2001 Ford E 250 Owners Manual

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When in clock mode, the media information will display for 10 seconds, when the radio is turned on, and then revert to clock information. Anytime that the media is changed, (new radio station, etc.), the media information will again display for 10 seconds before reverting back to the clock. In media mode, the media information will always be displayed. Mutemode Press the control to mute the playing media. Press the control again to return to the playing media. CLK EJ MUTE Troubleshooting the CD player (if equipped) The laser beam used in the compact disc player is harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to disassemble the case. If sound skips: † You may be traveling on a rough road, playing badly scratched discs or the disc may be dirty. Skipping will not scratch the discs or damage the player. If your changer does not work, it may be that: † A disc is already loaded where you want to insert a disc. † The disc is inserted with the label surface downward. † The disc is dusty or defective. † The player’s internal temperature is above 60°C (140°F). Allow the † A disc with format and dimensions not within industry standards is player to cool down before operating. inserted. 47 Controls and features Cleaning compact discs Inspect all discs for contamination before playing. If necessary, clean discs only with an approved CD cleaner and wipe the center out to the edge. Do not use circular motion. CD and CD player care † Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface. † Do not insert more than one disc at a time. † Do not expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended † After playing, store the disc in its case. Do not insert any promotional (odd shaped or sized) discs, or discs with removable labels into the CD player as jamming may occur. periods of time. Cleaning cassette player (if equipped) Clean the tape player head with a cassette cleaning cartridge after 10 to 12 hours of play in order to maintain the best sound and operation. Cassette and cassette player care † Use only cassettes that are 90 minutes long or less. † Do not expose tapes to direct sunlight, high humidity, extreme heat or extreme cold. Allow tapes that may have been exposed to extreme temperatures to reach a moderate temperature before playing. † Tighten very loose tapes by inserting a finger or pencil into the hole † Remove loose labels before inserting tapes. † Do not leave tapes in the cassette player for a long time when not and turning the hub. being played. Radio frequency information The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) establish the frequencies AM and FM stations may use for their broadcasts. Allowable frequencies are: AM 530, 540–1600, 1610 kHz FM 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz Not all frequencies are used in a given area. 48 Controls and features Radioreceptionfactors Three factors can affect radio reception: † Distance/strength. The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is. The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km (24 miles). This range can be affected by “signal modulation.” Signal modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their strength/volume relative to other stations. † Terrain. Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle’s antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems. Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences, traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering structure (out of its “shadow”) returns your reception to normal. † Station overload. Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station frequency is displayed. The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo. Audio system warranties and service Refer to the “Warranty Guide” for audio system warranty information. If service is necessary, see your dealer or a qualified technician. POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION 1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. 2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel, automatic transmission gearshift lever and allows key removal. 3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel. 4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. 49 Controls and features HAZARD FLASHER For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard flasher in the Roadside emergencies chapter. TURN SIGNAL CONTROL † Push down to activate the left † Push up to activate the right turn turn signal. signal. SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) To turn speed control on † Press ON. Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is traveling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph). ON OFF Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved. Do not shift the gearshift lever into N (Neutral) with the speed control on. 50 To turn speed control off † Press OFF or † Turn off the vehicle ignition. Controls and features ON OFF Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased. To set a speed † Press SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph). RES SET ACCEL COAST If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal. Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed. If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RES will re-engage it. Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved. 51 Controls and features To set a higher set speed † Press and hold SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or † Press and release SET ACCEL to operate the Tap-Up function. Each press will increase the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or † Accelerate with your accelerator pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press and release SET ACCEL. RES SET ACCEL COAST You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during speed control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed. To set a lower set speed † Press and hold COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or † Press and release COAST to operate the Tap-Down function. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or † Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET ACCEL. 52 RES SET ACCEL COAST RES SET ACCEL COAST To disengage speed control † Depress the brake pedal. Disengaging the speed control will not erase the previously programmed set speed. Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed. To return to a previously set speed † Press RES. For RES to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph). Controls and features ON OFF RES SET ACCEL COAST 53 Controls and features TILT STEERING Pull the tilt steering control toward you to move the steering wheel up or down. Hold the control while adjusting the wheel to the desired position, then release the control. Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving. WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS Rotate the windshield wiper control to the desired interval, low or high speed position. The bars of varying length are for intermittent wipers. When in this position rotate the control upward for fast intervals and downward for slow intervals. 