2023 LINCOLN AVIATOR suspension

If your vehicle loses electrical power when
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can manually steer your
vehicle. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering could increase
the effort you need to steer your vehicle. This
increased effort prevents overheating and
permanent damage to the steering system.
You do not lose the ability to manually steer
your vehicle. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers allow the system to cool and
operate as normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds could also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning improves overall handling
and steering on roads with irregularities. It
communicates with the brake system to help
operate advanced stability control and
accident avoidance systems. When you
install a new battery or disconnect the
battery, you need to drive your vehicle a
short distance so it can relearn and reactivate
all systems.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.
WARNING: The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, cyclists or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death.
WARNING: The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead to
a crash or personal injury.
WARNING: The system may fail or
operate with reduced function during cold
and severe weather conditions. Snow, ice,
rain, spray and fog can adversely affect the
system. Keep the front camera and radar
free of snow and ice. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
337
Driving Aids

WHAT IS DRIVE MODE CONTROL
The system delivers a driving experience
through a suite of sophisticated electronic
vehicle systems. These systems optimize
steering, handling and powertrain response.
This provides a single location to control
multiple systems performance settings.
Changing the drive mode automatically
changes the functionality of the following
systems:
• Electronically power-assisted steering
system adjusts steering effort and feel
based on the mode you select. See
Steering (page 336).
• Electronic stability control and traction
control maintains your vehicle control in
adverse conditions or high performance
driving. See Stability Control (page 282).
• Electronic throttle control enhances the
powertrain response to your driving
inputs.
• Transmission controls optimize with shift
schedules tuned to each mode.
• AWD settings become optimized and
tuned to each mode.The system automatically tailors your vehicle
configuration for each mode you select.
Note:Not all settings, or modes, may be
available.
Note:The system has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system for proper
operation. If a mode is unavailable due to a
system fault, the mode defaults to Normal.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE
Note:Drive mode changes may not be
available when the ignition is off.
E297680E297680
Rotate the drive mode dial on the center
console to change the drive mode.
DRIVE MODES
CONSERVE
Enables efficient driving. It helps to deliver
maximum fuel efficiency and helps to
increase driving range.
DEEP CONDITIONS (If Equipped)
For crossing terrain that has deformable
deep, rutted surfaces such as mud, deep
sand or deep snow. Do not use on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
If your vehicle has air suspension, it raises
approximately 1.2 in (30 mm) at low speeds
for improved ground clearance.
Note:Using deep conditions mode on dry
hard surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces.
343
Drive Mode Control

DEEP SAND (If Equipped)
For crossing deep soft and dry sand.
Note:Using deep sand mode on dry hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces.
EXCITE
For sporty on-road driving. This mode
increases throttle response, provides a more
dynamic powertrain sound and steering feel,
along with a more sporty shifting experience.
If your vehicle has continuously controlled
damping suspension it adjusts to a stiffer
suspension setting, with an emphasis on
handling and control. The transmission also
holds gears longer, helping your vehicle
accelerate faster when shifting gears.
If your vehicle has air suspension, it lowers
approximately 0.6 in (15 mm) to improve
aerodynamics.
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfect
balance of excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
PRESERVE EV
Your vehicle runs the engine as needed to
save electric driving range for later use in
another drive mode. For example, you first
drive at high speeds on open roads where
engine operation is appropriate. Later, you
drive at low speeds in an urban area where
electric only is most efficient.
If the battery charge is low when you select
this mode, the engine begins to charge the
high voltage battery to provide some electric
range for later. See Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
Operation (page 219).
PURE EV
This mode can provide an electric only
driving experience. Your vehicle could
accelerate slower, and the top speed could
be reduced. For more power, fully press the
accelerator pedal to temporarily engage the
engine.
Your vehicle could enable the engine if
system conditions require it. An engine
enabled message displays if this occurs.
The engine could enable if the climate
control is in a defrost mode and the outside
temperature is cold. If the vehicle does not
need defrost, select a different climate
control mode to permit pure EV.
Your vehicle changes from pure EV mode to
normal mode when the vehicle electric range
is zero.
Note:When in pure EV mode, your vehicle
stays in this mode if there is all electric
driving range available and the system does
not fault.
344
Drive Mode Control

