2012 FORD EXPEDITION ECO mode

VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with 4WD (when selected) has the ability to use all
four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may enable you
to safely 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 or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
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 Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
WARNING:Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD
vehicles. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate better than
two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop any
faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
200
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
235
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•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
Driving
268
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•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.
Driving
269
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Control Trac four–wheel drive system (if equipped)
When a four–wheel drive mode is selected, the Control Trac system 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
four–wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select
four–wheel drive when necessary. Information on transfer case operation
and shifting procedures can be found in this chapter. 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.
Driving
273
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Driving
274
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not connect the end of the second cable to the
negative (-) terminal of the battery to be jumped. A spark may
cause an explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of both
engines, or any fuel delivery system parts.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderately increased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. Once the disabled vehicle has been started, run both engines for an
additional three minutes before disconnecting the jumper cables.
Removing the jumper cables
Remove the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were
connected.
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on the bottom is used to designate
the assisting (boosting) battery.
1. Remove the jumper cable from
the jump starting stud.
Roadside Emergencies
302
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Fold back the wiper arm and
position the wiper blade at right
angles to the wiper arm.
2. To remove, press the retaining
clip (A) to disengage the wiper
blade, then pull the blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
3. Install the new wiper blade on the
arm and press it into place until a click is heard.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and
windshield. Refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
Changing the rear window wiper blade
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Pull the wiper arm as far away from the glass as possible. Do not use
excessive force because it can break the wiper arm. Hold it there until
the next step.
2. Grasp the wiper blade and rotate
it away from the wiper arm using
moderate force until it disengages
from the wiper arm.
3. Once the wiper blade is loose,
slide it away from the wiper arm.
Maintenance and Specifications
326
2012 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)