54 Controls and features Push the control on the end of the stalk to activate washer. Push and hold for a longer wash cycle. The washer will automatically shut off after ten seconds of continuous use. OVERDRIVE CONTROL Activating overdrive (Overdrive) is the normal drive position for the best fuel economy. OVERDRIVE The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and downshifts through all available gears. Deactivatingoverdrive Press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) located on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL) (the word OFF) will illuminate on the end of the gearshift lever. The transmission will operate in all gears except overdrive. To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control Switch again. The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated. When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to normal For additional information about the gearshift lever and the transmission control switch operation refer to the Automatic Transmission Operation section of the Driving chapter. (Overdrive) mode. OVERDRIVE OFF 55 Controls and features OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED) The appearance of your vehicle’s overhead console will vary according to your option package. Storage compartment (if equipped) Press the OPEN control to open the storage compartment. The door will open slightly and can be moved to full open. The storage compartment may be used to secure sunglasses or a similar object. Installing a garage door opener (if equipped) The storage compartment can be converted to accommodate a variety of aftermarket garage door openers: † Remove the storage clip from the † Place Velcroy hook onto side of aftermarket transmitter opposite of actuator control. † Place the transmitter into storage door. compartment, control down. 56 Controls and features † Place the provided height adaptors onto the back of the GARAGE control as needed. † Press the GARAGE control to activate the transmitter. Electronic compass/temperature display (if equipped) Outside air temperature The outside temperature display is contained in the overhead console. The temperature display can be turned off and on by pressing the SELECT control on the overhead console. The temperature can be displayed in Centigrade or Fahrenheit by pressing the SELECT control. The ignition key must be in the ON position. If the outside temperature falls below 3°C (38°F), the display will alternate from “ICE” to the outside temperature at a two second rate for one minute. 73˚ NW Compass The compass display is contained in the overhead console. The vehicle heading is displayed as one of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NW. The compass reading may be affected when you drive near large buildings, bridges, power lines and powerful broadcast antenna. Magnetic or metallic objects placed in or on the vehicle may also affect compass accuracy. Adjustments may need to be made to the zone and calibration of the compass. 57 Controls and features Compass zone adjustment 1. Determine which magnetic zone you are in by referring to the zone map. 2. Turn the ignition to the ON position. 15 14 13 12 11 10 8 9 3. Press and hold the SELECT control until VAR appears in the display, then release. The display should show the current zone number. 4. Press the SELECT control until the desired zone number appears. The display will flash and then return to normal operation. The zone is now updated. 9 VAR 58 Compass calibration adjustment Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and high voltage lines: † Press and hold the SELECT control until CAL appears in the display (approximately eight seconds) and release. † Drive the vehicle slowly (less than 5 km/h [3 mph]) in circles until CAL indicator turns off in about 2–3 complete circles. † The compass is now calibrated. INTERIOR LAMPS Cargo and dome lamps Rear cargo lamps equipped with an ON/OFF/DOOR control will light when: † the doors are closed and the control is in the ON position. † the control is in the DOOR position and any door is open. † the headlamp control is rotated fully counterclockwise. Controls and features CAL When the control is in the OFF position, it will not illuminate when you open the doors or fully rotate the headlamp control. 59 Controls and features Front and rear courtesy/reading lamps Rotate the lens to illuminate the lamp. With the lens in the flat position, the courtesy lamp lights when: † any door is opened. † the headlamp control is rotated fully counterclockwise. POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED) Press and hold the rocker switches to open and close windows. † Press the top portion of the rocker switch to close. † Press the bottom portion of the rocker switch to open. 60 Controls and features POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED) Press U to unlock all doors and L to lock all doors. Memory lock If you lock your doors with the power lock switch or the remote transmitter while the sliding door is open, the door will automatically lock after it is closed. Back cargo door lock (if equipped) The passenger side rear cargo door has a power door lock control mounted on the inside of the door. When this lock is pressed, all doors will lock/unlock. POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED) The ignition may be in any position to adjust the power side view mirrors. To adjust your mirrors: 1. Select mirror or mirror. to adjust the left to adjust the right 61 Controls and features 2. Move the control in the direction you wish to tilt the mirror. 3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place. Fold-away mirrors Pull the side mirrors in carefully when driving through a narrow space, like an automatic car wash. REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The remote entry system allows you to lock or unlock all vehicle doors without a key. The remote entry features only operate with the ignition in the LOCK position. 62 Controls and features If there is any potential remote keyless entry problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL key fobs (remote entry transmitters) are brought to the dealership, to aid in troubleshooting. Unlocking the doors Press this control to unlock the driver’s door. The interior lamps will illuminate. Press the control a second time within three seconds to unlock all doors. Locking the doors Press this control to lock all doors. To confirm all doors are closed and locked, press the control a second time within three seconds. The doors will lock again and the horn will chirp. Sounding a panic alarm Press this control to activate the alarm. To deactivate the alarm, press the control again or turn the ignition to ACC or ON. 63 Controls and features Replacing the battery The transmitter is powered by one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. Typical operating range will allow you to be up to 10 meters (33 feet) away from your vehicle. A decrease in operating range can be caused by: † weather conditions † nearby radio towers † structures around the vehicle † other vehicles parked next to the vehicle To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE TRANSMITTER APART. 