2002 Ford Explorer Sport TRAC Owners Manual

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Driver Controls

TAILGATE REMOVAL Your tailgate is removable to allow more room for loading. 1. Lower the tailgate. 2. Use a screwdriver to pry the spring clip (on each connector) past the head of the support screw. Disconnect the cables. 3. Lift tailgate to a 45 degree angle and remove it from the left and right hinges. To install, follow the removal procedures in reverse order.

EXTERIOR TIEDOWN HOOKS Exterior tiedown hooks mounted on the side of the pickup box: • can be used to secure loads • can be used to secure half the

within the pickup box.

tonneau cover in an open position.

• allow for continued use of the

stake pockets.

Each tiedown hook can secure loads of up to 350 kg (770 lbs.) inside the pickup box (total load not to exceed box payload of 1000kg (2,200 lbs)). Loads can be secured to the hooks with up to three wraps of 10 mm rope.

CARGO CAGE (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo cage designed to extend the pickup box for larger loads.

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Driver Controls

To extend the cargo cage: 1. Lower tailgate. 2. Pull the round knobs on each side of the cargo cage to release it from the pickup box. Red markings behind the knobs indicate the unlocked position. 3. Lift the cargo cage over on to the tailgate. 4. Evenly push down on the cargo cage and push the round knobs in on each side locking it in place. To stow the cargo cage, follow steps one through four in reverse order. The cargo cage may be used to secure a load of up to 46 kg (100
lbs.) on the tailgate. The cargo cage should always be kept in the stowed position with the tailgate closed when not in use. Activating Cargo Cage Thief Deterrent device: The following procedure can be done with the cargo cage in the stowed or extended position. 1. Locate the phillips head screw in the middle of the vertical brace on the locking clip. 2. Turn the screw counterclockwise until you hear an audible click. 3. To deactivate, turn the screw clockwise until the locking clip moves freely.

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Driver Controls

To remove the cargo cage: 1. Extend the cargo cage. 2. Pull the round knobs on each side of the cage to unlock it. Make sure the locking clip screws are loose before removing the cargo cage. 3. Press the locking clips below the middle bar and lift the cargo cage out of the channels on the “D” pillar. To install the cargo cage, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

TONNEAU COVER (IF EQUIPPED) The tonneau cover has been designed to maximize fuel economy and should be fully installed whenever possible. The rear panel can be folded in half and secured behind the cab, or the whole cover can be removed completely from the vehicle. To avoid damage to the cover, do not operate the vehicle unless the cover is fully installed, or securely stowed. To avoid damage to the cover, do not stand, sit or load anything on top of the cover. To open the front panel: • Open the lock cover and unlock • Lift the panel to access items in • To close, lower the panel down

the pickup box near the cab.

the front panel.

on the pickup box.

The panel will automatically lock when lowered onto the pickup box. Do not drive with front panel unlocked or folded on top of the rear panel.

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Driver Controls

the rear panel.

To open the rear panel: • Open the lock cover and unlock • Lift the rear panel to access items • To close, lower the rear panel on

in the pickup box.

the pickup box.

The panel will automatically lock when lowered onto the pickup box. To stow the rear panel: • Before driving with the rear panel • Lift the rear panel up, lay it on top of the front panel and secure it with the two straps to the exterior tiedowns on the pickup box.

open, unlock the rear panel.

Failure to secure the rear panel could damage the tonneau cover or vehicle. To remove the tonneau cover: The tonneau cover weighs 29 kg (70
lbs.) and needs to be supported during removal since the panels will automatically lock when set down on the pickup box. This is a two person operation. • Unlock and support the front and • Fold the rear panel on top of the • Pull the release levers on the underside of the tonnneau cover from

rear panels.

front panel.

the pickup box and remove the cover.

For installation of the tonneau cover, reverse the removal procedure.

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Driver Controls

Interior tonneau cover release Your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical interior tonneau cover release handle that provides a means of escape for children and adults in the event they become locked inside the pickup box. Adults are advised to familiarize themselves with the operation and location of the release handle. To open the tonneau cover from the inside, pull the “T” shaped handle and push up on the tonneau cover panel. The handle is composed of a material that will glow for hours in darkness following brief exposure to ambient light. The “T” shaped handle is located on the tonneau cover panel.

Keep vehicle doors and tonneau cover locked and keep keys and remote transmitters out of a child’s reach. Unsupervised children

could lock themselves in the box and risk injury. Children should be taught not to play in vehicles.

