1997 Ford F 150 Owners Manual

insert the tongue into the buckle. 2. To disconnect the safety belt, push the red release button and remove the tongue from the buckle. The front and rear (if equipped) outboard safety restraints in your vehicle are combination lap and shoulder safety belts. The outboard passenger safety belts have the two types of locking modes described below:

Vehiclesensitive(emergency) lockingmode 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

60

Seating and safety restraints

f12_auto_lock_mode

movement of the driver and passengers. The front seat belt system can also be made to lock manually by quickly pulling on the shoulder belt. Rear seat belts (if equipped) cannot be made to lock up by pulling quickly on the belt.

Automaticlockingmode 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. Whentousetheautomatic lockingmode • When a tight lap/shoulder belt • Any time a child safety seat is installed in the vehicle. Refer to Children and infant or child safety seats later in this chapter.

fit is desired.

f12_when_to_use_alr

f12_how_use_alr

61

Seating and safety restraints

Usingtheautomaticlocking mode The automatic locking mode must be used when installing a child safety seat in any outboard passenger seat. 1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.

2. Grasp the shoulder belt portion and pull downward until the entire belt is extracted. 3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates that the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

Cancellingtheautomatic lockingmode Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to completely retract to cancel the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

62

f12_cancel_alr

f12_front_sbelt_height_adjust

Seating and safety restraints

Front seat safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and passenger seating positions. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. 1. Push the button and slide down to lower the shoulder belt height. 2. Push the button and slide up to raise the shoulder belt height. 3. Pull down on the height adjustment assembly to make sure it is locked in place. If you have a SuperCab vehicle, the front passenger seat combination lap and shoulder belt height cannot be adjusted.

Lap belts Lap belts are located in the center of the front bench or split bench seat (if equipped) and rear bench seat (SuperCab only). Adjustinglapbelts The lap belt does not have a retractor to automatically adjust itself during vehicle movement.

f12_lap_belts

f12_adjusting_lap_belts

63

Seating and safety restraints

The lap belt must be adjusted before use. To shorten the belt: • Buckle the belt. • Pull the loose end of the belt

until snug.

To lengthen the belt: • Tip and pull the tongue. Do not wear the lap belt around your waist.

Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime

illuminates in the instrument

cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

64

f12_sbelt_warning_chime

f12_cond_operation

Seating and safety restraints

Conditionsofoperation

If... The driver safety belt is not buckled when the ignition key is turned to On...

The driver safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the reminder chime is sounding... The driver safety belt is buckled before the ignition key is turned to On...

Safety belt maintenance Check the safety belt systems periodically to make sure that they work properly and are not damaged. Check the safety belts to make sure that there are no nicks, wear or cuts. If your vehicle has been involved in an accident, have all the safety belts and child seat anchoring brackets (if equipped) examined by a qualified technician.

Failure to replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Safetybeltextensionassembly For some people, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. You can add about 20 cm (8 in.) to the belt length

Then... The safety belt indicator illuminates for 1-2 minutes and the reminder chime sounds for 4-8
seconds. The safety belt indicator light and the reminder chime turn off.

The safety belt indicator light and the safety belt reminder chime remain off.

65

f12_sbelt_maint

f12_sbelt_extension

Seating and safety restraints

with a safety belt extension assembly (part # 611C22). Safety belt extensions are available at no cost from your Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer. 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 extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to: • work with the safety belt to protect the driver and right front passenger • reduce certain upper body

injuries

Failure to follow these instructions will affect the performance of the safety belts and increase the risk of personal injury.

66

f12_air_bags

com_important_precautions.01

Seating and safety restraints

The right front passenger air bag is not designed to restrain occupants in the front seating position.

Do not place objects or mount equipment on or

near the air bag covers that may come into contact with an inflating air bag.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air

Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.

Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide.

com_children.01

67

Seating and safety restraints

Children should always wear their safety belts. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Rear-facing child seats or infant carriers should never be placed in the front seats.

com_how_work.01

How does the air bag supplemental restraint system work? The SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration, similar to hitting a fixed barrier head on at 12–24 km/h (8–14
mph). 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

68

Seating and safety restraints

were not of the type sufficient to cause activation.

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.

Several air bag system components get hot after

inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

69

Seating and safety restraints

If the air bag is inflated, 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.

The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and air bags),

sensors,

• one or more impact and safing • a readiness light and tone • and the electrical wiring which

connects the components.

The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system readiness (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the air bag system readiness light, the air bag back up power and the air bag ignitors.

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.

70

com_determing_operational.01

Seating and safety restraints

flash or stay lit.

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 group of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem and 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.

