2018 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR trailer

Maximum Tongue WeightMaximum Trailer WeightMode
600 lb (272 kg)6,000 lb (2,722 kg)Weight carrying
900 lb (408 kg)9,000 lb (4,082 kg)Weight distributing
Note:These are hitch ratings only. Actualvehicle ratings are dependent on engine,transmission and axle combinations.
Weight-distributing Hitch
WARNING: Do not adjust the springbars so that your vehicle's rear bumper ishigher than before attaching the trailer.Doing so 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 the heightof your vehicle's front wheel opening onthe fender is approximately half the waydown 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 nose downtoward 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 chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailer hitchas recommended by the manufacturer. Crossthe chains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
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If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure the latch fully closes.
Trailer Brakes (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer'shydraulic brake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehicle maynot have enough braking power and yourchances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems arerequired for safe control of towed vehiclesand trailers weighing more than 1500 lb(680 kg) when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (If
Equipped)
WARNING: Use the integrated trailerbrake controller to properly adjust thetrailer brakes and check all connectionsbefore towing a trailer. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
When used properly, the trailer brakecontroller assists in smooth and effectivetrailer braking by powering the trailer’selectric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes witha proportional output based on the towingvehicle’s brake pressure.
The controller user interface consists of thefollowing:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons): Pressingthese buttons adjusts the controller's poweroutput to the trailer brakes in 0.5 increments.You can increase the gain setting to 10.0(maximum trailer braking) or decrease it to0 (no trailer braking). The gain settingdisplays in the message center.
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The controller shows gain setting, output bargraph, and trailer connectivity status in theinformation display. They appear in theinformation display as follows:
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain (withouttrailer connected): Shows the current gainsetting during a given ignition cycle andwhen adjusting the gain. This alsodisplays if you use the manual controllever or make gain adjustments with notrailer connected.
•Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:Displays when you push your vehicle'sbrake pedal, or upon use of the manualcontrol. Bar indicators illuminate in theinformation display to indicate theamount of power going to the trailerbrakes relative to the brake pedal ormanual control input. One bar indicatesthe least amount of output; six barsindicate maximum output.
•Trailer Connected: Displays when thesystem senses a correct trailer wiringconnection (a trailer with electric trailerbrakes) during a given ignition cycle.
•Trailer Disconnected: Displays,accompanied by a single audible time,when the system senses a trailerconnection and then a disconnection,either intentional or unintentional, duringa given ignition cycle. It also displays if atruck or trailer-wiring fault occurs causingthe trailer to appear disconnected. Thismessage can also display if you use themanual control lever without a trailerconnected. After disconnecting the trailerconnector, press the brake pedal forapproximately five seconds to allow thesystem to detect and update the trailerstatus.
B: Manual control lever: Slide the controllever to the left to turn on the trailer's electricbrakes independent of the tow vehicle's. Seethe following Procedure for adjusting gainsection for instructions on proper use of thisfeature. If you use the manual control whilethe brake is also applied, the greater of thetwo inputs determines the power sent to thetrailer brakes.
•Stop lamps: Using the manual controllever illuminates both the trailer brakelamps and your vehicle brake lampsexcept the center high-mount stop lamp,if you make the proper electricalconnection to the trailer. Pressing yourvehicle brake pedal also illuminates bothtrailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting Gain
Note:Only perform this procedure in atraffic-free environment at speeds ofapproximately 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h).
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The gain setting sets the trailer brakecontroller for the specific towing condition.You should change the setting as towingconditions change. Changes to towingconditions include trailer load, vehicle load,road conditions and weather.
The gain should be set to provide themaximum trailer braking assistance whilemaking sure the trailer wheels do not lockwhen using the brakes. Locked trailer wheelsmay lead to trailer instability.
1.Make sure the trailer brakes are in goodworking condition, functioning normallyand properly adjusted. See your trailerdealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make theelectrical connections according to thetrailer manufacturer's instructions.
3.When you plug in a trailer with electric orelectric-over-hydraulic brakes, a messageconfirming connection appears in theinformation display.
4.Use the gain adjustment (+ and -) buttonsto increase or decrease the gain settingto the desired starting point. A gainsetting of 6.0 is a good starting point forheavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow thetrailer on a dry, level surface at a speedof 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h) andsqueeze the manual control levercompletely.
6.If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated bysquealing tires, reduce the gain setting.If the trailer wheels turn freely, increasethe gain setting. Repeat Steps 5 and 6until the gain setting is at a point justbelow trailer wheel lock-up. If towing aheavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up maynot be attainable even with the maximumgain setting of 10.
Explanation of Information Display WarningMessages
Note:An authorized dealer can diagnosethe trailer brake controller to determineexactly which trailer fault has occurred.However, your warranty does not cover thisdiagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.
A message indicating a trailer brake modulefault may display in response to faults sensedby the trailer brake controller, accompaniedby a single tone. If this message appears,contact an authorized dealer as soon aspossible for diagnosis and repair. Thecontroller may still function, but performancemay be degraded.
