adjustments for the driver and front passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.
Position the shoulder belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety
belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.
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Seating and safety restraints
Lap belts Adjustingthecenterlapbelt The lap belt does not adjust automatically.
The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not across the waist.
Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips.
Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use.
Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt assembly is too short for you, even when fully extended, 20 cm (8 inches) can be added to the safety belt assembly by adding a safety belt extension assembly (part number 611C22). Safety belt extension assemblies can be obtained from your dealer at no cost.
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Seating and safety restraints
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 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...
Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates1-2 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.
Belt minder (if equipped) The Belt Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster.
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If...
The driver’s safety belt is not
buckled approximately 5
seconds after the safety belt
warning light has turned off...
Seating and safety restraints
Then...
The Belt Minder feature is activated -
the safety belt warning light
illuminates and the warning chime
sounds for 6 seconds every 30
seconds, repeating for approximately
5 minutes or until safety belt is
buckled.
The Belt Minder feature will not
activate.
The 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 purpose of the Belt Minder is to remind occasional wearers to wear
safety belts all of the time.
The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts:
(All statistics based on U.S. data)
Reasons given...
9Crashes are rare events9
The Belt Minder feature will not activate.
Consider...
36 700 crashes occur every day.
The more we drive, the more we are
exposed to 9rare9 events, even for
good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be
seriously injured in a crash during
our lifetime.
3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home.
9I’m not going far9
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Seating and safety restraints
Reasons given...
9Belts are uncomfortable9
9I was in a hurry9
9Seat belts don’t work9
9Traffic is light9
9Belts wrinkle my clothes9
9The people I’m with don’t
wear belts9
9I have an air bag9
9I’d rather be thrown clear9
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Consider...
Ford designs its 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. Belt
Minder 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 9PICK OUR
CRASH9.
Seating and safety restraints
Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase the risk of
injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt Minder feature please follow the directions stated below.
Onetimedisable Anytime the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, Belt Minder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activatingthebeltminderfeature Read steps 1 - 9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The Belt Minder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: † the parking brake is set † the gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or the neutral † the ignition switch is in the OFF position † all vehicle doors are closed † the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled † the parklamps/headlamps are in OFF position (If vehicle is equipped
position (manual transmission).
with Autolamps, this will not affect the procedure.)
To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. (DO NOT
START THE ENGINE)
2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns 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 Belt Minder warning activation. 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps.
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Seating and safety restraints
5. Buckle then unbuckle the safety belt three times, ending with the safety belt unbuckled. † After step 5 the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three
seconds.
6. Within seven seconds of the safety belt warning light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. † This will disable Belt Minder if it is currently enabled, or enable Belt
Minder if it is currently disabled.
7. Confirmation of disabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds. 8. Confirmation of enabling Belt Minder is provided by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the safety belt warning light off, then followed by flashing the safety belt warning light four times per second for three seconds again. 9. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.
Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, wears or cuts, replacing if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child safety seat tether bracket assemblies (if equipped), and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford recommends that all safety belt assemblies used in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and a qualified technician finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe
personal injuries in the event of a collision.
Refer to Cleaning and maintaining the safety belts in the Maintenance and care section.
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Seating and safety restraints
AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
LOW FUEL
DOOR AJAR
BRAKE
18
PULL FOR FOG
PANEL
DIM
ON
OFF
40
60
30
40
20
20
10
0 0
MPH
50 60
80
100
70
0 0 0 0 0 0
120
80
THEFT
140
90
160
km/h
100
CHECK SUSP
P R N 2 1
RPMx1000
ABS
CHECK ENGINE
RES
SET
ACCEL
COAST
SRS
VOL - PUSH ON
O V E R D R I V E
AM FM
BASS
TREB
FM1
ST
BAL
FADE AUTO SET
REW
LO
4H
4L
A4WD
SEEK
TUNE DISCS
SCAN
EJ
w DOLBY B NR
TAPE CD
FF
SIDE 1-2
COMP
SHUFFLE
FLOOR
OFF
PANEL
PANEL & FLOOR
FLR& DEF DEF
HI
COOL
WARM
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and diagnostic module which records information about the air bag and sensor systems. In the event of a collision this module may save information related to the collision including information about the air bag system and impact severity. This information will assist Ford in the servicing of your vehicle and may help Ford better understand real world collisions and further improve the safety of future vehicles.
Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Air bags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying air bag is greatest close to the trim covering the air bag module.
All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag SRS is
provided.
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Seating and safety restraints
Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches)
between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module.
Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.
Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the air bag: † Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the † Recline the seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright
pedals comfortably.
position.
Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those
objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury.
Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your Ford or
Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Children and air bags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide. Children must always be properly restrained. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.
An infant in a rear-facing seat faces a high risk of serious or fatal injuries from a deploying passenger air bag. Rear facing infant
seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats, unless the passenger air bag is turned off. See Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch.
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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 sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Air bags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts. The air bags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After air bag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the air bag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, it may also cause minor abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because air bags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of air bag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the air bag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.
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Seating and safety restraints
Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.
If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.
air bags),
switch and diagnostic monitor (RCM)
The SRS consists of: † driver and passenger air bag modules (which include the inflators and † one or more impact and safing sensors, passenger air bag deactivation † a readiness light and tone, † and the electrical wiring which connects the components. The RCM (restraints control module) monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental air bag electrical system warning (including the passenger air bag deactivation switch, 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 readiness lights in the instrument cluster and the passenger air bag deactivate switch or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Air bag readiness section in the Instrumentation chapter or Passenger air bag deactivate switch section in this 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 lights will either † The readiness lights 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.
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Seating and safety restraints
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at your dealership or by a qualified technician immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.
Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.
Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch (if equipped)
An air bag ON/OFF switch has been installed in this vehicle. Before driving, always look at the face of the switch to be sure the switch is in the proper position in accordance with these instructions and warnings. Failure to put the switch in a proper position can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
ON
OFF
OFF
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Seating and safety restraints
Turningthepassengerairbagoff 1. Insert the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF position and hold in OFF position while removing the key. 2. When the ignition is turned to the ON position the OFF light illuminates briefly, momentarily shuts off and then turns back on. This indicates that the passenger air bag is deactivated.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
ON
OFF
OFF
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.
In order to avoid inadvertent activation of the switch, always remove the ignition key from the passenger air bag ON/OFF switch.
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Seating and safety restraints
Turningthepassengerairbagbackon 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 briefly illuminate when the ignition is turned to ON. This indicates that the passenger air bag is operational.
PASSENGER AIRBAG
ON
OFF
OFF
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.
The passenger side air bag should always be ON (the air bag OFF light should not be illuminated) unless the passenger is a person who meets the requirements stated either in Category 1, 2 or 3 of the NHTSA/Transport Canada deactivation criteria which follows.
The safety belts for the driver and right front passenger seating positions have been specifically designed to function together
with the air bags in certain types of crashes. When you turn OFF your air bag, you not only lose the protection of the air bag, you also may reduce the effectiveness of your safety belt system, which was designed to work with the air bag. If you are not a person who meets the requirements stated in the NHTSA/Transport Canada deactivation criteria turning OFF the air bag can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
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Seating and safety restraints
Always transport children who are 12 and younger in the rear seat. Always use safety belts and child restraints properly. If a
child in a rear facing infant seat must be transported in front, the passenger air bag must be turned OFF. This is because the back of the infant seat is too close to the inflating air bag and the risk of a fatal injury to the infant when the air bag inflates is substantial.