Passenger air bag deactivate switch Your vehicle has a passenger air bag deactivate switch. This switch MUST be used to activate or deactivate the passenger air bag whenever a rear-facing infant seat is used in the right front or center front passenger seat position.

f12_srs_deactivate

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

71

Seating and safety restraints

Keep the passenger air bag turned on unless there is a rear-facing infant seat installed in the front seat. When the passenger air bag switch is turned off, the passenger air bag will not inflate in a collision.

If the passenger air bag switch is turned off, it increases the likelihood of injury to forward facing occupants in the passenger seat. Turningthepassengerairbag off 1. Insert the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF and remove the key. 2. The OFF light illuminates when the key is inserted in the ignition and turned to On. This indicates that the passenger air bag is deactivated.

If the light fails to illuminate when the

passenger air bag switch is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is in ON, have the passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

72

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

Seating and safety restraints

In order to avoid inadvertent deployment of

the passenger air bag, always remove the ignition key from the passenger air bag deactivate switch.

Turningthepassengerairbag backon The passenger air bag remains off until you turn it back on. 1. Insert the ignition key and turn the switch to ON. 2. The OFF light will not illuminate when the ignition is turned to On.

If the light is illuminated when the passenger air

bag switch is in the ON position and the ignition switch is in ON, have the passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

PASSENGER AIRBAG

ON

OFF

OFF

73

com_disposal.01

f12_child

f12_imp_childres_prec

Seating and safety restraints

Keep the passenger air bag turned on unless there is a rear-facing infant seat installed in the front seat. When the passenger air bag switch is turned off, the passenger air bag will not inflate in a collision.

Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles 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

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 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.

74

Seating and safety restraints

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. If possible, place children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in rear seating positions than when they are restrained in front seating positions.

Children and safety belts 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. 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. If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned: • move the child to one of the seats with a lap belt only (if equipped)

OR • if the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat.

com_safety_belts.01

75

Seating and safety restraints

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 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.

76

com_safety_seats.01

Seating and safety restraints

Child and infant or child safety seats

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.

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 see Attaching safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. When installing a child safety seat: • Use the correct safety belt • 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.

buckle for that seating position.

• Place seatbacks in the upright • Put the safety belt in the

position.

automatic locking mode. Refer to Using the automatic locking mode in this chapter.

f12_installing_seats

77

Seating and safety restraints

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

If you choose to install a child safety seat in the front passenger seat, move the seat as far back as possible.

78

Seating and safety restraints

Keep the passenger air bag turned on unless there is a rear-facing infant seat installed in the front seat. When the passenger air bag switch is turned off, the passenger air bag will not inflate in a collision.

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

79

Seating and safety restraints

sure the belt webbing is not twisted. 4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for that seating position until you hear 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

80

Seating and safety restraints

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 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

81

f12_tether_straps

Seating and safety restraints

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.

Using a tether strap Ford recommends using child safety seats with a top tether strap. Contact the manufacturer of your safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap if one is not provided to you. Contact your Ford dealer for a free tether strap if one is not provided to you. Contact your Ford dealer for a free tether anchor kit (613D74) so you can attach a tether anchor bracket to the back of the seat cushion. If you have a SuperCab, attach the bracket to the inside of the back panel of your vehicle. Carefully follow the instructions provided with the kit. If you have a SuperCab, Ford recommends you attach tether safety seats in a rear seating position (if possible) with the tether strap attached to the tether anchor bracket as shown in the instructions provided with the tether anchor kit. If the tethered seat is installed in the front seat, put the tether strap over the seatback and attach it to the anchor bracket installed on the rear edge of the seat cushion as explained in the tether strap instructions.

82

STARTING YOUR VEHICLE

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 ten minutes.

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.

Starting

com_important_precautions.05

83

com_preparing_start.01

Starting

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

Preparing to start the vehicle Engine starting is controlled by the spark ignition 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 vehicle in this chapter. 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

84

the Seating and safety restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

Starting

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission: • Make sure the parking brake is • Make sure the gearshift is in P

set.

(Park).

85

Starting

If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission: • Make sure the parking brake is • Push the clutch pedal to the

set.

floor.

3 D

4 R

86

3. Turn the key to the ON position (without turning the key to START). Make sure the following lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.

