PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The four-wheel drive system in your vehicleis a part-time system activated using therotary switch mounted in the centerconsole. In normal rear-wheel drive, the 2Hdrive operation system directs torque tothe rear axle. Moving the switch to 4H or4L directs drive torque to both the frontand rear axles, providing four-wheel drive.
Depending on your vehicle, furtherfour-wheel drive options may be availableon the switch panel located on the centerconsole.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:There is additional importantinformation regarding the safe operation ofthis type of vehicle in this manual. SeeGeneral Information (page 292).
Note:Do not use 4H or 4L modes on dry,hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and coulddamage drive components. We intend 4Hor 4L modes only for consistently slipperyor loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on thesesurfaces could produce some noise, suchas occasional clunks, but should notdamage drive components.
Note: When you select 4L when yourvehicle is moving, it does not perform a shiftuntil your vehicle is stationary. This is normaland is no reason for concern.
Note:You can switch on and switch off theelectronic locking differential by pressingthe locking differential button. SeeElectronic Locking Differential (page 173).
4WD Indicator Lights
Note:When a 4X4 system fault is present,the system typically remains in whichever4X4 mode you selected prior to the faultcondition occurring. It should never defaultto 4X2. When the warning displays, haveyour vehicle serviced by an authorizeddealer.
4X4 HIGH
Continuously illuminates whenyou select 4H.
4X4 LOW
Continuously illuminates whenyou select 4L.
CHECK 4X4
Displays when a 4X4 fault ispresent.
Using the Electronic Shift on theFly 4WD system
2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving, this modeprovides optimal smoothness and fueleconomy. Sends power to the rear wheelsonly.
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•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engineand transmission cooling and to helpA/C performance.
•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 325).
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer 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 automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your vehicle.
Your vehicle may be equipped with atemporary or conventional spare tire. Atemporary spare tire is different in diameteror width, tread-type, or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tires on yourvehicle. Consult information on the tirelabel or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when 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 torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the 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 anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first1,000 mi (1,600 km). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1,000 mi(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 5–10 mi(12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
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•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Before going off-roading, consult with yourlocal governmental agencies to determinedesignated off-road trails and recreationareas. Also, be sure to understand anyoff-road vehicle registration requirementsfor the area in which you plan on driving.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, abasic vehicle inspection should be done tomake sure that the vehicle is in top workingcondition.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•Grip the steering wheel with thumbson the outside of the rim. This reducesthe risk of injury due to abrupt steeringwheel motions that occur whennegotiating rough terrain. Do not gripthe steering wheel with thumbs insidethe rim.
•Look ahead on your route notingupcoming obstacles, surface textureor color changes or any other factorswhich may indicate a change inavailable traction, and adjust thevehicle speed and route accordingly.
•Always keep available groundclearance in mind and pick a route thatminimizes the risk of catching theunderside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
•When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure inconjunction with the throttle helpsprevent the vehicle from jerking andallows you to negotiate the obstaclein a more controlled manner. Using 4Lalso helps with this.
Crossing Obstacles
•Review the path ahead beforeattempting to cross any obstacle. It isbest if the obstacle is reviewed fromoutside the vehicle so that there is agood understanding of terrain conditionboth in front of and behind theobstacle.
•If a large obstacle such as a rockcannot be avoided, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This helps prevent damage toyour vehicle.
Hill Climbing
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have avehicle concern, Ford Motor Companyoffers a complimentary roadsideassistance program. This program isseparate from the New Vehicle LimitedWarranty.
The service is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week.
•For the coverage period supplied withyour vehicle.
Roadside Assistance covers:
•A flat tire change with a good spare(except vehicles supplied with a tireinflation kit).
•Battery jump start.
•Lock-out assistance (key replacementcost is the customer's responsibility).
•Fuel delivery — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall deliver upto 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.Roadside Assistance limits fuel deliveryservice to two no-charge occurrenceswithin a 12-month period.
•Winch out — available within 100 ft(30 m) of a paved or countymaintained road, no recoveries.
•Towing — independent servicecontractors, if not prohibited by state,local or municipal law, shall tow Fordeligible vehicles to an authorized dealerwithin 35 mi (56 km) of thedisablement location or to the nearestauthorized dealer. If a memberrequests a tow to an authorized dealerthat is more than 35 mi (56 km) fromthe disablement location, the membershall be responsible for any mileagecosts in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
•Roadside Assistance includes up to$200 for a towed trailer if the disabledeligible vehicle requires service at thenearest authorized dealer. If the towingvehicle is operational but the trailer isnot, then the trailer does not qualify forany roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistanceidentification card and place it in yourwallet for quick reference. This card is inthe Owner's Manual kit.