On hot days, the temperature in the pickup box can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these high

temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particularly at risk.

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Locks and Security

KEYS The key operates all locks on your vehicle. In case of loss, replacement keys are available from your dealer. You should always carry a second key with you in a safe place in case you require it in an emergency. Refer to SecuriLock娂 Passive Anti-Theft System for more information.

POWER DOOR LOCKS The power door lock controls are located on the driver and front passenger door panels. Pressing the doors. Pressing the the doors.

will unlock all the will lock all

Childproof door locks • When these locks are set, the

rear doors cannot be opened from the inside.

• The rear doors can be opened

from the outside when the doors are unlocked.

LOCKED VERROUILLÉE

WHEN LOCKED DOOR WON'T OPEN FROM INSIDE VERROUILLÉE AINSI LA PORTE NE PEUT S DUYRIR DE L'INTERIEUR CHILD LOCK BELOW SECURITÉ ENFANTS CI-DESSOUS

The childproof locks are located on rear edge of each rear door and must be set separately for each door. Setting the lock for one door will not automatically set the lock for both doors. • Move lock control up to engage • Move control down to disengage

the childproof lock.

childproof locks.

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Locks and Security

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. Note: lock and unlock will work in any ignition position. If there is a problem with the remote entry system make sure to take ALL remote entry transmitters with you to the dealership, this will aid in troubleshooting the problem.

and release again within three seconds to unlock all the

and release to unlock the driver’s door. Note: The interior

Unlocking the doors 1. Press lamps will illuminate. 2. Press doors. The remote entry system activates the illuminated entry feature. This feature turns on the interior lamps for 25 seconds or until the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the dome lamp control is in the off position the illuminated entry feature will not work. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on using the dimmer control or • any door is open. The battery saver feature will turn off the interior lamps 30 minutes after the ignition is turned to the OFF position.

Locking the doors 1. Press will turn off.

and release to lock all the doors. Note: the interior lamps

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Locks and Security

and release again within three seconds to confirm that all the

2. Press doors are closed and locked. Note: the doors will lock again, the horn will chirp once and the headlamps will flash. If any of the doors are not properly closed the horn will make two quick chirps.

to activate the alarm. The horn will sound for a maximum of

Sounding a panic alarm Press 30 seconds and the parklamps will flash for a maximum of 3 minutes. Press again or turn the ignition to ON to deactivate, or wait for the alarm to timeout in 3 minutes. Note: The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the OFF or ACC position.

Replacing the battery The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. The typical operating range for your remote entry transmitter is approximately 10 meters (33 feet). A decrease in the operating range could be caused by: • weather conditions, • nearby radio towers, • structures around the vehicle and • other vehicles parked next to the vehicle. To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the remote entry transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE FRONT PART OF THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER APART. 2. Remove the old battery. 3. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. 4. Snap the two halves back together. Note: 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.

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Replacing lost remote entry transmitters If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all remote entry transmitters to your authorized dealer for reprogramming. How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters You must have all remote entry transmitters (maximum of four) available before beginning this procedure. To reprogram the remote entry transmitters:

1. Ensure the vehicle is electronically unlocked. 2. Put the key in the ignition. 3. Turn the key from the 2 (LOCK) position to 3 (OFF). 4. Cycle, eight times, rapidly (within 10 seconds) between the 3 (OFF) position and 4 (ON). Note: The eighth turn must end in the 4 (ON) position. 5. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been activated. 6. Within 20 seconds press any button on the remote entry transmitter. Note: If more than 20 seconds have passed you will need to start the procedure over again. 7. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that this remote entry transmitter has been programmed. 8. Repeat Step 6 to program each additional remote entry transmitter. 9. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position after you have finished programming all of the remote entry transmitters. 10. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been exited.

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Locks and Security

1 2

7 8

5 6

3 4

9 0

using a key.

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) You can use the keyless entry keypad to: • lock or unlock the doors without • activate or deactivate the autolock feature. The keypad can be operated with the factory set 5–digit entry code; this code is located on the owner’s wallet card in the glove box, is marked on the computer module, and is available from your authorized dealer. You can also create your own 5–digit personal entry code. When pressing the controls on the keypad, press the middle of the controls to ensure a good activation. Programming a personal entry code To create your own personal entry code: 1. Enter the factory set code. 2. Within five seconds press the 1 • 2 on the keypad. 3. Enter your personal 5-digit code. Each number must be entered within five seconds of each other. Tips: • Do not set a code that uses five of the same number. • Do not use five numbers in sequential order. • The factory set code will work even if you have set your own personal • If you set a second personal code it will erase your first personal code. Erasing personal code 1. Enter the factory set 5–digit code. 2. Press and hold the 1 • 2 for two seconds. This must be done within five seconds of completing step 1. 3. Press the 7 • 8 and the 9 • 0 at the same time. This must be done within five seconds of completing step 2. Your personal code is now erased and only the factory set 5–digit code will work. Anti-scan feature If the wrong code has been entered 36 times, the keypad will go into an anti-scan mode. This mode disables the keypad for one minute and the keypad lamp will flash during this time.

code.