LOW FUEL

40

50

80

60

30

60

100

70

DOOR AJAR

BRAKE

CHECK ENGINE

40

0 0 0 0 0 5

20

10

20 km/h

MPH MPH

0 0 1 0

120

140

80
90
100

180

LOW FUEL

18

BRAKE

40

50

80

60

30

60

100

70

40

0 0 0 0 0 5

20

10

20 km/h

MPH

0 0 1 0

120

140

80
90
100

180

• If the driver’s safety belt is

fastened, the illuminate.

light does not

Starting

18

ABS

RPMx1000

ABS

CHECK ENGINE

87

4

com_starting_vehicle.01

com_engine_heater.01

Starting

STARTING PROCEDURE

Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 5 (Start) without pressing the accelerator. The key will return to 4 (On).

2. If the engine does not start within five seconds, wait ten seconds and try again. 3. If the engine does not start in two attempts OR the temperature is below —12°C (10°F), depress accelerator and start the engine while holding the accelerator down. Release accelerator when engine starts. 4. 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. They are 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

88

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.

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 • the vehicle has been damaged in

changes

a collision

Starting

com_guarding_exhaust.01

com_ventilation_info.01

89

L R

AUTO

OFF

PANEL

A/C

MAX A/C

PANEL & FLOOR FLOOR FLR & DEF

DEF

Starting

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.

90

BRAKES

Driving

f12_rear_abs

Rear anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) This system prevents one or both rear wheels from locking up when the brakes are applied during a sudden stop. Even with rear ABS, the front brakes may lock up on any surface. Be careful when braking, especially on loose snow or gravel. Anti-lockbrakesystem(ABS)(if equipped) The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lock up during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The front 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. UsingABS • In an emergency, apply full force

on the brake. The 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 quiet stop.

• We recommend that you

familiarize yourself with this

com_abs.01

com_using_abs.01

91

f12_parking_brake

f12_setting_pbrake

Driving

braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

Parking brake The parking brake should be used whenever you park your vehicle. It is not designed 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. Settingtheparkingbrake BRAKE light in the instrument The cluster will illuminate and remain illuminated (when the ignition

92

Driving

switch is turned to On) until the parking brake is released. • Automatic and manual transmissions – Fully depress the parking brake pedal.

When you leave your vehicle, place the gearshift

lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake fully, and shut off the engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move suddenly and injure someone.

With the transfer case in N (Neutral) the vehicle is free to move with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the manual transmission in any driving gear.

93

Driving

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the

transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.

Releasingparkingbrake Pull the BRAKE lever forward.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the Brake System light remains on, have the brakes checked immediately. They may not be working properly.

TRACTION LOKT REAR AXLE (IF EQUIPPED) This axle provides added drive away traction on slippery surfaces,

94

f12_releasing_pbrake

BRAKE

f12_traction_lok

particularly when one or more wheels are on a surface with poor traction.

AIR SUSPENSION (IF EQUIPPED) The air suspension system for the rear wheels is designed to keep your vehicle at a constant level by adding or releasing air from the rear springs to compensate for increases or decreases in vehicle load. Normal vehicle operation does not require any action by the driver. The air suspension switch is located behind an access panel underneath the passenger side instrument panel. Press the air suspension switch to OFF when jacking or hoisting your vehicle.

On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the Air Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or towing your vehicle.

Driving

f12_air_suspension

f12_transmission

OFF

95

f12_automatic

Driving

TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Automatic transmission operation (if equipped)

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the

gearshift lever from position to position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

Pull the gearshift lever towards you and downward to move the automatic gearshift. P (Park) – Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of P (Park).

When you leave your vehicle, place the gearshift

lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake fully, and shut off the engine. Never park your vehicle in N (Neutral). If you do not take these precautions, your vehicle may move suddenly and injure someone.

R (Reverse) – Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse).

96

Driving

OVERDRIVE OFF

N (Neutral) – Vehicle is free to roll. D (Overdrive) – The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through four. D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. The transmission control indicator light (TCIL) (OFF) on the end of the gearshift lever will remain off. D (Drive) – Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. The TCIL (OFF) will illuminate on the gearshift lever. Transmission operates in gears one through three. D (Drive) provides more engine braking than D (Overdrive) and is useful whenever driving conditions (i.e., city traffic, hilly terrain, etc.) cause the transmission to excessively shift between D (Overdrive) and D (Drive). Also deactivate D (Overdrive) when: • driving with a heavy load • towing a trailer up or down • additional engine braking is

steep hills

desired.

To return to D (Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch. The TCIL (OFF) will no longer be illuminated.

97

Driving

Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically return to normal overdrive mode. 2 (Second) – Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades. Transmission operates in first and second gears. 1 (Low) – Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum engine braking on steep downgrades. Upshifts can be made by shifting to 2 (Second) or to D (Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low) at higher speeds causes a shift to 2
(Second), and will shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed. Brake-shiftinterlock The brake-shift interlock feature prevents you from shifting from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed (with the ignition in the On position). If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed: 1. Turn ignition key to Off.