United States vehicle customers whorequire Roadside Assistance, call1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistancefor yourself, Ford Motor Companyreimburses a reasonable amount fortowing to the nearest dealership within35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursementinformation, United States vehiclecustomers call 1-800-241-3673.Customers need to submit their originalreceipts.
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Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNING: Do not attach thecables to fuel lines, engine rocker covers,the intake manifold or electricalcomponents as grounding points. Stayclear of moving parts. To avoid reversepolarity connections, make sure that youcorrectly identify the positive (+) andnegative (-) terminals on both thedisabled and booster vehicles beforeconnecting the cables. Battery positionsmay vary.
Note:In the illustration, the bottom vehiclerepresents the booster vehicle.
1.Connect the positive (+) jumper cableto the positive (+) terminal of thedischarged battery.
2.Connect the other end of the positive(+) cable to the positive (+) terminalof the assisting battery.
3.Connect the negative (-) cable to thenegative (-) terminal of the assistingbattery.
4.Make the final connection of thenegative (-) cable to an exposed metalpart of the stalled vehicle's engine, orconnect the negative (-) cable to theground connection point, if available.
WARNING: Do not connect the endof the second cable to the negative (-)terminal of the battery to be jumped. Aspark may cause an explosion of thegases that surround the battery.
Jump Starting
1.Start the engine of the booster vehicleand rev the engine moderately, or pressthe accelerator gently to keep yourengine speed between 2000 and 3000rpms, as shown in your tachometer.
2.Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3.After starting the disabled vehicle, runboth vehicle engines for an additionalthree minutes before disconnecting thejumper cables.
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AUTOMATIC CRASH SHUTOFF
WHAT IS AUTOMATIC CRASHSHUTOFF
The automatic crash shutoff is designedto stop the fuel going to the engine in theevent of a moderate or severe crash.
Note:Not every impact causes a shutoff.
AUTOMATIC CRASH SHUTOFFPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: If your vehicle has beeninvolved in a crash, have the fuel systemchecked. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in fire, personal injury ordeath.
RE-ENABLING YOUR VEHICLE
1.Switch the ignition off.
2.Attempt to start your vehicle.
3.Switch the ignition off.
4.Attempt to start your vehicle.
Note:If your vehicle does not start after thethird attempt, have your vehicle checked assoon as possible.
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UTILIZING THE
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION
PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)
For vehicles delivered to authorizedCanadian dealers. In those cases whereyou continue to feel that the efforts by Fordof Canada and the authorized dealer toresolve a factory-related vehicle serviceconcern have been unsatisfactory, Ford ofCanada participates in an impartial thirdparty mediation/arbitration programadministered by the Canadian MotorVehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
The CAMVAP program is a straight forwardand relatively speedy alternative to resolvea disagreement when all other efforts toproduce a settlement have failed. Thisprocedure is without cost to you and isdesigned to eliminate the need for lengthyand expensive legal proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartialthird-party arbitrators conduct hearings atmutually convenient times and places inan informal environment. These impartialarbitrators review the positions of theparties, make decisions and, whenappropriate, render awards to resolvedisputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair,and final as the arbitrator’s award isbinding on both you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in allCanadian territories and provinces. Formore information, without charge orobligation, call your CAMVAP ProvincialAdministrator directly at 1-800-207-0685or visit www.camvap.ca.
GETTING ASSISTANCE
OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND
CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a foreigncountry, contact the appropriate foreignembassy or consulate. These officials caninform you of local vehicle registrationregulations and where to find unleadedfuel or petrol/gas engines or the propersulfur fuel for diesel engines.
If you cannot find the proper fuelrecommended for your vehicle, contactour Customer Relationship Center.
The use of improper fuels in your vehiclewithout proper conversion may damagethe effectiveness of your emission controlsystem and may cause engine knocking orserious engine damage. Ford MotorCompany or Ford of Canada is notresponsible for any damage caused by useof improper fuel. Using improper fuels mayalso result in difficulty importing yourvehicle back into the United States.
If your vehicle must be serviced while youare traveling or living in Asia-Pacific Region,Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. Virgin Islandsand/or Puerto Rico, Central America, theCaribbean, and Israel and the Middle East,contact the nearest authorized dealer. Ifthe authorized dealer cannot help you,contact the corresponding Ford CustomerAssistance Center:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Customer Relationship Centers in:
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