2012 FORD EXPEDITION four wheel drive

Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be
out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
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Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in your
scheduled maintenance) will help your tires wear more evenly, providing
better tire performance and longer tire life.
•Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
vehicles/Four-wheel drive (4WD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
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7.H:Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the
speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of
time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure. The tires
on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load and inflation
pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted for the difference
in conditions. The ratings range from 81 mph (130 km/h) to 186 mph
(299 km/h). These ratings are listed in the following chart.
Note:You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
Letter rating Speed rating - mph (km/h)
M 81 mph (130 km/h)
N 87 mph (140 km/h)
Q 99 mph (159 km/h)
R 106 mph (171 km/h)
S 112 mph (180 km/h)
T 118 mph (190 km/h)
U 124 mph (200 km/h)
H 130 mph (210 km/h)
V 149 mph (240 km/h)
W 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y 186 mph (299 km/h)
Note:For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph
(240 km/h), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph (299 km/h), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
8.U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN):This begins with the
letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code designating where it was
manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example,
the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers
go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The
numbers in between are identification codes used for traceability. This
information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
9.M+S or M/S:Mud and Snow, or
AT:All Terrain, or
AS:All Season.
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WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may
lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
WARNING:Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lb.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lb.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400-750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lb.). In metric units (635-340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•Another example for your vehicle with 1,400 lb. (635 kg) of cargo and
luggage capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load
capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and
four friends average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh
approximately 30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 -
(5 x 220) - (5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have
enough load capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and
your golf bags. In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x
99 kg) - (5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg.
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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 in (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.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing. An
example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
2WD and 4WD vehicles:Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on
the ground, as vehicle or transmission damage may occur. It is
recommended to tow your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the ground
such as when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no recreational
towing is permitted. See your authorized dealer if you must flat-tow a
vehicle equipped with the Control Trac4WD system.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
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CONTROL TRAC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
If equipped with the Control Trac4X4 System, and 4L (4X4
LOW) is selected while the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h), the system will not engage. This is normal and should
be no reason for concern. Before 4L (4X4 LOW) can be engaged,
the vehicle must be stopped or moving slower than 3 mph
(5 km/h) and the transmission placed in N (Neutral).
See theMessage centerin theInstrument Clustersection to complete
the 4L shift if either shift condition is not met.
Do not use 4H (4X4) or 4L (4X4 LOW) on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Doing so will produce excessive noise, increased tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4H (4X4) and 4L (4X4 LOW) are only
intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4H (4X4) or
4L (4X4 LOW) on these surfaces may produce some noise (such as
occasional clunks) but will not damage drive components.
Your 4x4 features the heavy-duty Control Trac system which includes a
computer-operated transfer case. This unique system is interactive with
the road, continually monitoring and adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize vehicle control.
4WD indicator lights
The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the
reconfigurable telltale (RTT) location under the following conditions.
Refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•4X2- Momentarily illuminates
when 2H is selected.
•4X4 AUTO– Illuminates when
4X4 AUTO is selected.
4x2
4x4
AUTO
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•4X4– Illuminates when 4X4 is
selected.
•4X4 LOW- Illuminates when 4L
is selected.
•CHECK 4X4 (if equipped)-
Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Note:When a 4x4 system fault is present, the system will typically
remain in whichever 4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault condition
occurring. It will not default to 4X2 mode in all circumstances. When this
warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Tracsystem functions
in four modes:
•2H (4X2)delivers power to the
rear wheels only. The message
center will momentarily display
“4x2” when this mode is selected.
This is appropriate for normal
on-road driving on dry pavement
and provides best fuel economy.
•4A (4X4 AUTO)provides
electronic control four-wheel drive with power delivered to all four
wheels, as required, for increased traction. The message center will
display “4X4 AUTO” when this position is selected. This is appropriate
for all on-road driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet
pavement, snow or gravel.
•4H (4X4)provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to
front and rear wheels. The message center will display “4X4” when
this position is selected. This position is not recommended for use on
dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter or
off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand.4x4
4x4
LOW
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•4L (4X4 LOW)provides electronically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. The message center will
display “4X4 LOW” when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this position for off-road
low-speed operation or when extra power is required, such as climbing
steep grades, going through deep sand or pulling a boat out of the
water.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTracwith RSC,the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem will automatically turn off the stability
enhancement feature when you shift the Control Tracfour-wheel drive
system into 4L (4X4 LOW). The brake traction enhancement feature will
still be enabled.
The AdvanceTracwith RSCstability enhancement system can be
turned off manually by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSCbutton
(refer toAdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) Stability
Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 2H, 4A or 4H
while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more strenuous off-road
maneuvers. This will disable the engine management feature, allowing
the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced momentum through the
obstacle.
WARNING:Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed 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 or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles.
Note:The Control Tracselector knob should not be changed while the
rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting between modes
Shifting between 2H and 4A or 4H
Move the control from 2H to the 4A or 4H position at any forward speed
or at a stop. The message center may display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring the system shift. The message center will then
display 4X4 AUTO if 4A is selected or 4X4 if 4H is selected. The message
center will momentarily display 4X2 if 2H is selected.
Shifting between 4A and 4H
Move the control between 4A to 4H at a stop or while driving at any
speed. The message center will display 4X4 if 4H is selected and 4X4
Auto if 4A is selected.
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