98

f12_brake_shift_interlock

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Turn ignition key to Lock and remove the key. 4. Re-insert the ignition key and turn it to Off. 5. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 6. Start the vehicle. If you need to use the above procedure, it is possible that a fuse has blown and your brakelamps may not be functioning. Refer to the Roadside emergencies chapter for instructions on replacing fuses.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the

brakelamps are working.

Manual transmission operation (if equipped) Usingtheclutch Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

Driving

f12_manual

f12_using_clutch

99

Driving

When starting a vehicle with a manual transmission, you must: 1. Put gearshift in N (Neutral). 2. Hold down brake pedal.

3 D

4 R

100

3. Depress clutch pedal.

Driving

4. Turn ignition key to Start to start the engine and let it idle for a few seconds. 5. Release the brake pedal. 6. Release clutch slowly while pressing down slowly on the accelerator pedal. • Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a hill. These actions will seriously reduce clutch life.

Recommendedshiftspeeds Upshift and downshift according to the following charts for your specific engine/drivetrain combination:

f12_shift_speeds

101

Driving

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

Transfer case position1 (if equipped)

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

4 - D (Overdrive)

2H or 4H

14 km/h (9 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph) 50 km/h (31 mph) 71 km/h (44 mph)

4L

5 km/h (3 mph) 11 km/h (7 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)

Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy) Shift from:

Transfer case position1 (if equipped)

1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4

4 - D (Overdrive)

2H or 4H

16 km/h (10 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph) 43 km/h (27 mph) 68 kn/h (42 mph)

4L

6 km/h (4 mph) 10 km/h (6 mph) 16 km/h (10 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph)

Maximum downshift speeds2

Shift from:

Transfer case position (if equipped)1

2H or 4H

4L

4 - 3
3 - 2
2 - 1

D (Overdrive) - 4

88 km/h (55 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph) 56 km/h (35 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph) 1Use 2H or 4H for 4WD equipped vehicles. 2Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slippery surfaces.

34 km/h (21 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph) 21 km/h (13 mph) 11 km/h (7 mph)

102

Parkingyourvehicle 1. Apply brake and shift into N (Neutral).

Driving

f12_parking

2. Set parking brake. 3. Shift into 1 (First).

3 D

4 R

3 D

4 R

103

4

4 R

f12_reverse

Driving

4. Turn ignition to Off.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move

unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake fully.

Reverse Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission. Put the gearshift in N (Neutral) and wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse). You can shift into R (Reverse) only by moving the gearshift from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) gears before you shift into R (Reverse). This is a special lockout feature that protects you from accidently shifting into R (Reverse) when you downshift from D (Overdrive).

104

Removingkeyfromignition Turn the ignition key to Lock. Push the release lever forward while removing the key from the ignition.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION (4WD) (IF EQUIPPED) When Four–wheel drive (4WD) is engaged, power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. 4WD power can be selected when additional driving power is desired. All utility-type vehicles and 4WD vehicles have special design and equipment features to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. Specific design characteristics give them higher centers of gravity than ordinary passenger cars.

f12_four_wd

Driving

105

Driving

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 or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.

4WD operation is not recommended on dry pavement. Doing so could result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case, increased tire wear and decreased fuel economy.

4WD system indicator lights The 4WD system indicator lights illuminate only under the following conditions. If these lights illuminate during normal driving, have your vehicle serviced. 4x4 – illuminates when 4H (4WD High) or 4L (4WD Low) is selected. LOW RANGE – illuminates when 4L (4WD Low) is selected.

106

f12_fourwd_lights

f12_using_4wd_leverop

Driving

f12_shifting_2h_4h

Using lever-operated 4WD system (if equipped) 2H (2WD High) – Power to rear axle only. 4H (4WD High) – Power to front and rear axles. N (Neutral) – No power to either axle. 4L (4WD Low)– Power to front and rear axles at reduced speed.

Shiftingfrom2H(2WDHigh)to 4H(4WDHigh) Move the transfer case lever to 4H (4WD High) at a stop or any forward speed up to 88 km/h (55
mph). • At temperatures below

0°C(32°F), shifts from 2H (2WD High) to 4H (4WD High) should not be performed above 72 km/h (45 mph). • Do not shift into 4H (4WD High)

with the rear wheels slipping.

2H 4H

4L

2H 4H

4L

f12_shifting_4h_2h

107

f12_shifting_4h_4l

f12_shift_n_4h4l

2H 4H

4L

2H 4H

4L

Driving

Shiftingfrom4H(4WDHigh)to 2H(2WDHigh) Move the transfer case lever to 2H (2WD High) at a stop or any forward speed up to 88 km/h (55
mph).