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Locks and Security

control on the remote entry transmitter.

The anti-scan feature will turn off after: • one minute of keypad inactivity. • pressing the UNLOCK • the ignition is turned to the ON position. Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry To unlock the driver’s door, enter the factory set 5-digit code or your personal code. Each number must be pressed within five seconds of each other. The interior lamps will illuminate after pressing the first control on the keypad. To unlock all doors, press the 3 • 4 control within five seconds. To lock all doors, press the 7 • 8 and the 9 • 0 at the same time. You do not need to enter the keypad code first. Note: the interior lamps will turn off.

Autolock This feature will automatically lock all the doors when: • all the doors are closed, • the ignition key is in the ON position, • the gearshift lever is shifted into R reverse or a forward gear and • the brake pedal is released. This feature will also automatically relock all the doors when: • the ignition is running and any door is opened then closed, and • you put the vehicle in motion by releasing the brake pedal. To deactivate/reactivate the autolock feature using the keypad Your vehicle comes with the autolock feature activated. To deactivate/reactivate this feature: 1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position. 2. Close all the doors. 3. Enter the 5-digit entry code. 4. Press and hold the 3 • 4. While holding the 3 • 4 press the 7 • 8. 5. Release the 3 • 4. 6. Release the 7 • 8. The horn will chirp once when the system has been successfully deactivated.

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Locks and Security

The horn will chirp twice (one short and one long chirp) when the system has been successfully reactivated.

SECURILOCK姟 PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM SecuriLock娂 passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a “no-start” condition. The SecuriLock娂 passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. Your vehicle comes with two coded keys; additional coded keys may be purchased from your dealer. The dealer can program your spare keys to your vehicle or you can program the keys yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key. Note: Coded keys are not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote starting systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and loss of security protection. Note: Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine.

Replacement keys If your keys are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key, you will need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys and key codes will need to be programmed. Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional spare or replacement keys.

Programming spare keys You can program your own coded keys to your vehicle. Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin.

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Locks and Security

Tips: • A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle. • Only use Securilock娂 keys. • You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible.

• If no previously programmed coded keys are available, you must take

your vehicle to your dealer to have the spare key(s) programmed.

1. Insert a previously programmed coded key into the ignition. 2. Turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second, but no more than 10 seconds. 3. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position, and remove the coded key from the ignition. 4. Within ten seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the other previously programmed coded key into the ignition. 5. Turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second but not more than 10 seconds. 6. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position, and remove the second key from the ignition. 7. Within twenty seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the unprogrammed key (new/valet key) into the ignition. 8. Turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second, but no more than 10 seconds. 9. Your new unprogrammed key is now programmed. If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will flash on and off. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your dealer to have the new key(s) programmed. To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), repeat this procedure from step 1 for each additional key.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

FRONT SEATS Notes:

Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the

event of a collision.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to avoid injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Adjustable head restraints (if equipped) Head restraints help to limit head motion in the event of a rear collision. The seats in your vehicle may have adjustable head restraints. Adjust your head restraint so that it is located directly or as close as possible behind your head. To adjust the head restraint: • Raise the head restraint by • Tilt the head restraint forward or backward by holding it and rotating it to the desired position.

pulling it upward.

To lower the head restraint: • Push the release control. • Push down on the head restraint.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Adjusting the front manual seat Pull the lever located at the front edge of the seat to move the seat forward or backward. Release the lever to lock the seat in place.

Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped) The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Press to raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion.

Press to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion.

Press the control to move the seat forward, backward, up or down.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Reclining the seats Pull the lever located on the outside of the seat to recline the seatback. Release the lever to lock the seatback in place.

Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the

event of a collision.

Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped) For more lumbar support, turn the lumbar support control toward the front of vehicle. For less lumbar support, turn the lumbar support control toward the rear of vehicle.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Folding down rear 60/40 seats 1. Raise the rear seat head restraint.