A message indicating a trailer wiring faultmay display when there is a short circuit onthe electric brake output wire. If this messagedisplays, accompanied by a single tone, withno trailer connected, the problem is with yourvehicle wiring between the trailer brakecontroller and the 7-pin connector at thebumper. If the message only displays with atrailer connected, the problem is with thetrailer wiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakes maybe drawing too much current.
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Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
•Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller for the first time.
•Adjust gain setting, using the procedureabove, whenever road, weather andtrailer or vehicle loading conditionschange from when the gain was initiallyset.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such as applicationduring trailer sway, could cause instabilityof trailer or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control of thetrailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock upon slippery surfaces, resulting in reducedstability of trailer and tow vehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equippedwith a feature that reduces output atvehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerkyor harsh. This feature is only availablewhen applying the brakes using yourvehicle's brake pedal, not the controller.
•The controller interacts with the brakecontrol system and powertrain controlsystem of your vehicle to provide thebest performance on different roadconditions.
•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system work independentlyof each other. Changing the gain settingon the controller does not affect theoperation of your vehicle's brakeswhether you attach a trailer 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-installed item.Lincoln is not responsible for warranty orperformance of the controller due tomisuse or customer installation.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailerlamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;this may 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.
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up toget the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip. Whenturning, make wider turns so the trailerwheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control when carryingheavy loads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automatically whenyou are towing on long, steep grades.
•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 has a Grade Assistor Tow/Haul feature, use this featurewhen towing. This provides enginebraking and helps eliminate excessivetransmission shifting for optimum fueleconomy and transmission cooling.
•If your vehicle has AdvanceTrac withRSC, this system may turn on duringtypical cornering maneuvers with aheavily loaded trailer. This is normal.Turning the corner at a slower speedwhile towing may reduce this tendency.
•If your vehicle has Adaptive suspension,you can select NORMAL or SPORT drivecontrol modes for better experiencewhen towing a trailer. See InformationDisplays (page 119).
•If you are towing a trailer frequently inhot weather, hilly conditions, at the grosscombined weight rating (or anycombination of these factors), considerrefilling your rear axle with synthetic gearlubricant (if the axle is not already filledwith it). See Capacities andSpecifications (page 422).
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the transmission in park (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in the front and backof the trailer wheels.
Note:Chocks are not included with yourvehicle.
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Your vehicle may be equipped with atemporary or conventional spare tire. Atemporary spare tire is different in size(diameter or width), tread-type (All-Seasonor All-Terrain) or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tires on yourvehicle. Consult information on the tire labelor Safety Compliance label for limitationswhen using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime therear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rear axlelubricant, which is not normally checked orchanged unless a leak is suspected or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position whenbeing towed.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 151).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are designed to prevent damageto your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehiclewith any wheels on the ground as vehicle ortransmission damage may occur. You musttow your vehicle with all four wheels off theground, for example when using acar-hauling trailer.
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Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Without 4x4LOW
If your vehicle does not have 4x4 Low, youcannot tow your vehicle with any wheels onthe ground or vehicle damage may occur.You must tow your vehicle with all fourwheels off the ground, for example whenusing a car-hauling trailer.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles With 4x4 LOW
You can only tow a vehicle with 4X4 LOWwith all wheels on the ground by placing thetransfer case in its neutral position andengaging the four wheel down towingfeature. Perform the steps outlined in thefollowing section after positioning yourvehicle behind the tow vehicle and properlysecuring them together.
Four-wheel-down Towing
Note:If completed successfully, theinformation display shows Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission in Neutral.This indicates that your vehicle is safe to towwith all wheels on the ground.
Note:If you do not see the message in theinformation display, you must perform theprocedure again from the beginning.
Note:Make sure you properly secure yourvehicle to the tow vehicle.
1. Start your vehicle.
2. Confirm that your vehicle is in NORMALmode. See Drive Mode Control (page285).
3. Place your vehicle in stay in neutralmode. See Automatic Transmission(page 210).
4. Switch your vehicle off by pressing theengine START/STOP button once. ATransmission Not in Park messageappears in the information display.
5.Place your vehicle in accessory mode bypressing the start button once withoutpressing the brake pedal.
6. Press and hold the brake pedal.
7. Enable neutral tow through theinformation display by selecting Settingsfrom the menu. See General Information(page 119).
8. Then select Advanced Settings.
9. Then select Vehicle.
10. Then select Neutral Tow.
11. Press and hold the OK button until theinformation display states Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission inNeutral.
Note:If completed successfully, theinformation display shows Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission in Neutral.This indicates that your vehicle is safe to towwith all wheels on the ground.
Note:If you do not see the message in theinformation display, you must perform theprocedure again from the beginning.
Note:You may hear an audible noise as thetransfer case shifts into neutral, this isnormal.
12. Leave the transmission in neutral (N)and switch the ignition off by pressingthe engine 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.
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