Shiftingfrom4H(4WDHigh)to 4L(4WDLow) 1. Depress the brake. 2. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress the clutch (manual transmission). 3. Pull the transfer case shift lever through N (Neutral) directly to 4H (4WD High) or 4L (4WD Low).

ShiftingfromN(Neutral)to4H (4WDHigh)or4L(4WDLow) With the transfer case in N (Neutral) the vehicle is free to move with either the automatic transmission in P (Park) or with the manual transmission in any gear. 1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Depress the brake.

108

3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress the clutch (manual transmission). 4. Place the transfer case lever in the desired gear.

UsingtheN(Neutral)position This position should only be used when towing the vehicle. Refer to Wrecker towing in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the

transfer case in the N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.

Driving

f12_neutral_tcase

2H 4H

4L

f12_control_trac

109

f12_ct_2h_4h

f12_ct_4h_2h

4H

2H

4L

4H

2H

4L

Driving

Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped) Positionsoftheelectronicshift system 2H (2WD High) – Power to rear axle only. 4H (4WD High) – Power delivered to front and rear axles for increased traction. 4L (4WD Low) – Power to front and rear axles at low speeds.

Shiftingfrom2H(2WDHigh)to 4H(4WDHigh) Move the 4WD control to 4H at a stop or up to 88 km/h (55 mph). At temperatures below 0°C (32°F), shifts from 2H to 4H should not be performed above 72 km/h (45
mph). • Do not shift into 4H with the

rear wheels slipping.

110

f12_ct_4h_4l

Driving

Shiftingfrom4H(4WDhigh)to 2H(2WDhigh) Move the 4WD control to 2H at any forward speed.

4H

2H

4L

Shiftingbetween4H(4WDhigh) and4L(4WDlow) 1. Bring the vehicle to a stop. 2. Depress the brake. 3. Place the gearshift in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress the clutch (manual transmission). 4. Move the 4WD control to the 4H or 4L position.

Driving off-road with 4WD Your vehicle is specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and has operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road. The following information will help you learn to properly use 4WD.

f12_driving_offroad

4H

2H

4L

111

Driving

When using 4WD, maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. For more information on driving off-road, read the “Four Wheeling” supplement in your owner’s portfolio. Ifyourvehiclegetsstuck If the vehicle is stuck, shift the transmission in a steady motion between forward and reverse gears. Allow the transmission to engage, then press lightly on the accelerator. DO NOT rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine can overheat.

Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most

112

f12_driving_sand

solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. Mudandwater If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake capability may be limited.

When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an imbalance

Driving

f12_driving_mud_water

113

Driving

that could damage drive components. If the transmission and transfer case are submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary. If the rear axle is submerged in water, the rear axle lubricant should be checked and changed, if necessary. The rear axle is filled with a synthetic lubricant and does not normally require a lubricant change for the life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities should not need to be checked unless a leak is suspected. Drivingonhillorslopeterrain When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up, straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the other side of a hill before driving over the crest.

When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.

114

f12_driving_hill

When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help slow the vehicle and still maintain steering control. When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load. If vehicle speed drops more than 15–25 km/h (8–14 mph), the speed control will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal. If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h (30 mph). Automatic transmission may shift frequently while driving up steep grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of D (Overdrive) into D (Drive). Drivingonsnowandice A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. When braking, apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to operate properly, keep

Driving

115

f12_driving_snow_ice

Driving

steady pressure on the brake pedal. Allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider using one of the lower gears.

VEHICLE LOADING

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.

f12_heavy_load

Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms: • Base Curb Weight: Weight of

the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment.

• Payload: Combined maximum

allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The payload equals gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) minus base curb weight.

• Gross vehicle weight (GVW):

Base curb weight plus the payload weight (including passengers, cargo and optional

116

equipment. Remember, the GVW is not a limit or a specification. • Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): Maximum total weight of the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The GVWR is specific to each particular vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door pillar.

• Gross axle weight rating (GAWR): Carrying capacity for each axle system (front and rear). This amount is specific to each particular vehicle and is listed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door pillar.

• Gross combined weight rating (GCWR): Maximum combined weight of the towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the vehicle is allowed to tow.

• Maximum trailer weight:

Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded towing vehicle from the GCWR of the towing vehicle.

• Trailer weight range:

Specified weight range that the trailer must fall within that

Driving

117

f12_calculating_load

Driving

ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating. Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when figuring the total weight. Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the original because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow 1. Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle code number and engine type for your vehicle.

2. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle ratio. 3. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle