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.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. 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 a quality gas stabilizer
product 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) .....................243
Accessory delay ..........................88
AdvanceTrac ..............................246
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................170, 174, 176
and child safety seats ............172
description ..............170, 174, 176
disposal ....................................179
driver airbag ............172, 175, 177
indicator light .................174, 179
operation .................172, 175, 177
passenger airbag .....172, 175, 177
side airbag ...............................174
Air cleaner filter ...............352, 357
Air suspension ...........................252
description ..............................252
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................332
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................243–244
Anti-theft system ..............129, 133
arming the system ..................133
disarming a triggered
system .....................................134
Armrests ....................................140
Audio system (see Radio) .........38
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................256
fluid, adding ............................352
fluid, checking ........................352
fluid, refill capacities ..............358
fluid, specification ..................358
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....46
Auxiliary power point .................85Axle
lubricant specifications ..........358
refill capacities ........................358
B
Battery .......................................330
acid, treating emergencies .....330
jumping a disabled battery ....300
maintenance-free ....................330
replacement, specifications ...357
servicing ..................................330
Belt-Minder.............................166
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................169
Blind spot mirror ......................266
Booster seats .............................195
Brakes ........................................243
anti-lock ...........................243–244
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................244
fluid, checking and adding ....351
fluid, refill capacities ..............358
fluid, specifications .................358
lubricant specifications ..........358
parking ....................................244
shift interlock ..................253, 255
Bulbs ............................................74
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....358
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................98
Cargo cover ...............................110
Cargo management system ......110
Cassette tape player ...................38
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................290
Index
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Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................350
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................317
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................71
J
Jack ............................................290
positioning ...............................290
storage .....................................290
Jump-starting your vehicle ......300
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................118
keypad .....................................128
locking and unlocking doors ..129
programming entry code .......128
Keys ...................................112, 131
positions of the ignition .........236
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................69
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................75
daytime running light ...............70
fog lamps ...................................69
headlamps .................................69
headlamps, flash to pass ..........70
instrument panel, dimming .....71
interior lamps .....................73, 75
replacing bulbs ...................76, 78
LATCH anchors .........................188
Liftgate ......................105, 109, 124
Lights, warning and indicator ....12anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........244
Limited-slip axle .......................252
Loading instructions .................228
Load limits .................................222
Locks
autolock ...................................118
childproof ................................122
doors ........................................118
Lubricant specifications ...........358
Lug nuts ....................................298
Lumbar support, seats .............141
M
Message center .....................19, 28
english/metric button .........24, 34
system check button ................34
warning messages ...............24, 34
Mirrors ...................................89–90
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................89
fold away ...................................90
heated ........................................91
programmable memory ..........125
signal .........................................91
Moon roof ....................................97
Motorcraftparts ..............321, 357
MyKey ........................................113
N
Navigation system .......................57
O
Octane rating ............................342
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................327
Index
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