2023 LINCOLN AVIATOR Owners Manual

WARNING: If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle
until you verify that the stoplamps are
working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in the
event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.Activating the Manual Park Release CableE294326
1. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 272).
Note:If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could require an external power source
to apply the parking brake.
2. Using a flat head screwdriver 4.7 in
(120 mm), carefully open the access cover
under the arm rest console.
3. Turn the vehicle ignition on without
starting the vehicle. Press the push to
start button without pressing the brake.4. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the
brake pedal and hold. Do not release.
5. Insert a screwdriver fully into the Manual
Park Release lever slot, pull the Manual
Park Release lever toward the rear until
the detent in the slot pops up against the
screwdriver. Allow 0.3 in (7 mm) of full
upward travel of the detent, which locks
in the park override mode, and you can
remove the screwdriver. If done correctly,
a message on the instrument cluster
displays Park Not Available, Transmission
Not in Park or Shift System Fault.
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262
Transmission

Note:A screwdriver tool longer than 4.7 in
(120 mm) could hit the underside of the
armrest console before you achieve full
travel of the detent.
6. With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake. See Electric Parking Brake (page
272).
7. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for
emergency towing purposes.
8. Switch off the ignition.
9. Once it is safe to do so, and there is no
risk of your vehicle rolling, disconnect
the negative, black, battery cable from
the battery.
Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Mode
1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the
negative, black, battery cable to the
battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 272).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, you
could require an external power source to
apply the parking brake.3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do
not release.
4. Insert the screwdriver fully into the
Manual Park Release lever slot. Push the
tool downwards. The system detent
releases and the Manual Park Release
lever moves forward, allowing the vehicle
to go back into the park (P) position.
Remove the screwdriver.
5. Install the access cover.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake
pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm that
your vehicle is in the park (P) position and
that the instrument cluster indicates park
(P).
7. If the instrument cluster does not display
the park (P) position or there is a
message stating Park Not Available,
Transmission Not In Park or Shift System
Fault, apply the parking brake before
exiting your vehicle. Contact an
authorized dealer.If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or
Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in the mud or snow,
you can rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires could occur, or the engine could
overheat.
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Transmission

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
WARNING: Do not become
overconfident in the ability of all-wheel
drive vehicles. Although an all-wheel drive
vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at
a safe speed.The intelligent AWD system continuously
monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. It combines transparent
all-surface operation with highly capable
all-wheel drive.
The AWD system is always active and
requires no driver input. It is capable of
handling all road conditions including street
and highway driving as well as off-road and
winter driving. You can optimize more AWD
control by selecting different drive modes.
See Selecting a Drive Mode (page 343).
Note:A warning message displays in the
information display when an AWD system
fault is present. See Information Messages
(page 142). A AWD system fault causes the
AWD system to default to rear-wheel drive
only mode. When this warning message
displays, have your vehicle serviced.Note:A warning message displays in the
information display if the AWD system
overheats. See Information Messages
(page 142). This condition could occur if you
operate your vehicle in extreme conditions
with excessive wheel slip, such as deep
sand. To resume normal AWD function as
soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10
minutes. After you restart the engine and the
AWD system adequately cools, the warning
message turns off and normal AWD function
returns.Operating All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire other
than the tire provided. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system will disable and
enter rear-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components. Some limited AWD
traction could be provided if the mini-spare
is installed on one of the front wheels. If you
are in driving conditions where limited AWD
traction is needed while the mini-spare is
installed, it is recommended the mini-spare
be installed on the front axle.
264
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If the mini-spare is installed, this condition is
indicated by a warning in the information
display.
The slip response system could activate if
the mini spare is installed on the front
wheels. If the mini spare was installed on the
rear wheels the slip response system will
fully disable. In situations where there is a
wintery mix or an off road situation, and you
need to use a mini spare, you must install
the mini spare in the front tire position and
move a full size tire to the rear tire position
for the slip response system to function.
Operating ALL-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacement
tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating, and type as those
originally provided for your vehicle. The
recommended tire and wheel sizes can be
found on the Tire Label on the driver side
door frame or the edge of the driver door.
If this information is not found in those
locations, or for additional options, contact
your authorized dealer. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended, could affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to rear-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system.
For optimum AWD Performance, it is
recommended to follow the tire rotation
maintenance schedule. To avoid potential
AWD malfunction or AWD system damage,
it is recommended to replace all four tires
rather than mixing significantly worn tires
with new tires. For example, using 3 worn
tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same
original tire size/brand, can be tolerated by
the AWD system as long as the worn tires
still have usable tread depth.How Your Vehicle Differs from Other
Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle could be
higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or damaging
underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently than
an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times,
especially in rough terrain. Since sudden
changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip
the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the area.
To maintain steering and braking control of
your vehicle, you must have all four wheels
on the ground and they must be rolling, not
sliding or spinning.
Driving in Special Conditions With All-
Wheel Drive (AWD)
Note:Use of the AWD system in slippery,
deep snow and sand drive modes on dry
surfaces could produce some vibration and
driveline bind up and, or excessive tire wear,
as the intent of these drive modes are for
slippery and loose surfaces.
Note:You can use AWD vehicles for driving
on sand, snow, mud and rough roads and
have operating characteristics that are
somewhat different from conventional
vehicles, both on and off the highway.Basic Operating Principles in Special
Conditions
• Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice.If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement
• If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle back
onto the pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the
road surface.
• It could be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You could lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often could be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement
which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover.
Remember, your safety and the safety of
others should be your primary concern.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING: Apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P), switch the ignition off
and remove the key before you leave your
vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheels
at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
could be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
It could be beneficial to disengage Traction
Control while attempting to rock the vehicle.Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires could occur or the engine could
overheat.
Emergency Maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (i.e., turn the steering wheel
only as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive steering
can result in less vehicle control, not
more. Additionally, smooth variations of
the accelerator and/or brake pedal
pressure should be utilized if changes in
vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abruptsteering, acceleration or braking which
could result in an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or
personal injury. Use all available road
surface to return the vehicle to a safe
direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete to
gravel) there is a change in the way the
vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning the wheels.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and cause
the vehicle to become stuck to the point that
assistance could be required from another
vehicle. Remember, you could be able to
back out the way you came if you proceed
with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability could be
limited.
Note:Driving through deep water could
damage your vehicle.
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly.
If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle
could stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. As when you are driving over
sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does
slide, steer in the direction of the slide until
you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage
drive components.“Tread Lightly” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities in
our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles could make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down a
hill or steep incline, you should always try to
drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing
traction, slipping sideways and possibly
rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,
determine beforehand the route you will use.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without
the aid of an observer.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in
a lower gear rather than downshifting to a
lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turn around
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating. Do
not descend in neutral; instead, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose control. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end
of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle could accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
will not stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)