2015 FORD EXPEDITION four wheel drive

Mud and water
Note:Driving through deep water may damage the vehicle.
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 4WD 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 or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
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.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations and
responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service
and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve
our national forest and other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills.
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down. . A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
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When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn around because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
pump the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD 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.
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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 4WD 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 steadily. Do not
pump the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS).
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to use electric trailer brakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided the maximum trailer weight is
less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following chart.
To calculate the maximum loaded trailer weight for your vehicle:
1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle model
and axle ratio. See the following chart.
2. Subtract all of the following that apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight
•Hitch hardware weight, such as a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing
•Driver weight
•Passenger(s) weight
•Payload, cargo and luggage weight
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
3. This equals the maximum loaded trailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load figures into the payload for your vehicle.
Reduce the total payload by the final trailer tongue weight.
Consult an authorized dealer to determine the maximum trailer weight
allowed for your vehicle if you are not sure.
Vehicle type Towing package Maximum GCWR
Two-wheel drive
(except EL)
Standard12300 lb (5579 kg)
Two-wheel drive EL 12500 lb (5669 kg)
Four-wheel drive
(except EL)12500 lb (5669 kg)
Four-wheel drive EL 12800 lb (5806 kg)
Two-wheel drive
(except EL)
Optional Heavy Duty14900 lb (6758 kg)
Two-wheel drive EL 15200 lb (6894 kg)
Four-wheel drive
(except EL)15100 lb (6849 kg)
Four-wheel drive EL 15300 lb (6940 kg)
250Towing
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TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment
to tow your vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company
has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. Vehicle damage may
occur if towed incorrectly, or by any other means.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your two-wheel drive vehicle towed with the
front wheels on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the
ground.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drive vehicle with all wheels off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment.
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TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all
wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in positionN.SeeAutomatic transmissionin
theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the transmission into
N.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Four-wheel-down Towing
Note:Make sure you properly secure your vehicle to the tow vehicle.
Entering four-wheel-down towing
1. Put the ignition in the on position:
•If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to on. Do not
start the engine.
•If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine
START/STOP button twice without pressing the brake pedal. Do
not start the engine.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Rotate the four–wheel drive switch to 2H.
4. Shift the transmission to positionN.
5. Rotate the four–wheel drive switch from 2H to 4L and back to 2H
five times within seven seconds.
•If completed successfully, the information display shows
NEUTRAL TOW LEAVE IN NorNEUTRAL TOW ENABLED
LEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL.This indicates that
your vehicle is safe to tow with all wheels on the ground.
•If you do not see the message in the display, you must perform
the procedure again from the beginning.
•You may hear an audible noise as the transfer case shifts into its
neutral position. This is normal.
6. Release the brake pedal.
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7. Leave the transmission in positionN.
•If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the ignition as far as it
goes toward the off position (it does not turn fully off when the
transmission is in positionN.)You must leave the key in the
ignition while towing. To lock and unlock your vehicle, use the
keyless entry keypad or extra set of keys.
•If your vehicle has intelligent access, turn the ignition off by
pressing the engine START/STOP button once without pressing on
the brake pedal. You do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your vehicle as you normally do.
WARNING:Do not disconnect the battery during recreational
towing. Doing so will prevent the transfer case from shifting
properly and may cause the vehicle to roll even if the transmission is in
P (Park).
WARNING:Shifting the transfer case to its neutral position for
recreational towing may cause the vehicle to be able to roll even
if the transmission is in P (Park). The driver or others could be injured.
Make sure the foot brake is depressed and the vehicle is in a secure
and safe position while the transfer case is being shifted to its neutral
position.
WARNING:Failing to put the transfer case in its neutral position
will damage vehicle components.
Note:You can check four-wheel-down towing status at any time by
opening the driver’s door or turning the ignition to the accessory or on
position and verifying theNEUTRAL TOW ENABLED LEAVE
TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRALmessage displays in the cluster.
Exiting four-wheel-down towing
To exit four-wheel-down towing and return the transfer case to its 2H
position:
1. With your vehicle still properly secured to the tow vehicle, put the
ignition in the on position:
•If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to on. Do not
start the engine.
•If your vehicle has intelligent access, press the engine
START/STOP button twice without pressing the brake pedal. Do
not start the engine.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Notice to Utility Vehicle, Van and Truck Owners
WARNING:Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
•Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers.
•Drive at safe speeds for the conditions.
•Keep tires properly inflated.
•Never overload or improperly load your vehicle.
•Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.
WARNING:In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts. Children and infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.
Utility vehicles, vans and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in the
various driving conditions that are
encountered on streets, highways and
off-road. Utility vehicles, vans and
trucks are not 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.
Four-Wheel Drive System (If Equipped)
WARNING:Do not become overconfident in the ability of
four-wheel drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel drive vehicle
may accelerate better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in low-traction
situations, it will not stop any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles.
Always drive at a safe speed.
A vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive (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.
324Wheels and Tires
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