Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in a traffic-free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
The gain setting sets the trailer brake controller for the specific towing
condition. You should change the setting as towing conditions change.
Changes to towing conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road
conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking assistance
while making sure the trailer wheels do not lock when using the brakes.
Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition,
functioning normally and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if
necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When you plug in a trailer with electric or electric-over-hydraulic
brakes,TRAILER CONNECTEDappears in the information display.
4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -) buttons to increase or decrease
the gain setting to the desired starting point. A gain setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated by squealing tires, reduce the
gain setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the gain setting.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a point just below
trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up
may not be attainable even with the maximum gain setting of 10.
Explanation of Information Display Warning Messages
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnose the trailer brake controller to
determine exactly which trailer fault has occurred. However, your Ford
warranty doesnotcover this diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT:Displays in response to faults
sensed by the trailer brake controller, accompanied by a single chime. If
this message appears, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair. The controller may still function, but
performance may be degraded.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER:Displays when there is a short circuit
on the electric brake output wire. If theWIRING FAULT ON TRAILER
message displays, accompanied by a single chime, with no trailer
Towing257
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)
connected, the problem is with your vehicle wiring between the trailer
brake controller and the 7–pin connector at the bumper. If the message
only displays with a trailer connected, the problem is with the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to
ground (such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage (such as a pulled pin
on trailer emergency breakaway battery) or the trailer brakes may be
drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailer brake controller without
consulting theWorkshop Manual.Damage to the unit may result.
•Adjust gain setting before using the trailer brake controller for the
first time.
•Adjust gain setting, using the procedure above, whenever road,
weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from when
the gain was initially set.
•Only use the manual control lever for proper adjustment of the gain
during trailer setup. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway,
could cause instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The trailer brake
controller does not provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels.
Trailer wheels can lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced
stability of trailer and tow vehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equipped with a feature that reduces
output at vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and
vehicle braking is not jerky or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your vehicle’s brake pedal, not the
controller.
•The controller interacts with the brake control system and powertrain
control system of your vehicle to provide the best performance on
different road conditions.
•Your vehicle’s brake system and the trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing the gain setting on the
controller does not affect the operation of your vehicle’s brakes
whether you attach a trailer or not.
•When you turn the engine off, the controller output is disabled and
the display and module shut down. The controller module and display
turn on when you turn the ignition on.
•The trailer brake controller is only a factory-installed or
dealer-installed item. Ford is not responsible for warranty or
performance of the controller due to misuse or customer installation.
258Towing
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)
Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
the gearshift in positionPto aid engine and transmission cooling and
to help air conditioning performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac™ with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded
trailer. This is normal. Turning the corner at a slower speed while
towing may reduce this tendency.
Towing259
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)
•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g.; bug deflectors,
rollbars or light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING:Do not drive through flowing or deep water as you
may lose control of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water can cause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if water enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, check the depth. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel hubs.
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle. Your
brake performance and traction may be
limited. After driving through water and as
soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING:Always use floor mats that are designed to fit the
foot well of your vehicle. Only use floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed. Only use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
WARNING:Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injury.
266Driving Hints
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
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 meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
322Vehicle Care
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)
911 Assist™ ......................405, 482
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................212
Accessing and using your
USB port ....................................461
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............394
Accessing your calendar ..........481
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................418
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................396
Accessory delay ..........................98
Active call menu options .........394
Adding (pairing) a phone ........468
Advanced menu
options ...............................403, 424
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................403
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................47
and child safety seats ..............48
description ................................47
disposal ......................................53
driver airbag ..............................47
passenger airbag .......................47
side airbag ...........................47–48
Air cleaner filter .......303–304, 360
Air conditioning ................136, 138
manual heating and air
conditioning system .......136, 138
Air filter .............................304, 360All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................203
Ambient mood/lighting .............488
Ambulance packages ..................15
AM/FM .......................................449
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................294
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................212
Anti-theft system ..................79, 82
arming the system ..............79, 82
disarming a triggered
system .......................................82
AppLink™ .................................413
Ashtray(s) .................................176
Audio system
Single CD ........................370, 375
Audio system
(see Radio) ........................370, 375
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................194
fluid, adding ............................298
fluid, checking ........................298
fluid, refill capacities ..............356
fluid, specification ..................356
Selectshift (SST) ....................197
Auxiliary Input Jack .................458
Auxiliary input jack
(Line in) ....................................383
Auxiliary powerpoint ................173
A/V inputs ..........................385, 465
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........356
refill capacities ........................356
556Index
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)
B
Battery .......................................300
acid, treating emergencies .....300
jumping a disabled battery ....271
maintenance-free ....................300
replacement, specifications ...360
servicing ..................................300
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................230
Booster seats ...............................30
Brakes ........................................212
anti-lock ...................................212
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................212
brake warning light ................212
fluid, checking and adding ....299
fluid, refill capacities ..............356
fluid, specifications .................356
lubricant specifications ..........356
parking ....................................213
shift interlock ..................199–200
trailer ...............................254–255
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....356
Cargo management system ......244
CD ......................................370, 375
CD player ..........................368, 460
CD voice commands .................461
Cell phone use ............................16
Changing a tire .........................347
Changing the air filter ..............304
Child safety seats
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................38
LATCH .......................................23Child safety seats -
booster seats ...............................30
Cleaning the touchscreen ........440
Cleaning your vehicle ...............313
engine compartment ..............315
instrument panel ....................318
interior .....................................317
plastic parts ............................314
washing ....................................313
waxing .....................................315
wheels ......................................320
wiper blades ............................316
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) .............................136, 138
Climate voice commands .........500
Clock ..................................370, 486
Console
overhead ..........................101, 176
Controls
power seat ...............................153
Coolant ......................................294
checking and adding ..............294
refill capacities ........................356
specifications ..........................356
Cross Traffic Alert ....................230
Cruise control ...........................228
Customer Assistance ................268
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................365
Getting roadside assistance ...268
Getting the service you
need .........................................274
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................280
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................278
Index557
2015 Expedition(exd)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, July 2014
USA(fus)