The vast majority of drivers and passengers are much safer with an air bag than without. To do their job and reduce the risk of life threatening injuries, air bags must open with great force, and this force can pose a potentially deadly risk in some situations, particularly when a front seat occupant is not properly buckled up. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary air bag injuries without reducing the overall safety of the vehicle is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained in the vehicle, especially in the front seat. This provides the protection of safety belts and permits the air bags to provide the additional protection they were designed to provide. If you choose to deactivate your air bag, you are losing the very significant risk reducing benefits of the air bag and you are also reducing the effectiveness of the safety belts, because safety belts in modern vehicles are designed to work as a safety system with the air bags. Read all air bag Warning labels in the vehicle as well as the other important air bag instructions and Warnings in this Owner’s Guide. NHTSAdeactivationcriteria(excludingCanada) 1. Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: † the vehicle has no rear seat; † the vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate a rear-facing † the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s
infant seat; or
physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.
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Seating and safety restraints
2. Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: † the vehicle has no rear seat; † although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of the vehicle; or † the child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s
physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.
and
3. Medical condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician: † causes the passenger air bag to pose a special risk for the passenger; † makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning OFF the air bag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.
TransportCanadadeactivationcriteria(CanadaOnly) 1. Infant: An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: † my vehicle has no rear seat; † the rear seat in my vehicle cannot accommodate a rear-facing infant † the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s
seat; or
physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can monitor the infant’s condition.
2. Child age 12 or under: A child age 12 or under must ride in the front seat because: † my vehicle has no rear seat; † although children age 12 and under ride in the rear seat whenever
possible, children age 12 and under have no option but to sometimes ride in the front seat because rear seat space is insufficient; or † the child has a medical condition that, according to the child’s
physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can monitor the child’s condition.
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Seating and safety restraints
3. Medical condition: A passenger has a medical condition that, according to his or her physician: † poses a special risk for the passenger if the air bag deploys; and † makes the potential harm from the passenger air bag deployment greater than the potential harm from turning OFF the air bag and experiencing a crash without the protection offered by the air bag
SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using air bags.
Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 18 kg [40 lbs] or less), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle.
Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from
injury in a collision.
Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.
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.
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Seating and safety restraints
If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.
Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle.
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder belts on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford recommends use of a belt-positioning booster seat that is labelled as conforming to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-positioning booster seats raise the child and provide a shorter, firmer seating cushion that encourages safer seating posture and better fit of lap and shoulder belts on the child. A belt-positioning booster should be used if the shoulder belt rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let the child sit all the way back on the seat cushion when the lower legs hang over the edge of the seat cushion. You may wish to discuss the special needs of your child with your pediatrician.
SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN
Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.
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Seating and safety restraints
When installing a child safety seat: † Review and follow the information presented in the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System section in this chapter. † Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from).
† Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.
† Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.
† Place seat back in upright position. † Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic
locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped).
Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position which is capable of providing a tether anchorage. For more information on top tether straps, refer to Attaching safety seats with tether straps.
Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.
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Seating and safety restraints
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.
1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.
Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.
2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.
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Seating and safety restraints
3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.
4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.
5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted 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.
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Seating and safety restraints
7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.
8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place.
10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.
Installing child safety seats in the lap belt seating positions 1. Lengthen the lap belt. To lengthen the belt, hold the tongue so that its bottom is perpendicular to the direction of webbing while sliding the tongue up the webbing. 2. Place the child safety seat in the center seating position. 3. Route the tongue and webbing through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. 4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle for the center seating position until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened to the buckle by pulling on tongue.
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Seating and safety restraints
5. Push down on the child seat while pulling on the loose end of the lap
belt webbing to tighten the belt.
6. Before placing the child into the child seat, forcibly tilt the child seat
from side to side and in forward direction to make sure that the seat is
held securely in place. If the child seat moves excessively, repeat steps 5
through 6, or properly install the child seat in a different position.
Some manufacturers make safety seats that include a tether strap that
goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring
point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory.
Contact the manufacturer of your child safety seat for information about
ordering a tether strap.
A tethered seat can be installed in the front passenger seat. Put the
tether strap over the seatback and attach it to an anchor bracket.
An anchor bracket can be installed on the rear edge of the front
passenger seat cushion.