2. Place the positive (+) side of new battery UP. Refer to the diagram inside the transmitter unit. 3. Snap the two halves back together. Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement. 64 Controls and features Replacing lost transmitters Take all your vehicle’s transmitters to your dealer if service is required. If you purchase additional transmitters (up to four may be programmed into memory), perform the following procedure: To reprogram the transmitters yourself, place the key in the ignition and turn from 2 (LOCK) to 3 (OFF) and cycle between 3 (OFF) and 4(ON) eight times in rapid succession (within 10 seconds) ending in the ON position. After doors lock/unlock, press any control on all transmitters (up to four). With each control press of the transmitters, the door should cycle (lock/unlock) to confirm programming. When completed, turn the ignition to OFF. The door locks should cycle (lock/unlock) one last time to confirm completion of programming. All transmitters must be programmed at the same time. Illuminated entry The interior lamps illuminate when the remote entry system is used to unlock the door(s) or sound the personal alarm. The system automatically turns off after 25 seconds or when the ignition is turned to the RUN or ACC position. The dome lamp control (if equipped) must not be set to the OFF position for the illuminated entry system to operate. The inside lights will not turn off if: † they have been turned on with the dimmer control or † any door is open. 65 Seating and safety restraints SEATING Adjusting the front manual seat Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving. Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injuring people in a collision or sudden stop. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. Reclining the seatback can reduce the effectiveness of the seat’s safety belt in the event of a collision. Lift handle to move seat forward or backward. Pull lever up to adjust seatback. 66 Seating and safety restraints Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped) Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving. Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid injuring people in a collision or sudden stop. Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. Reclining the seatback can reduce the effectiveness of the seat’s safety belt in the event of a collision. The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Press front to raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion. Press rear to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion. 67 Seating and safety restraints Press the control to move the seat forward, backward, up or down. Using the manual lumbar support The lumbar support control is located on the inboard side of the driver’s seat. Turn the lumbar support control clockwise to increase firmness. Turn the lumbar support control counterclockwise to increase softness. Accessing the 3rd, 4th and 5th row seats (if equipped) Stow the 2nd row passenger side seat belt on the overhead hook to make access to the rear seats easier. 68 Seating and safety restraints To make access to the 4th and 5th row seats easier, attach the 3rd and 4th row passenger side seat belts to the trim panel by using the snaps attached to the seat belt webbing and the trim panel. Rearbenchseat Toremovetheseats: 1. Disengage the lap/shoulder belt from the seat by inserting a key or small screwdriver into the slot in the detachable anchor and lifting upward (2nd row passenger side only). 69 Seating and safety restraints Stow the tongue end of the detachable anchor (2nd row only). 2. Pull the LH/RH seat latch handles, located under the seat, rearward to release the latch hook ends from the front strikers. 3. Move the seat rearward and lift the seats rear hooks away from the rear strikers prior to lifting the front hooks out from the front strikers. 4. With assistance, remove the seat assembly. † To remove the 3rd, 4th, and 5th row seats (if equipped), repeat steps 2 through 4. 70 Seating and safety restraints Toinstalltheseat: 1. Position the seat in the vehicle. 2. Align front hooks to front strikers, prior to lowering the rear hooks and aligning them with the rear strikers. 3. Engage the LH/RH latch rod hook ends in the front striker locking holes. 4. Rotate the LH/RH latch handles forward, and at the same time slide the seat assembly forward to engage the strikers. Continue forward movement until the seat reaches the end of its travel. 5. Make sure the safety belt is not twisted, then insert the seat belt tongue into detachable anchor until you hear a “click” and feel the latch engage (2nd row only). Always latch the vehicle seat to the floor, whether the seat is occupied or empty. If not latched, the seat may cause injury during a sudden stop. Quick release captains chair To remove the seats: 1. Disengage the lap/shoulder belt from the seat by inserting a key or small screwdriver into the slot in the detachable anchor and lifting upward. 71 Seating and safety restraints Stow the tongue end of the detachable anchor. 2. Pull the seat latch handle, then pull the seat toward the right side of the vehicle to disengage four pins from the floor mount. 3. Remove the seat. Toinstalltheseats: Check to see that the seat and seatback is latched securely in position. Keep floor area free of objects that would prevent proper seat engagement. Never attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is in motion. 1. Position the seat to the floor mount. 2. Engage the four pins into the floor mount hole and push the seat toward the left side of the vehicle to fully engage. 72 Seating and safety restraints 3. Pull the seat latch handle downward to lock the seat in position. 4. Make sure the safety belt is not twisted, then insert the seat belt tongue into detachable anchor until you hear a “click” and feel the latch engage. SAFETY RESTRAINTS Safety restraints precautions Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips. To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained. Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision. All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided. It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt. 73 Seating and safety restraints Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person. Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints. Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. 2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle. The front and rear outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front passenger and rear seat outboard safety belts have two types of locking modes described below: 74 Seating and safety restraints Vehicle sensitive mode The vehicle sensitive mode is the normal retractor mode, allowing free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers. Automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. Whentousetheautomaticlockingmode † Anytime a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front or outboard rear seating position (if equipped). Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. Refer to Safety Restraints for Children or Safety Seats for Children later in this chapter. Howtousetheautomaticlockingmode † Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt. 75 Seating and safety restraints † Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted. † Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode. Howtodisengagetheautomaticlockingmode Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware should be inspected by a qualified technician after any collision. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode. After any vehicle collision, the front passenger outboard seat belt system must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the “automatic locking retractor” feature for child seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all seat belts should be checked for proper function. BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the seat belt assembly “automatic locking retractor” feature or any other seat belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in Workshop Manual. Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions. 76 Seating and safety restraints Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioner is a device which removes excess webbing from the safety belt system. The safety belt pretensioner uses the same crash sensor system as the front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS). When the safety belt pretensioner deploys, webbing from the lap and shoulder belt is tightened. The driver and front passenger seat belt system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of front air bags and safety belt pretensioners. Refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in this chapter. Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision. Front safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and front passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place. Position the shoulder belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision. 77 Seating and safety restraints Lap belts Adjustingthecenterlapbelt The lap belt does not adjust automatically. The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not across the waist. Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips. Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use. Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt assembly is too short for you, even when fully extended, 20 cm (8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso. 78 Seating and safety restraints Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The seat belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts. Conditionsofoperation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds. The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off. The indicator chime will remain off and the safety belt warning lamp will illuminate for 4-8 seconds. Belt minder The Belt Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster. If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled approximately 5 seconds after the safety belt warning light has turned off... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the safety belt indicator light is illuminated and the safety belt warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... Then... The Belt Minder feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled. The Belt Minder feature will not activate. The Belt Minder feature will not activate. 79 Seating and safety restraints The purpose of the Belt Minder is to remind occasional wearers to wear safety belts all of the time. The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... Consider... 9Crashes are rare events9 36 700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to 9rare9 events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 9I’m not going far9 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of home. 9Belts are Ford designs its safety belts to enhance comfort. If uncomfortable9 you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. 9I was in a hurry9 Prime time for an accident. Belt Minder reminds 9Seat belts don’t work9 9Traffic is light9 9Belts wrinkle my clothes9 9The people I’m with don’t wear belts9 us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted. Set the example, teen deaths occur 4 times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see. 9I have an air bag9 Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea. People who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T 9PICK OUR CRASH9. 9I’d rather be thrown clear9 80 Seating and safety restraints Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase the risk of injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt Minder feature please follow the directions stated below. Onetimedisable Anytime the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, Belt Minder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activatingthebeltminderfeature Read steps 1 - 9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The Belt Minder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: † the parking brake is set † the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) † the ignition switch is in the OFF position † all vehicle doors are closed † the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled † the parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position (If vehicle is equipped with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure.) To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle. 1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT START THE ENGINE) 2. Wait at least one minute after the safety belt warning light turns off. † Steps 3–5 must be completed within 60 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. 3. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. This can be done before or during Belt Minder warning activation. 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps. 81 Seating and safety restraints 5. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. † After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three seconds. 6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. † This will disable Belt Minder if it is currently enabled, or enable Belt Minder if it is currently disabled. 7. Confirmation of disabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off, then followed by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds again. 9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete. Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), LATCH child seat tether anchors and lower anchors (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision. 82 Seating and safety restraints Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the Maintenance and care section. AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) 40 50 60 80 • 100 • 60 • 0 0 0 0 0 5 • 30 40• 20 20•km/h 70 120 80 90 •140 • 10 100 P R N D 2 1 0 0 0 0 ON OFF 18 + - O V E R D R I V E RES SET ACCEL COAST FAN HI LO FLR MIX OFF VENT NORM A/C MAX A/C COOL WARM VOL-PUSH ON FM 1 FM 1 AM FM BASS TREB ST BAL FADE CLK SEEK TUNE SCAN EJ DOLBY 8 NR TAPE REW FF SIDE 1-2 Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information about the air bag and sensor systems. In the event of a collision this module may save information related to the collision including information about the air bag system and impact severity. This information will assist Ford in the servicing of your vehicle and may help Ford better understand real world collisions and further improve the safety of future vehicles. Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying air bag is greatest close to the trim covering the air bag module. 83 Seating and safety restraints All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is provided. Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches) between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module. Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries. Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the air bag: † Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the † Recline the seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright pedals comfortably. position. Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury. Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer. Modifications to the front end of the vehicle, including frame, bumper, front end body structure and tow hooks may effect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle. 84 Seating and safety restraints Additional equipment may effect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment. Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide. Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision. Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back. How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates air bag inflation. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to 85 Seating and safety restraints cause activation. Air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying air bag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control. The SRS consists of: † driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and † one or more impact and safing sensors, † a readiness light and tone † a diagnostic module † and the electrical wiring which connects the components. The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors. air bags), 86 Seating and safety restraints Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation. If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision. Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrumentation chapter. Routine maintenance of the air bag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: † The readiness light will either † The readiness light will not † A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on. flash or stay lit. periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired. If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision. Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel. SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags. 87 Seating and safety restraints Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle. Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision. Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Install forward-facing convertible safety seats only in vehicle seating positions equipped with lap-shoulder belts. Forward facing convertible safety seats can be used in the center of the three-passenger second row bench seat only if a top tether strap is used. Ford recommends placing forward-facing safety seats in the second row and using safety seats with top tether straps for added protection. For more information on top tether straps, see Attaching safety seats with tether straps in this section. Any booster seat that places the vehicle’s lap belt or shoulder belt around a shield above and ahead of the child’s hips should not be used in this vehicle. Do not use a forward–facing safety seat or an infant seat in the last row of a 12– or 15–passenger Club Wagon. Children and safety belts If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. 88 Seating and safety restraints Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit. Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle. To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs of your child with your pediatrician. SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. 89 Seating and safety restraints When installing a child safety seat: † Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System section in this chapter. † Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). † Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. † Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling. † Place seat back in upright position. † Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped). Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps, refer to Attaching safety seats with tether straps. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. 90 Seating and safety restraints Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt. An air bag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move seat all the way back. Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. 2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together. 91 Seating and safety restraints 3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted. 4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it. 5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted. 6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode. 92 Seating and safety restraints 7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat. 8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use. Tether anchorage hardware Children should be placed in the rear in an appropriate child safety seat that is properly secured to the vehicle. When using forward-facing child safety seats in vehicles with only two seating positions so the forward-facing child safety seat cannot be placed in the rear of the vehicle, move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible. 93 Seating and safety restraints Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers should never be placed in the front seats. Frontpassengerseatingposition The tether can be attached directly to the rear of the front seat. 1. Position the child safety seat on the front right-hand passenger seat. 2. Adjust the front right-hand passenger seat full forward. 3. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the front right-hand passenger seat as shown. 94 Seating and safety restraints 4. Clip the tether strap hook to the seat pedestal to the location shown. 5. Adjust the front right hand passenger seat to the full rearward position. 6. Refer to the instructions in this section under Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions to secure the child safety seat. 7. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Secondrowbucketseats(ChateauQuads) The tether strap can be attached directly to the tether bracket provided at the rear of the second row left hand and right hand bucket seats. 95 Seating and safety restraints 1. Position the child safety seat on the second row left hand or right hand bucket seat. 2. Route the child safety tether strap over the back of the left hand or right hand second row bucket seat as shown. 3. Clip the tether strap hook to the seat pedestal at the location shown. 4. Refer to the instructions in this section under Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions to secure the child safety seat. 5. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Second,ThirdandFourthrowthreepassengerbenchseats The tether strap can be attached directly to the tether bracket provided on rear rail of seat cushion frame. 1. For second row 3–Passenger bench seat, place the child safety seat on the left hand outboard position, the center position, or the right hand outboard position as desired. 96 Seating and safety restraints For third row or fourth row 3–Passenger bench seat, place the child safety seat on the center position. 2. Route the child safety tether strap over the back of 3–Passenger bench seat as shown. 3. Clip the tether strap hook to the tether bracket mounted under rear rail of seat cushion frame as shown. 4. Refer to the instructions in this section under installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions to secure the child safety seat. 5. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For additional important safety information on the proper use of seat belts, child seats and infant seats, please read the entire Seating and Safety Restraints chapter in this Owner’s Guide. 97 Starting PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter. Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk of fire or other damage. Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire. Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. Important safety precautions A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10 minutes at the higher engine RPM. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and safety restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off. 98 3. Make sure the parking brake is set. Starting 4. Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park). 5. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when: † front wheels are turned † front wheel is against the curb † steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle 50 60 80 100 70 40 60 30 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 120 20 10 20 km/h MPH 0 0 0 0 140 80 90 100 160 BRAKE 18 SERVICE ENGINE SOON Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced. † If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the light may not illuminate. 99 Starting STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Turn the key to 5 (START) without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to 4 (ON). 2. If the temperature is above –12°C (10°F) and the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. 3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, press the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to START position. 4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up. 5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake. Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle. To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. 100 Starting Guarding against exhaust fumes Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects. If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you. Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever: † the vehicle is raised for service. † the sound of the exhaust system changes. † the vehicle has been damaged in a collision. WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch). Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air. Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris. 101 Driving BRAKES Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance. Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). A noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction. ABSwarninglamp ABS The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. 102 Driving BRAKE With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.) UsingABS † In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four wheel ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. † The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop. † We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks. Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. Push pedal downward to set the parking brake. The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released. BRAKE Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. 103 Driving The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected. Pull the release lever to release the parking brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy. STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: † Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left † Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. (below the MIN mark on the reservoir). If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following: † underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) † uneven vehicle loading † high crown in center of road † high crosswinds † wheels out of alignment † loose or worn components suspension components 104 Driving TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED) This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver. To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, such as when changing a tire. PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle. 105 Driving Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle. Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed. If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed: 1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key. 2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral). 3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter. Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working. If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. 106 Driving If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. See your dealer or a qualified service technician. Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission Understandinggearshiftpositions To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal, then move gearshift lever out of P (Park). Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone. P(Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure the gearshift lever is securely latched in P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave your vehicle. R(Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N(Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this gear. 107 Driving (Overdrive) The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through four. (Overdrive) can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever. The transmission control indicator

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2001 Ford E 250 Owners Manual