2016 FORD EXPEDITION EL warning light

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of the vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See the Fuseschapter.
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page198).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
WARNING
Turning off trailer sway controlincreases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Forddoes not recommend disabling this featureexcept in situations where speed reductionmay be detrimental (such as hill climbing),the driver has significant trailer towingexperience, and can control trailer swayand maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and, if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the stability control light flashes and themessage TRAILER SWAY REDUCESPEED appears in the information display.The first thing to do is slow your vehicledown, then pull safely to the side of theroad and check for proper tongue load andtrailer load distribution. See LoadCarrying (page 196).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weight foryour vehicle configuration listed in the chartbelow.
Note:Make sure to take into considerationtrailer frontal area. Do not exceed 36.5 feet²(3.39 meters²) if your vehicle is equippedwith the standard towing package, or 60feet² (5.57 meters²) if your vehicle isequipped with the optional heavy dutypackage.
Note:Exceeding this limitation maysignificantly reduce the performance of yourtowing vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a lowaerodynamic drag and rounded front designhelps optimize performance and fueleconomy.
Note:For high altitude operation, reducethe gross combined weight by 2% per 1000feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot(300 meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailerbrakes for trailers over a specified weight.Be sure to check state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximum trailerweights listed may be limited to thisspecified weight, as the vehicle’s electricalsystem may not include the wiringconnector needed to activate electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided themaximum trailer weight is less than orequal to the maximum trailer weight listedfor your vehicle configuration on thefollowing chart.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 miles (1600kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector(Vehicles with a Trailer TowingPackage and 7–Pin Connector)
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions. Some seven-positionconnectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,which confirms that it is the proper wiringconnector and works correctly with yourvehicle.
FunctionColor
Left turn signal and stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Electric brakesBlue
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)Orange
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
Hitches
WARNING
The trailer hitch on this vehicle is partof the vehicle rear crash safetystructure. Do not remove the trailerhitch. Failure to follow this warning couldcompromise vehicle crash structure andincrease the risk of injury in a rear endcrash.
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
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TowingE163167

Integrated Hitch Rating
WARNING
Towing trailers beyond the maximumtongue weight exceeds the limit ofthe towing system and could resultin vehicle structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol and personal injury.
The standard integrated hitch has tworatings depending on mode of operation:
•Weight-carrying mode requires a drawbar and hitch ball. The draw barsupports all the vertical tongue load ofthe trailer.
•Weight-distributing mode requires anaftermarket weight-distributingsystem, which includes draw bar, hitchball, spring bars and snap-up brackets.This system distributes the verticaltongue load of the trailer between thetruck and the trailer.
Maximum Tongue WeightMaximum Trailer WeightMode
600 lb (272 kg)6000 lb (2721 kg)Weight carrying
920 lb (417 kg)9200 lb (4173 kg)Weight distributing
Note:These are hitch ratings only. Actualvehicle ratings are dependent on engine,transmission and axle combinations.
Weight-distributing Hitch - Vehicleswithout Automatic LevelingSuspension
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Attach the loaded trailer to your vehiclewithout the weight-distributing barsconnected.
4. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalf the way down from H2, toward H1.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 2-6.
When the trailer is level or slightly nosedown toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
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Weight-distributing Hitch - Vehicleswith Automatic Leveling Suspension
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
Note:If you do not move the loaded vehiclefor approximately 12 hours, the levelingsystem may bleed down to a lower height.This can be especially apparent if you leavea trailer attached to the parked vehicle forlong periods. You must drive your vehicle inorder to re-level the suspension.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1. Load the interior of the vehicle to aweight similar to that which you intendto carry when towing. This includesthings such as passenger weight andcargo.
2. Drive the vehicle for approximately 2miles (3 kilometers) to re-level thesuspension.
3. Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
4. Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
5.Attach the loaded trailer to your vehiclewithout the weight-distributing barsconnected.
6.Make sure you securely attach and lockthe trailer tongue to the hitch.
7.Install safety chains, lighting, and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
8. Drive the vehicle and trailer at 20–25mph (32–40 km/h) for approximately2 miles (3 kilometers) to re-level thesuspension.
