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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 Tracfour–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.
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.
Driving
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CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to
the TPMS sensors, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with a road
tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of the flat tire, have
the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for damage.
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and should not be used.
However, if you must use a sealant, the TPMS sensor and valve stem
on the wheel must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
WARNING:Refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important
information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it
will no longer function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
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
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
Roadside Emergencies
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Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......226
Starting your
vehicle ........................223–224, 226
jump starting ..........................285
Steering wheel
controls ......................................82
tilting .........................................67
SYNC..........................................47
T
Third-row power fold seat .......141
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................258
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....203
Warning Displays ................12, 25
Tires ...........................188–189, 275
alignment ................................197
care ..........................................192
changing ..........................275, 279
checking the pressure ............192
inflating ...................................190
label .........................................202
replacing ..................................194
rotating ....................................197
safety practices .......................196
sidewall information ...............198
snow tires and chains ............207
spare tire .................................275
terminology .............................189
tire grades ...............................189
treadwear ........................188, 193
Towing .......................................215
recreational towing .................222
trailer towing ..........................215
wrecker ....................................289Transmission .............................242
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....241
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................336
fluid, refill capacities ..............342
lubricant specifications ..........342
Turn signal ..................................58
U
Universal garage door opener ....84
USB port ......................................39
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................347
Vehicle loading ..........................208
Ventilating your vehicle ...........227
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................309
Water, Driving through .............263
Windows
power .........................................73
rear wiper/washer .....................66
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................65
checking and adding fluid .....309
liftgate reservoir .....................309
replacing wiper blades ...........310
Wrecker towing .........................289
Index
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