Special Loading Instructions for
Owners of Pick-up Trucks and Utility-
type Vehicles
WARNING: When loading the
roof racks, we recommend you evenly
distribute the load, as well as maintain
a low center of gravity. Loaded
vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded
vehicles. Take extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased
stopping distance, when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.
AIR SUSPENSION (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: If your vehicle has
self-leveling air suspension, you must
switch the system off before carrying out
any maintenance or repair. Failure to follow
this warning could result in serious
personal injury or death.The air suspension system automatically
adjusts to maintain a constant frame height,
allows for ease of vehicle loading, provides
improved vehicle ride, and increased driver
comfort.
You can adjust different ride settings through
the selectable drive modes. See Selecting
a Drive Mode (page 343).
Note:The air suspension system may not
operate properly if you exceed the load limit.
See Load Limit (page 348).
Note:When your vehicle is off, the air
compressor may run for a short time. This is
normal.
Switching the systems on or off
You can access the air suspension, liftgate
and easy entry features through the
information display menu settings. See
General Information (page 136).
Using the Service Mode
When the service mode is active, the air
suspension does not make any adjustments
while your vehicle is stationary.Note:Always switch the air suspension
service mode to on before servicing your
vehicle.
Using Cargo Loading
The air suspension cargo loading feature
lowers your vehicle for easier access when
the system detects the liftgate is opening.
When the liftgate is closed your vehicle
returns to its normal height after a short time.
Note:To preserve your vehicle battery, your
vehicle may only lower for cargo mode one
to two times per ignition cycle.
Using Easy Entry
The air suspension can lower your vehicle
to an easier access entry height when the
system detects the intelligent access key,
you press the unlock button, use the remote
start, or use Phone as a Key.
The leveling process stops when you open
a door or the target level is achieved.
Note:To stop the leveling process, press the
lock button on the intelligent access key.
352
Load Carrying

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers
beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit
of your vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Note: See Recommended Towing
Weights (page 356).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,
such as fuses or relays, related to
towing. See Fuses (page 382).Your vehicle's load capacity designation
is by weight, not by volume, so you
cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect
these components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement
affects your vehicle when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest to
the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items centered
between the left and right side trailer
tires.• Load the heaviest items above the
trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not
allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the correct
rise or drop and load capacity. When
both the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly angled
down toward your vehicle, when
viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may
be present due to the increased payload
weight. Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing is located in
another chapter of this manual. See
Load Limit (page 348).
You can also find information in the RV
& Trailer Towing Guide available at your
authorized dealer, or online.
354
Towing

Protected Component Fuse Rating Fuse or Relay Number
Heated backlite. 40A 50
Heated steering wheel. 20A 54
Trailer tow park lamps. 20A 55
Trailer tow battery charge. 30A 57
Trailer tow backup lamps. 10A 58
Multi-contour seat module. 15A 61
Headlamp washer pump. 15A 62
Four-wheel drive module. 40A 64
Front window wiper motor. 30A 69
Rear window wiper motor. 15A 71
Air suspension module. 20A 72
Driver door module. 30A 73
Not used. — 78
Not used. — 79
Left-hand front electronic door. 20A 80
Right-hand front electronic door. 20A 82
387
Fuses

Protected Component Fuse Rating Fuse or Relay Number
Air suspension compressor. 50A 114
Amplifier. 20A 115
Not used (spare). 5A 116
Second row heated seats. 30A 118
Port fuel injectors. 15A 120
Rain sensor. 5A 124
USB smart charger 1. 5A 125
Amplifier. 20A 127
Illuminated badge. 15A 128
Power folding seat module. 40A 131
Left-hand heated wiper blade. 15A 133
Right-hand heated wiper blade.
Family entertainment system. 10A 134
Right-hand rear electronic door. 20A 136
USB smart charger 2. 5A 139
Traffic cam. 5A 142
389
Fuses

Protected Component Fuse Rating Fuse or Relay Number
Not used (spare). 20A 25
Not used (spare). 30A 26
Not used (spare). 30A 27
Not used (spare). 30A 28
Head up display. 15A 29
Trailer brake connector. 5A 30
Terrain management switch. 10A 31
Transceiver module.
Audio control module. 20A 32
Not used. — 33
Run/Start relay. 30A 34
Not used (spare). 5A 35
Park assist module. 15A 36
Electrochromic mirror.
Suspension module.
Image processing module A.
394
Fuses