The provision (attaching hole) is provided in the rear edge of the front
passenger seat cushion frame. The anchor bracket must be installed
using the instructions provided with the kit.
Tether anchorage hardware kits (part number 613D74) including
instructions, may be obtained at no charge from any Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer.
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 Super Cab, Ford recommends you attach tether safety
seats in the rear seating position (if possible) with the tether strap
attached to the tether anchorage bracket as shown in the instructions
provided with the tether anchor kit.
Tighten the anchor according to specifications. Otherwise, the safety seat may not be properly secured and the child may be
injured in a sudden stop or collision.
Attaching child safety seats with built-in 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.
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Seating and safety restraints
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 may be straps on the seatback or an anchor bracket on the rear edge of the seat cushion. 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.
† F150 Regular Cab
† F150 SuperCab
† F150 SuperCrew
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Seating and safety restraints
† F150 King Ranch 1. Position the child safety seat on the passenger seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat.
3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position. † 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. Clip the tether strap to the anchor as shown.
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Seating and safety restraints
† Front seat (Regular Cab and
SuperCab only)
† Rear seats (SuperCab only)
† Rear seats (SuperCrew and King
Ranch only)
If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.
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Seating and safety restraints † Front seat
† Rear seats (if equipped)
5. 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. 6. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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
PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have
the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than 10
minutes at high engine RPM.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints chapter.
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Starting
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off. If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission: † Make sure the parking brake is
set.
BRAKE
H O O D
† Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park). If starting a vehicle with a manual transmission: † Make sure the parking brake is set. † Push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
134
Starting
3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when: † front wheels are turned † front wheel is against the curb † steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle
LOW FUEL
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
FUEL DOOR
THEFT
40
20
MPH
80
60
00
20
40
60
km/h
SELECT RESET
CRUISE
DOOR AJAR
4X4
BRAKE
LOW RANGE
P RN D 2
DOOR AJAR
THEFT
80
60
00
40
20
MPH
20
40
60
km/h
RPMX1000
SELECT/RESET
4X4
LOW RANGE
P RN D 2
BRAKE
CRUISE
LOW FUEL
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
FUEL DOOR
Make sure the corresponding lights 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.
135
Starting
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Turn the key to 5 (START)
without pressing the accelerator
pedal and release as soon as the
engine starts. The key will return to
4 (ON).
2. If the temperature is above –12°C
(10°F) and the engine does not
start within five seconds on the first
try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10
seconds and try again.
3. If the temperature is below -12° C (10° F) and the engine does not
start in 15 seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait 10
seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, press
the accelerator pedal all the way to floor and hold. Turn the key to
START position.
4. When the engine starts, release the key, then release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine speeds up.
5. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking
brake.
Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -23°C (-10°F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.
To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
136
Starting
Guarding against exhaust fumes Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever: † the vehicle is raised for service. † the sound of the exhaust system changes. † the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch). Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air. Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris.
137
Driving
BRAKES Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance. Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Rear anti-lock brake system (RABS) Rear Anti-lock Brake System (RABS) is standard equipment on this vehicle. RABS is designed to help you maintain directional stability in emergency stopping situations. With RABS, the rear brakes are kept from locking during panic stops; however, the front wheels can lock because they are not controlled by RABS. A clicking noise and slight pedal pulsation during RABS braking events indicates the RABS is functioning. Pedal pulsation coupled with clicking noise while braking under panic conditions on loose gravel, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s RABS. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. The RABS operates by detecting the onset of rear wheel lockup during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. RABSwarninglamp The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.
138
Driving
BRAKE
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.) UsingRABS † In an emergency, applying full pressure may cause the front wheels to lock. If the front brakes lock, the vehicle cannot be steered. You should apply the brakes with steadily increasing force, as if “squeezing” the brakes. If you feel the front wheels begin to lock, momentarily release the pedal and repeat the “squeeze” technique. † We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how the RABS
performs. However, avoid unnecessary risks.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped) On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction.
