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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. Since 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 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.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide durable load carrying capability and predictable
performance whether loaded or empty. 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 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
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2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-wheel driving capability (if applicable)
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
Roadside Emergencies
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Starting your vehicle ........211–213
jump starting ..........................270
Steering wheel
controls ......................................83
tilting .........................................72
Stereo
CD-MP3 .....................................36
SYNC..........................................53
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................72
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....194
Tires ...........................179–181, 258
alignment ................................188
care ..........................................184
changing ..................258, 260, 263
checking the pressure ............184
inflating ...................................182
label .........................................193
replacing ..................................185
rotating ....................................188
safety practices .......................187
sidewall information ...............189
snow tires and chains ............198
spare tire .........................258, 260
terminology .............................181
tire grades ...............................180
treadwear ........................180, 184
Towing .......................................206
recreational towing .................210
trailer towing ..........................206
wrecker ....................................273Transmission .............................227
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....226
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................319
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
lubricant specifications ..........324
Turn signal ..................................63
U
Universal garage door opener ....86
USB port ......................................47
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................328
Vehicle loading ..........................199
Ventilating your vehicle ...........214
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......20
Washer fluid ..............................294
Water, Driving through .............245
Windows
power .........................................78
rear wiper/washer .....................72
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................71
checking and adding fluid .....294
liftgate reservoir .....................294
replacing wiper blades ...295–296
Wrecker towing .........................273
Index
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