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.
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.
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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.
If the transmission, transfer case, front axle or rear axle are submerged
in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
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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.
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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.
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A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................231
Accessory delay ..........................74
AdvanceTrac ..............................233
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................155, 159, 162
and child safety seats ............157
description ..............155, 159, 162
disposal ....................................165
driver airbag ............157, 160, 163
indicator light .................159, 165
operation .................157, 160, 163
passenger airbag .....157, 160, 163
side airbag ...............................159
Air cleaner filter ...............336, 341
Air suspension ...........................240
description ..............................240
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................316
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................231
Anti-theft system ..............116, 120
arming the system ..................120
disarming a triggered system..121
Audio system (see Radio) .........30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................242
fluid, adding ............................336
fluid, checking ........................336
fluid, refill capacities ..............342
fluid, specification ..................342
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
Auxiliary power point .................71
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........342
refill capacities ........................342B
Battery .......................................314
acid, treating emergencies .....314
jumping a disabled battery ....285
maintenance-free ....................314
replacement, specifications ...341
servicing ..................................314
Belt-Minder.............................151
deactivating/activating the
Belt-Minder...........................154
Blind spot mirror ......................252
Booster seats .............................181
Brakes ........................................230
anti-lock ...................................231
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................231
fluid, checking and adding ....335
fluid, refill capacities ..............342
fluid, specifications .................342
lubricant specifications ..........342
parking ....................................232
shift interlock ..........................241
Bulbs ............................................60
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....342
Car2UHome Automation
System .........................................84
Cargo cover .................................96
Cargo management system ........96
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................275
Child safety seats ......................170
in front seat ............................171
in rear seat ..............................171
LATCH .....................................174
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K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................104
keypad .....................................114
locking and unlocking doors ..115
programming entry code .......114
Keys .....................................98, 118
positions of the ignition .........223
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................55
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................60
daytime running light ...............56
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................55
headlamps, flash to pass ..........56
interior lamps .....................58, 61
replacing bulbs .........................64
LATCH anchors .........................174
Liftgate ................................91, 110
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........231
Loading instructions .................214
Load limits .................................208
Locks
autolock ...................................104
childproof ................................108
doors ........................................104
Lubricant specifications ...........342
Lug nuts ....................................283
Lumbar support, seats .............125
M
Message center ...........................19english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages .....................25
Mirrors ...................................75–76
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................75
fold away ...................................76
heated ........................................77
programmable memory ..........111
signal .........................................78
Moon roof ....................................83
Motorcraftparts ..............305, 341
MyKey ..........................................99
N
Navigation system .......................47
O
Octane rating ............................326
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................311
P
Parental MyKey programming ...99
Parking brake ............................232
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........341
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................78
Power adjustable foot pedals .....78
Power deployable running
boards ..........................................79
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) .......................268, 271
Power door locks ......................104
Power liftgate ..............................91
Index
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