139
Driving
ABS warning lamp ABS The ABS warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced. With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately.)
BRAKE
Using ABS † In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four wheel ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
† The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
† We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
140
Parking brake Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops.
Driving
BRAKE
H O O D
The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released.
BRAKE
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
141
Driving
Pull the release lever to release the brake. Driving with the parking brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly and reduce fuel economy.
BRAKE
H O O D
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED) This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a Traction-Lok rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving and should not be noticeable to the driver.
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, such as when changing a tire.
STEERING Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy from the engine to help steer the vehicle. To prevent damage to the power steering pump: † Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left † Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
142
Driving
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of the following: † underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s) † high crown in center of road † high crosswinds † wheels out of alignment † loose or worn components in steering linkage PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
143
Driving
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (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). 3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave
your vehicle.
144
Driving
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission Understandinggearshiftpositions To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal, then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.
P(Park) Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). Make sure the gearshift lever is securely latched in P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
R(Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N(Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this gear.
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Driving
(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever. The transmission control indicator light (TCIL) (the word OFF) on the end of the gearshift lever will illuminate.
OVERDRIVE OFF
OVERDRIVE
position. The TCIL (the word OFF) will illuminate on the
Drive – Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the transmission control switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift in the gearshift lever. Transmission operates in gears one through three. (Drive) provides more engine braking than when: † driving with a heavy load. † towing a trailer up or down steep hills. † additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
(Overdrive) and is useful
to Driving while you tow in the Trailer towing section.
(Overdrive) mode, press the transmission control switch
To return to (TCS). The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated. Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically return to normal overdrive mode. Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in overdrive is not desired. 2(Second) Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades.
146
Driving
(Overdrive) or Drive (O/D OFF) when
1(First)
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low) at
higher speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear, and will
shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.
ForcedDownshifts
To gain acceleration in
passing another vehicle, push the accelerator to the floor. The
transmission will downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second or first
gear.
Shiftstrategy(4R100automatictransmission)
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your 4R100
automatic transmission electronically controls the shift quality by using
an adaptive learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is
maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected
or a new battery is installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive
strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation.
If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred
kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other
throttle conditions do not function normally, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission have a starter interlock that prevents cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
147
Driving
When starting a vehicle with a manual transmission, you must: 1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set. 2. Depress the clutch pedal fully. 3. Put the gearshift lever in Neutral.
3 D
4 R
4. Turn the ignition to position 5
(START) to start the engine, let the
engine idle for a few seconds.
5. Depress the brake pedal.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Move the gearshift lever to the
desired gear.
8. Release the brake pedal.
9. Slowly release the clutch pedal
while slowly pressing down 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 greatly reduce clutch life.
148
Driving
Recommended shift speeds Upshift and downshift according to the following charts for your specific engine/drivetrain combination: † 4.2LV6engine(4x2and4x4) Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
Transfer case position (if equipped)
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
(Overdrive)
4 - (cid:68)
2H or 4H
24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 60 km/h (37 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)
4L
14 km/h (9 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph) 24 km/h (15 mph) 29 km/h (18 mph)
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H
4L
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
(Overdrive)
18 km/h (11 mph) 34 km/h (21 mph) 50 km/h (31 mph) 69 km/h (43 mph)
8 km/h (5 mph) 18 km/h (11 mph) 23 km/h (14 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)
4 - (cid:68) † 4.6LV8engine(4x2and4x4with3.08:1rearaxleratio) Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
Transfer case position (if equipped)
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
(Overdrive)
4 - (cid:68)
2H or 4H
24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 58 km/h (36 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)
4L
14 km/h (9 mph) 19 km/h (12 mph) 23 km/h (14 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)
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Driving
Upshifts when cruising (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
Transfer case position (if equipped)
2H or 4H
4L
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
(Overdrive)
16 km/h (10 mph) 34 km/h (21 mph) 51 km/h (32 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph)
6 km/h (4 mph) 16 km/h (10 mph) 21 km/h (13 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph)
4 - (cid:68) † 4.6LV8engine(4x2withoptionalrearaxleratio) Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
Transfer case position (if equipped)
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
(Overdrive)
4 - (cid:68)
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 position (if equipped)
1 - 2
2 - 3
3 - 4
4 - (cid:68)
(Overdrive)
† Allapplications
2H or 4H
16 km/h (10 mph) 26 km/h (16 mph) 43 km/h (27 mph) 68 km/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 speeds1
Shift from:
Transfer case position (if equipped)
(cid:68)
(Overdrive) - 4
4 - 3
3 - 2
2 - 1
2H or 4H
89 km/h (55 mph) 72 km/h (45 mph) 56 km/h (35 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph)
4L
34 km/h (21 mph) 27 km/h (17 mph) 21 km/h (13 mph) 11 km/h (7 mph)
1Downshift at lower speeds when driving on slippery surfaces.
