
•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.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or 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.
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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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POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid. Refer toscheduled maintenance
information.
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. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MotorcraftGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................224
Accessory delay ..........................74
AdvanceTrac ..............................226
Air cleaner filter ...............325, 330
Air suspension ...........................232
description ..............................232
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........152, 156, 158
and child safety seats ............154
description ..............152, 156, 158
disposal ....................................161
driver airbag ............154, 157, 159
indicator light .................156, 161
operation .................154, 157, 159
passenger airbag .....154, 157, 159
side airbag ...............................156
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................305
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................224
Anti-theft system ..............114, 118
arming the system ..................118
disarming a triggered
system .....................................119
Audio system (see Radio) .........30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................235
fluid, adding ............................325
fluid, checking ........................325
fluid, refill capacities ..............331
fluid, specification ..................331
Auxiliary input jack
(Line in) ......................................36
Auxiliary power point .................71Axle
lubricant specifications ..........331
refill capacities ........................331
B
Battery .......................................303
acid, treating emergencies .....303
jumping a disabled
battery .....................................274
maintenance-free ....................303
replacement, specifications ...330
servicing ..................................303
Belt-Minder.............................148
Booster seats .............................177
Brakes ........................................223
anti-lock ...................................224
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............224
fluid, checking and adding ....324
fluid, refill capacities ..............331
fluid, specifications .................331
lubricant specifications ..........331
parking ....................................225
shift interlock ..........................233
Bulbs ............................................60
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....331
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................84
Cargo cover .................................95
Cargo management system ........95
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................264
Child safety seats ......................166
in front seat ............................167
in rear seat ..............................167
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J
Jack ............................................264
positioning ...............................264
storage .....................................264
Jump-starting your vehicle ......274
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................103
keypad .....................................113
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................114
programming entry code .......113
Keys .....................................97, 116
positions of the ignition .........217
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................55
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................60
daytime running light ...............56
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................55
headlamps, flash to pass ..........56
interior lamps ...............58–59, 61
replacing bulbs .........................64
LATCH anchors .........................170
Liftgate ................................90, 109
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........224
Load limits .................................202
Loading instructions .................209
Locks
autolock ...................................103
childproof ................................107
doors ........................................103Lubricant specifications ...........331
Lug nuts ....................................272
Lumbar support, seats .............123
M
Message center ...........................20
english/metric button ...............25
system check button ................25
warning messages .....................26
Mirrors ...................................75–76
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................75
fold away ...................................76
heated ........................................77
programmable memory ..........110
signal .........................................77
Moon roof ....................................83
Motorcraftparts ..............294, 330
MyKey ..........................................98
N
Navigation system .......................47
O
Octane rating ............................315
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................300
P
Parental MyKey
programming ...............................98
Parking brake ............................225
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........330
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................78
Index
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