264–266
jump starting ..........................331
Steering wheel
controls ....................................134
Index
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