150
Parking your vehicle 1. Disengage the clutch, apply brake and shift into Neutral.
Driving
2. Set parking brake. 3. Shift into 1 (First).
4. Turn the ignition key to position 3 (OFF).
3 D
4 R
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Driving
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 lever 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 accidentally shifting into R (Reverse) when you downshift from (cid:68)
(Overdrive).
4 R
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Driving
Removingkeyfromignition † Turn the ignition key to position 2. † Push the release lever forward and rotate the key towards you and remove.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter.
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. If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and the instrument panel control is moved to 4WD Low while the vehicle is moving, the system will not engage and no damage will occur to the 4WD system. Before 4WD Low can be engaged, the vehicle must be brought to a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed and the transmission placed in neutral (or the clutch pedal depressed on manual transmissions). 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.
153
Driving
4WD system indicator lights The 4WD system indicator lights illuminate only under the following conditions. If these lights illuminate when driving in 2WD, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. † 4X4 —momentarily illuminates after the engine is started. Illuminates when 4H (4WD High) is engaged.
4x4
† LOW RANGE —momentarily illuminates with the key in the ON position and after the engine is started. Illuminates when 4L (4WD Low) is engaged.
LOW RANGE
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)to4H(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).
2H 4H
4L
Do not shift into 4H (4WD High) with the rear wheels slipping.
154
Shiftingfrom4H(4WDhigh)to2H(2WDhigh) Move the transfer case lever to 2H (2WD High) at a stop or any forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Driving
2H 4H
4L
2H 4H
Shiftingfrom4H(4WDhigh)to4L(4WDlow)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or
depress the clutch (manual transmission).
4. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4L
(4WD Low) and hold the shift lever
in 4L (4WD Low) until the transfer
case has fully engaged (up to 15
seconds).
5. If the transfer case does not
engage into 4L (4WD Low), repeat
steps 1 through 4.
Shiftingfrom4L(4WDlow)to4H(4WDhigh)or2H(2WDhigh)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or
depress the clutch (manual transmission).
4. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to 4H
(4WD High) or 2H (2WD high) and
hold the shift lever in position until
the transfer case has fully engaged
(up to 15 seconds).
5. If the transfer case does not
engage, repeat steps 1 through 4.
2H 4H
4L
4L
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Driving
UsingtheN(Neutral)position The transfer case neutral position overrides the transmission and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or backwards. This position should only be used when towing the vehicle.
2H 4H
4L
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.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped) Positionsoftheelectronicshiftsystem 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)to4H(4WDhigh) Move the 4WD control to the 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).
4H
2H
4L
Do not shift into 4H with the rear wheels slipping.
156
Shiftingfrom4H(4WDhigh)to2H(2WDhigh) Move the 4WD control to 2H at any forward speed.
2H
4H
4L
Driving
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.
4H
2H
4L
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. Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps.
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Driving
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 it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear. Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating temperature or damage to the transmission may occur. Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may overheat.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most 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