2. Flip the bottom of the head restraint up, toward the front seat.

3. While holding the head restraint in a “flat” position, lower the head restraint to the seat back.

4. Flip the seat release control toward the front seat.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

5. Push the seatback toward the front seat and completely down until it locks into place. For Pioneer Edition vehicles, the 40 percent rear seat (behind the driver) does not fold due to the subwoofer location. See Attaching child safety seats with tether straps in this chapter for tether access behind this seat.

A carpeted panel will flip down from the back panel to complete the load floor.

Returning the rear 60/40 seats to upright position 1. Push down seatback release control and pull seatback up and into upright position making sure seatback locks into place.

2. Pull head restraint up and return to upright position.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

REAR SEATS Adjustable rear head restraints (if equipped) Lift the head restraint so that it is located directly or as close as possible behind your head. Push or pull the head restraint to the desired position.

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.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt.

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.

Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check

seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

Energy Management Feature • This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management

feature at the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.

• This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to

extend the seat belt webbing in a controlled manner. This helps reduce the belt force acting on the user’s chest.

BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the safety belt assembly automatic locking retractor feature or

any other safety 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.

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Seating and Safety 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:

Vehicle sensitive mode This is the normal retractor mode, which allows 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.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Automatic locking mode

How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

• 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. When you hear the clicking sound, the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode 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.

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After any vehicle collision, the safety belt systems at all outboard seating positions (except the driver position, which doesn’t have

this feature) 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.

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. This mode should be used any time 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.

Front safety belt height adjustment Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To adjust the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster up or down. Release the button and pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.

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Position the safety 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.

Lap belts Adjusting the lap belt

The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not across the waist.

• 2nd row center seating position The lap belt will adjust automatically. To fasten, grasp the tongue, and with a continuous motion, pull out enough webbing to buckle the tongue into the correct buckle. If you did not pull out enough webbing to reach the buckle, allow the tongue to retract fully before trying to pull it out again.

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.

Conditions of operation 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...

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Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates 1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

Seating and Safety Restraints

Then... The BeltMinder 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 BeltMinder feature will not activate.

BeltMinder The BeltMinder 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 before the vehicle has reached at least 5 km/h (3
mph) and 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to ON... 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... The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... “Crashes are rare events”

The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home.

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“I’m not going far”

Seating and Safety Restraints

Reasons given... “Belts are uncomfortable”

“I was in a hurry”

“Seat belts don’t work”

“Traffic is light”

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

“The people I’m with don’t wear belts”

“I have an air bag”

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

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Consider... We design our safety belts to enhance comfort. If 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. Prime time for an accident. BeltMinder reminds 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. 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 “PICK OUR CRASH”.

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.

One time disable Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, BeltMinder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activating the BeltMinder feature Before following the procedure, make sure that: • The ignition switch and headlamp control are in the OFF position and • The parking brake is set and the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic • The driver’s safety belt is unbuckled. Read steps 1 - 9 before proceeding with the deactivation/activation procedure. BeltMinder deactivation/activation procedure:

transmission) or neutral (manual transmission).

all the doors are closed.

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 without starting the engine. 2. Wait for the safety belt warning light to turn off. (Approximately 1–2
minutes.) • 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 BeltMinder warning activation. 4. Turn on the headlamp control, then turn it off. 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.

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6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, buckle, then unbuckle, the safety belt once. • This will disable BeltMinder if it is currently enabled, or enable

BeltMinder if it is currently disabled.

7. Confirmation of disabling BeltMinder is provided by the safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling BeltMinder is provided by: • The safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off.

• Once again, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per

second for three seconds.

9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is a 20 cm (8
inch) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly 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.

Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged (nicks, tears or cuts). Replace parts as 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 Motor Company 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.

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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.

Refer to Interior in the Cleaning chapter.

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

RPMx1000

40

60 70
0 0 0

50

80

100

120

0 0 0 0 0 0

60

30

40

20

20

10 MPH

80

140

90
001

160

180

101

km/h

201

CHECK GAGE

CHECK ENGINE

FUEL DOOR

FUEL RESET

ABS

OFF

ON

OFF

CHECK SUSP

SPEED CONT

4WD HIGH

4WD LOW

O/D OFF

O V E R D R I V E

4X4
HIGH

2WD

4X4
LOW

RSM

SET

ACCEL

COAST

SHUF

SCAN

TUNE

SEEK

REW

FF

DSP

MUTE

EJ

LOAD

PUSH ON

CD

BASS

BAL

SEL

TREB

FADE

MENU

A/C

MAX A/C

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 Motor Company in servicing the vehicle and in helping to better understand real world collisions and further improve the safety of future vehicles.

