TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers beyondthe maximum recommended grosstrailer weight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Note: See Recommended TowingWeights (page 246).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,such as fuses or relays, related totowing. See Fuses (page 268).
Your vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so youcannot necessarily use all availablespace when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Inspectthese components periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop and load capacity. Whenboth the loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightly angleddown toward your vehicle, whenviewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder maybe present due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located inanother chapter of this manual. SeeLoad Limit (page 240).
You can also find information in the RV& Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Ford doesnot recommend disabling this feature exceptin situations where speed reduction may bedetrimental (such as hill climbing), the driverhas significant trailer towing experience, andcan control trailer sway and maintain safeoperation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces engine torqueto aid vehicle stability. If the trailer beginsto sway, the stability control warning lampflashes and a message appears in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 113). Slow your vehicledown, pull safely to the side of the road andcheck for correct load distribution.
You can switch this feature off in theinformation display. When you switch theignition on, the system automatically turnson.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weightfor your vehicle configuration listed in
the chart below.
Note:Be sure to take into considerationtrailer frontal area. Do not exceed 20feet2 (1.86 meters2) if your vehicle is not
equipped with a towing package or 30feet2 (2.79 meters2) if your vehicle is
equipped with a towing package.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weight by2% per 1,000 ft (300 m) starting at the1,000 ft (300 m) elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electrictrailer brakes for trailers over a specifiedweight. Be sure to check stateregulations for this specified weight. Themaximum trailer weights listed may belimited to this specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connector needed toactivate electric trailer brakes.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws fortowing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towingaccessories for the proper installationand adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle's loadin the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 240).
Remember to account for the trailer tongueweight as part of your vehicle load whencalculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
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.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hookretainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer'shydraulic brake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may nothave 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 load.
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 assistance inproper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
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Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure the ignitionis in the accessory or on position when beingtowed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle), it can beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain andtransmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towingin a forward direction.
•You place your vehicle in Stay in Neutralmode. See Automatic Transmission(page 177).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 132).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. We designedthese guidelines to prevent damage to yourtransmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider.
All-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground), asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). During thistime, your vehicle may exhibit some unusualdriving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km). Vary your speed frequently andchange up through the gears early. Do notlabor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way back home).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may want toavoid doing because they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brake pedalwhile 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 throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
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Driving Hints
Before driving through standing water, checkthe depth. Never drive through water that ishigher than the bottom of the wheel hubs.
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 that thesteering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor mat designedto fit the footwell of your vehicle that doesnot obstruct the pedal area. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Pedals that cannot movefreely can cause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personal injury.
WARNING: Secure the floor mat toboth retention devices so that it cannot slipout of position and interfere with the pedals.Failure to follow this instruction could resultin the loss of control of your vehicle, personalinjury or death.
WARNING: Do not place additionalfloor mats or any other covering on top ofthe original floor mats. This could result inthe floor mat interfering with the operationof the pedals. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Always make sure thatobjects cannot fall into the driver foot wellwhile your vehicle is moving. Objects thatare loose can become trapped under thepedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
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Driving HintsE176913 E142666
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Lincoln Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount for towingto the nearest Lincoln dealership within100 mi (160 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States clients, call1-800-521-4140. Clients need to submit theiroriginal receipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: GettingRoadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicleconcern, Lincoln Motor Company of Canada,Limited offers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program is eligiblewithin Canada or the continental UnitedStates.
The service is available 24 hours a day,seven days a week.
This program is separate from the NewVehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverageis concurrent with the powertrain coverageperiod of your vehicle. Canadian roadsidecoverage and benefits may differ from theU.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please callus in Canada at 1-800-387-9333, or visit ourwebsite at www.lincolncanada.com.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:The hazard flashers operate when theignition is in any position, or if the key is notin the ignition. If used when the vehicle is notrunning, the battery loses charge. As a result,there may be insufficient power to restartyour vehicle.
The flasher control is on theinstrument panel. Use your hazardflashers when your vehicle iscreating a safety hazard for other motorists.
•Press the flasher control and all front andrear direction indicators flash.
•Press the button again to switch them off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING: If your vehicle has beeninvolved in a crash, have the fuel systemchecked. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury or death.
Note:When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart.Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle does notrestart after your third attempt, contact aqualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow of fuelto the engine in the event of a moderate tosevere crash. Not every impact causes ashutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
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Roadside Emergencies
If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch to start position.
3. Switch off the ignition.
4. Switch on the ignition to re-enable thefuel pump.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps1 through 4.
If your vehicle has a push button startsystem:
1. Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal and START/STOPto switch on your vehicle.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedaland press START/STOP to switch offyour vehicle.
4. You can attempt to start the vehicle bypressing the brake pedal andSTART/STOP, or press START/STOPwithout pressing the brake pedal.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING: Keep batteries out of reachof children. Batteries contain sulfuric acid.Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.Shield your eyes when working near thebattery to protect against possible splashingof acid solution. In case of acid contact withskin or eyes, flush immediately with waterfor a minimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
WARNING: Batteries normally produceexplosive gases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparksor lighted substances to come near thebattery. When working near the battery,always shield your face and protect youreyes. Always provide correct ventilation.
WARNING: Use only the specifiedjacking points. If you use other positions, youmay damage the body, steering, suspension,engine, braking system or the fuel lines.
WARNING: Use only adequately sizedcables with insulated clamps.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle's electrical system.
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