2004 Ford Ranger Owners Manual

control.

Turning off speed control There are two ways to turn off the speed control: • Press the speed control OFF • Turn OFF the ignition. Note: When you turn off the speed control or the ignition, your speed control set speed memory is erased. CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These include: • Utility compartment with • Cupholders • Coin holder slots • Flip up armrest • Passenger airbag on/off switch (if equipped)

cassette/compact disc storage

Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can injure you in a collision.

Cell phone use The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However, drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications equipment to avoid negating these benefits.

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Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to cellular phones, pagers, portable email devices, in vehicle communications systems, telematics devices and portable two-way radios.

A driver’s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. The most important thing you can do to prevent a crash is to

avoid distractions and pay attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to operate Mobile Communications Equipment.

CARGO AREA FEATURES

Cargo area shade (if equipped) Your vehicle may be equipped with notches in the side trim panels that are used for a cargo area shade. See your dealer for more information.

BEDRAILS (IF EQUIPPED) • This bedrail is for appearance use only.

To help prevent injury, do not use bedrail to retain cargo.

• Retain cargo with the pickup tie down hooks.

BED EXTENDER (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a bed extender designed to extend the pickup box for longer loads. To extend the bed extender: 1. Lower tailgate. 2. Pull the round knobs on each side of the extender to release it from the pickup box. 3. Pivot extender on to the tailgate.

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4. Evenly push down on the extender and push the round knobs in on each side locking it in place. Green markings on the shaft indicate the locked position. The locking clip screws below the middle bar can be tightened counterclockwise for extra security. Note: If the red marking on the shaft is visible, the bed extender is not locked or properly secured. To stow the bed extender, follow steps one through four in reverse order. The bed extender may be used to secure a load of up to 46 kg (100 lbs.) on the tailgate. The bed extender should always be kept in the stowed position with the tailgate closed when not in use. When driving the vehicle off road, the bed extender should be removed and the tailgate closed. To remove the bed extender: 1. Extend the bed extender. 2. Pull the round knobs on each side of the extender to unlock it. Make sure the locking clip screws are loose before removing the extender. 3. Press the locking clips below the middle bar on each side and lift the extender out of the bed. Note: Remove and store the bed extender when not in use. To install the bed extender, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

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Locks and Security

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

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED) Press the top of the control to unlock all doors and the bottom to lock all doors.

UNLOCK

LOCK

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The typical operating range for your remote entry transmitter is approximately 10 meters (33 feet). A decrease in operating range could be caused by: • weather conditions, • nearby radio towers, • structures around the vehicle, or • other vehicles parked next to your vehicle.

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a key.

Your vehicle is equipped with a remote entry system which allows you to: • unlock the vehicle doors without • lock all the vehicle doors without • activate the personal alarm.

a key.

• If

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

If there is any potential remote keyless entry problem with your vehicle, ensure ALL remote entry transmitters are taken to the dealership, to aid in troubleshooting. Unlocking the doors 1. Press lamps will illuminate. 2. Press doors. Locking the doors • Press

and release to lock all the doors. The park lamps will flash once to confirm lock; if any of the doors are not properly closed, the lamps will not flash.

and release again within three seconds to unlock all the

is pressed a second time within three seconds, the lamps will

flash again and the horn will chirp to confirm all doors are locked and closed. If either door is ajar the lamps will not flash and the horn will chirp twice.

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

Sounding a panic alarm Press 30 seconds and the parklamps will flash for a maximum of 3 minutes. Press again or turn the ignition to ON to deactivate, or wait for the alarm to timeout in 3 minutes. Note: The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the OFF or ACC position. Replacing the battery The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent.

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To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the remote entry transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE RUBBER COVER AND CIRCUIT BOARD OFF THE FRONT HOUSING OF THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER.

2. Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.

3. Remove the old battery. Note: Please refer to local regulations when disposing of transmitter batteries. 4. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing cavity. 5. Snap the two halves back together. Note: Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement. Replacing lost remote entry transmitters If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all remote entry transmitters to your authorized dealer for reprogramming. How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters You must have all remote entry transmitters (maximum of four) available before beginning this procedure.