The front passenger air bag is not designed to offer protection to an occupant in the center front seating position.

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Important SRS precautions The SRS 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; there is a risk of injury from a deploying air bag.

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.

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 position.

pedals comfortably.

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.

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Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the air bag supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your Ford or

Lincoln Mercury dealer.

Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle (including frame, bumper, front end body structure and tow

hooks) may affect the performance of the air bag system, increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.

Children and air bags 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.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains a longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the air bag 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 sufficient enough to 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 or sodium compounds which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the SRS 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. 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

air bags)

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Seating and Safety Restraints

• a readiness light and tone • a diagnostic module • and the electrical wiring which connects the components

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 status of the system. Refer to Air bag readiness section in the Instrument cluster 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 illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

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) See your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN Read 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 air bags.

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Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less) ride in your vehicle, 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. 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.

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.

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. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle.

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 labeled 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 seat 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.

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Child booster seats Children outgrow a typical convertible or toddler seat when they weigh 40 pounds and are around 4 years of age. Although the lap/shoulder belt will provide some protection, these children are still too small for lap/shoulder belts to fit properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury. To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster. Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably. Booster seats also make the shoulder belt fit better and more comfortably for growing children. When children should use booster seats Children need to use booster seats from the time they outgrow the toddler seat until they are big enough for the vehicle seat and lap/shoulder belt to fit properly. Generally this is when they weigh about 80 lbs (about 8 to 12 years old). Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions: • Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips? • Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? • Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

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Seating and Safety Restraints

Types of booster seats There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats: • Those that are backless.

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield and use the lap/shoulder belt. If a seating position has a low seat back and no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (top of ear level) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seat back and lap/shoulder belts.

• Those with a high back.

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

Both can be used in any vehicle in a seating position equipped with lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lbs. The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the center of the shoulder. The lap belt should rest low and snug across the hips, never up high across the stomach. If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition.

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The importance of shoulder belts Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster seat with lap/shoulder belts in the back seat- the safest place for children to ride.

Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the booster seat.

Never put the shoulder belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it eliminates the protection for the upper part of

the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a collision.

Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child. They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a

collision.

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.

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When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 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) section in this chapter.

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 child safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. 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.

Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions

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.

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Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.

1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

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.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

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 and a click is heard.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode. 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.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

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. To check this, grab the seat at the belt path and attempt to move it side to side and forward and back. There should be no more than one inch of movement for proper installation. 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.

Installing child safety seat in the second row center seating position with an automatic locking retractor 1. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position. 2. In a continuous motion, pull out enough webbing from the retractor to route the tongue through the child seat. 3. While holding the webbing to prevent it from retracting, route the webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted. 4. Insert the tongue into the correct buckle for that seating position until you hear and feel the buckle engage. Make sure the buckle is latched securely by pulling on the webbing. 5. If you have not pulled out enough webbing to reach, allow the webbing to fully retract before attempting to pull it out again and repeat steps 2 through 4. 6. Pull the webbing through the child seat toward the retractor while pushing down with your knee on the child seat. 7. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. It will make a clicking noise while doing this. 8. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly move the seat forward and side-to-side to make sure the seat is securely held in place. 9. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

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Attaching child safety seats with tether straps Most new forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap which goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact the manufacturer of your child seat for information about ordering a tether strap. The rear seats of your vehicle are equipped with built-in tether strap anchors located behind the seats as described below. The tether anchors in your vehicle are located behind sliding covers marked with the tether anchor symbol (shown with title). The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions (shown from top view):

Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate tether

anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work properly if attached somewhere other than the correct tether anchor.

1. Position the child safety seat on the rear seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat. For vehicles with adjustable head restraints, route the tether strap under the head restraint and between the head restraint posts, otherwise route the tether strap over the top of the seatback.

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3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected rear seating position. To install a tethered child seat in the fixed left rear seat of the Pioneer Edition, fold the right/center seat back down so that you can reach around the back of the left seat with your left hand to attach the tether hook onto the anchor.

• You may need to pull the seatback forward to access the tether

anchors. Make sure the seat is locked in the upright position before installing the child seat. Refer to the Folding Down The Rear Seats section in this chapter for information on how to operate the rear seats.

