Page 359 of 658

HOOKING UP A TRAILER USING AWEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH
WARNING: Do not adjust the springbars so that your vehicle's rear bumperis higher than before attaching the trailer.Doing so will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which maycause unpredictable handling, and couldresult in serious personal injury.
A weight-distributing hitch helps distributetongue load to all towing vehicle and trailerwheels. For more information, visit the linksin the following table.
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
United States ofAmerica
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/
Canada
CONNECTING A TRAILER
Recognizing a Trailer
1.Attach the trailer and wiring connectorto your vehicle.
2.Switch on your vehicle.
3.Set up a profile for the trailer using thetouchscreen.
Note:If your vehicle does not recognize thetrailer, press and hold the brake pedal for afew seconds.
Note:Trailer profiles store trailer types,dimensions, preferences, trailer specificmileage and fuel economy.
Note:Disabling the trailer detectionnotification makes the default trailer profileactive when a connection is detected.
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
Trailer Light Check
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.Make sure all running lights, brake lights,turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Safety Chains
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer coupler and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
355
2023 Expedition (TB8) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202207, DOMConnecting a TrailerE163167
Page 395 of 658

Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving onhilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked outby shifting between forward and reversegears, stopping between shifts in a steadypattern. Press lightly on the accelerator ineach gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
DRIVING IN SAND
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Steadily drive through the terrain. Applythe accelerator slowly and avoid excessivewheel slip. Do not drive your vehicle indeep sand for an extended period of time.This could overheat the system. Amessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving onhilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked outby shifting between forward and reversegears, stopping between shifts in a steadypattern. Press lightly on the accelerator ineach gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep or flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
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 frontrocker area of your vehicle.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction couldbe 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.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Check the function of the following:
•Horn
•Exterior lights
391
2023 Expedition (TB8) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202207, DOMDriving Hints E266447
Page 425 of 658

If you replace the battery make sure itmatches the electrical requirements ofyour vehicle.
If you disconnect or replace the batteryand your vehicle has an automatictransmission, it must relearn its adaptivestrategy. Because of this, the transmissionmay shift firmly when first driven. This isnormal operation while the transmissionfully updates its operation to optimumshift feel.
Battery Sensor Reset
When you install a new battery, reset thebattery sensor by doing the following:
1.Switch the ignition on, and leave theengine off.
Note:Complete Steps 2 and 3 within 10seconds.
2.Flash the high beam headlamps fivetimes, ending with the high beams off.
3.Press and release the brake pedal threetimes.
The battery warning lamp flashes threetimes to confirm that the reset issuccessful.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The system monitors battery conditionsand takes actions to extend battery life. Ifexcessive battery drain is detected, thesystem temporarily disables someelectrical systems to protect the battery.
Systems included are:
•Heated rear window.
•Heated seats.
•Climate control.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Audio unit.
•Navigation system.
A message may appear in the informationdisplay to alert you that battery protectionactions are active. This message is only fornotification that an action is taking place,and not intended to indicate an electricalproblem or that the battery requiresreplacement.
After battery replacement, or in somecases after charging the battery with anexternal charger, the battery managementsystem requires eight hours of vehicle sleeptime to relearn the battery state of charge.During this time, your vehicle must remainfully locked with the ignition switched off.
Note:Prior to relearning the battery stateof charge, the battery management systemmay temporarily disable some electricalsystems.
Electrical Accessory Installation
To make sure the battery managementsystem works correctly, do not connect anelectrical device ground connectiondirectly to the battery negative post. Thiscan cause inaccurate measurements ofthe battery condition and potentialincorrect system operation.
Note:If you add electrical accessories orcomponents to the vehicle, it may adverselyaffect battery performance and durability.This may also affect the performance ofother electrical systems in the vehicle.
Remove and Reinstall the Battery
Install a battery approved for use by ourspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 463).
To disconnect or remove the battery, dothe following:
1.Apply the parking brake and switch theignition off.
2.Switch all electrical equipment off, forexample lights and radio.
421
2023 Expedition (TB8) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202207, DOMMaintenance