9. Park your vehicle and trailer on a levelsurface.
10.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle's front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
11. Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle's front wheelopening on the fender isapproximately half the way downfrom H2, toward H1.
12. Check that the trailer is level orslightly nose down toward yourvehicle. If not, remove the trailer,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 5-11.
When the trailer is level or slightly nosedown toward the vehicle:
•Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
•Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
•Install safety chains, lighting, and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
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•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system workindependently of each other. Changingthe gain setting on the controller doesnot affect the operation of yourvehicle's brakes whether you attach atrailer or not.
•When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and thedisplay and module shut down. Thecontroller module and display turn onwhen you switch the ignition on.
•The trailer brake controller is only afactory-installed or dealer-installeditem. Ford is not responsible forwarranty or performance of thecontroller due to misuse or customerinstallation.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113km/h) during the first 500 miles (800kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with RSC, this systemmay turn on during typical corneringmaneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.This is normal. Turning the corner at aslower speed while towing may reducethis tendency.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently inhot weather, hilly conditions, at thegross combined weight rating (or anycombination of these factors), considerrefilling your rear axle with syntheticgear lubricant (if the axle is not alreadyfilled with it). See Capacities andSpecifications (page 303).
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Note:If completed successfully, theinformation display shows NEUTRAL TOWLEAVE IN N or NEUTRAL TOW ENABLEDLEAVE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL.This indicates that your vehicle is safe totow with all wheels on the ground.
Note:If you do not see the message in thedisplay, you must perform the procedureagain from the beginning.
Note:You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts into its neutral position.This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in position Nand turn the ignition as far as it will gotoward the off position (it will not turnfully off when the transmission is inposition N). If your vehicle has anignition key, you must leave the key inthe ignition while towing. To lock andunlock your vehicle, use the keylessentry keypad or extra set of keys. If yourvehicle has intelligent access, press theengine START/STOP button oncewithout pressing the brake pedal. Youdo not need to leave your keys in thevehicle. You can lock and unlock yourvehicle as you normally do.
7. Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGS
Do not disconnect the battery duringrecreational towing. Doing so willprevent the transfer case fromshifting properly and may cause the vehicleto roll even if the transmission is in P(Park).
Shifting the transfer case to itsneutral position for recreationaltowing may cause the vehicle to beable to roll even if the transmission is in P(Park). The driver or others could beinjured. Make sure the foot brake isdepressed and the vehicle is in a secureand safe position while the transfer caseis being shifted to its neutral position.
WARNINGS
Failing to put the transfer case in itsneutral position will damage vehiclecomponents.
Note:You can check four-wheel-downtowing status at any time by opening thedriver's door or turning the ignition to theaccessory or on position and verifying theNEUTRAL TOW ENABLED messagedisplays in the cluster.
Exiting Four-wheel-down Towing
To exit four-wheel-down towing and returnthe transfer case to its 2H position:
1.With your vehicle still properly securedto the tow vehicle, put the ignition inthe on position, but do not start theengine. If your vehicle has an ignitionkey, turn the key to on. If your vehiclehas intelligent access, press the engineSTART/STOP button twice withoutpressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3.Shift the transmission out of N and intoany gear.
4. Release the brake pedal.
Note:If completed successfully, theinstrument cluster displays 4X2, andNEUTRAL TOW DISABLED.
Note:If the indicator light and message donot display, you must perform the procedureagain from the beginning.
Note:You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts out of its neutralposition. This is normal.
Note:If SHIFT DELAY PULL FORWARDdisplays in the instrument cluster, transfercase gear tooth blockage is present. See theinstructions after this section.
5. Apply the parking brake, and thendisconnect the vehicle from the towvehicle.
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•Avoid using speed control in hillyterrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Always make sure that the floormats are properly attached to theretention posts in the carpet that aresupplied with your vehicle. Floor mats mustbe properly secured to both retention poststo make sure mats do not shift out ofposition.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering in the vehicle foot well thatcannot be properly secured toprevent them from moving and interferingwith the pedals or the ability to control thevehicle.
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Driving HintsE176913