4. Slide open the tether anchor cover.

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5. Clip the tether strap to the anchor and return the seat back to its locked position. For the Pioneer Edition fixed left rear seat, clip the tether hook onto the anchor bar with the hook toward the rear of the vehicle.

If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.

6. Refer to the Installing child safety seats in combination lap and shoulder belt seating positions section of this chapter for further instructions to secure the child safety seat. 7. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To unhook the tether strap, unfasten the seat belts securing the child seat and put some slack into the tether strap. Tip the seat back forward enough so that you can reach behind the seat and unhook the tether hook. For the Pioneer Edition fixed left rear seat, fold the other seat back down so that you can reach around the side of the left seat back with your left hand to unclip the tether hook.

If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a collision greatly increases.

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STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

Driving

Positions of the ignition 1. ACCESSORY, electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running. 2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel and allows key removal. 3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission gearshift lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.

In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

4. ON, all electrical accessories are operational and warning lights will illuminate. This is the position the key is in when you’re driving. 5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

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, don’t press 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.

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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 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. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all occupants buckle 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 electrical accessories are off. If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission: • Make sure the parking brake is

set.

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• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission: 1. Make sure the parking brake is set. 2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.

• Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START).

Driving

CHECK GAGE

RPMx1000

CHECK ENGINE

CHECK FUEL CAP

ABS

BRAKE

DOOR AJAR

40

60

20

20

60

100

80

140

001

180

MPH

km/h

201

R N D 2 1

THEFT

SPEED CONT

4WD HIGH

4WD LOW

O/D OFF

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.

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Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when: • the front wheels are turned • a front wheel is against the curb Turn the key to 5 (START), then release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter. Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again.

Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only) In cold weather, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade (Ed85) ethanol. If summer grade (Ed85) ethanol is used in cold weather, you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the availability of winter grade (Ed85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter grade (Ed85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and driving results. Cold starting performance can also be improved by using an engine block heater. Engine block heaters are available as an option and can be obtained from your Ford dealer. Consult the engine block heater section for proper use of the engine block heater. If you experience cold weather starting problems on (Ed85) ethanol, and neither an alternative brand of (Ed85) ethanol nor an engine block heater is available, adding unleaded gasoline to your tank will improve cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate on (Ed85) ethanol, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.

If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible fuel vehicles only) 1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then crank the engine. 2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to start, repeat Step 1.

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Driving

Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and heater/defroster performance. 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. 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.

Guarding against exhaust fumes Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air. BRAKES Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any pulsations or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal. ABS warning lamp ABS The ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and the ABS may need to be serviced

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Driving

BRAKE

Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. (If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.) Using ABS When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

Parking brake To set the parking brake (1), press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops. The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated until the parking brake is released. To release, pull the lever (2).

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure

that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

STEERING To prevent damage to the power steering system: • Never hold the steering wheel at it’s furthest turning points (until it • Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

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Driving

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, check for: • an underinflated tire • uneven tire wear • loose or worn suspension components • loose or worn steering components • improper steering alignment 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.

To reduce the risk of 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 safety belt.

Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving 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 loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

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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.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

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).

In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

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.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

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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 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)

Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability, and provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the strategy must relearn. P (Park) This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: • Start the engine • Depress the brake pedal • Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear To put your vehicle in P (Park): • Come to a complete stop • Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key 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).

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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 position.

(Overdrive)

O/D

ON/OFF

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through (Overdrive) can be five. deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. This will illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and activate Drive. Drive (not shown) Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed. • This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive. • O/D OFF lamp is illuminated. • Provides engine braking. • Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required. • To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control • O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned off. 2 (Second) Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades. 1 (First) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever. • Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

switch. The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

Forced downshifts • Allowed in (Overdrive) or Drive. • Depress the accelerator to the floor. • Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear. 108

Driving

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch A starter interlock prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. When starting a vehicle with a manual transmission, make sure the parking brake is set, press the clutch pedal to the floor and put the gearshift in N (Neutral). 1. Start the engine, then depress the brake pedal. 2. Release the parking brake. 3. Move the gearshift lever to the desired gear, then release the brake pedal. 4. Slowly release the clutch pedal while slowly pressing down on the accelerator pedal.

Don’t drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill. These actions will greatly reduce clutch life.

Recommended shift speeds Upshift according to the following charts for best fuel economy: Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy) 1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5

22 km/h (14 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 55 km/h (34 mph) 70 km/h (44 mph)