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

Illuminated entry The interior lamps illuminate when the remote entry system is used to unlock the door(s) or sound the personal alarm. The illuminated entry system will turn off the interior lights if: • the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, or • the remote transmitter lock control is pressed, or • after 25 seconds of illumination. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on with the dimmer control, or • any door is open. The battery saver will shut off the interior lamps after several minutes if they are left on accidentally.

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

Theft indicator The theft indicator is located in the instrument cluster. • When the ignition is in the 2
(LOCK) position, the indicator will flash once every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock娂 system is functioning as a theft deterrent.

• When the ignition is in the 4 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for

3 seconds, then turn off to indicate normal system functionality.

If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock娂 system, the indicator will flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the ON position. If this occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service.

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Automatic arming The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the 3
(OFF) position.

The theft indicator will flash every two seconds when the vehicle is armed.

Automatic disarming Switching the ignition to the 4 (ON) position with a coded key disarms the vehicle. The theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. Note: If the theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your dealer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Seating and Safety Restraints

SEATING Notes:

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

event of a collision.

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

Adjusting the front manual seat

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

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift the release bar to move seat forward or backward. Ensure that the seat is locked into place.

Pull lever located at the side of the seat cushion up to adjust seatback.

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60/40 seat (if equipped) To gain access to the storage compartment in your armrest (if equipped), lift the latch to open lid. The 60/40 seat cupholder (if equipped) is detachable for cleaning. • Firmly grasp the bottom of the

cup holder and pull up.

To re-attach: • Slide the cupholder over the two pins located on the front of the 60% • Press down until it is firmly latched into place.

driver’s seat.

Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped) Turn the lumbar support control clockwise to increase firmness. Turn the lumbar support control counterclockwise to increase softness.

Passenger side rear access Pull up on the recliner handle. The seat will lean forward. Lift the release bar to move the seat forward to access the rear area of the cab.

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To return seat to original position, slide the seat bottom back, then push the seatback up to lock it in place. The seat will lock, and you will have to use the release bar to move the seat back to the original position. REAR SEATS

Center facing jump seat (2 door SuperCab) (if equipped) To open, pull inboard and down on the seat strap. To stow the seat, pull seat bottom back to the fully upright position.

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

Center facing jump seat (4 door SuperCab) (if equipped) To open, pull seat assembly down, then raise seatback. To stow the seat, fold seat back down and raise seat assembly to the fully upright position.

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

Booster seats must be installed only in seating

positions equipped with a combination lap/shoulder belt.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Safety restraints precautions

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

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Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag

supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas

are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

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

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that

are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

On four-door SuperCab vehicles, do not open the rear door when the rear safety belt is still buckled.

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Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

The front outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front passenger outboard safety belt has two types of locking modes described below:

Vehicle sensitive mode This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5
mph) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.

Automatic locking mode The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. 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.

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This mode should be used any time a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front seat. Refer to Safety restraints for children or Safety seats for children later in this chapter. How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

• Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is pulled out.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

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

After any vehicle collision, the seat belt system at all outboard seating positions (except driver, which has no “automatic locking retractor” feature) must be checked by a qualified technician to verify that the “automatic locking retractor” feature for child seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all safety belts should be checked for proper function.

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BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the safety belt assembly “automatic locking retractor” feature or any other safety belt function is not operating properly when checked according to the procedures in Workshop Manual.

Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

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

feature at the front outboard seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision. • This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant’s chest.

Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front outboard passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioners are designed to activate during certain frontal or near-frontal collisions with sufficient longitudinal deceleration. A safety belt pretensioner is a device which tightens the webbing of the lap and shoulder belts in such a way that they fit more snugly against the body. The driver and front outboard passenger safety belt system (including retractors, buckle assembly, pretensioner assembly with seat and height adjusters) must be replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in the activation of the safety belt pretensioners. Refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in this chapter.

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

a collision.

Front safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and front passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder.

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• Regular Cab and 4–door Super

Cab

• 2–door SuperCab

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 safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety

belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Lap belts

Adjusting the front center seat lap belt (if equipped) 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.

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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 is too short when fully extended, there is a 8 inch (20
cm) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly can be obtained from your dealer at no cost. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended.

Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.

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

The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

BeltMinder The BeltMinder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster. If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the vehicle has reached at least 3 mph (5 km/h) and 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to ON...

Then... The BeltMinder feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled. The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

The BeltMinder feature will not activate.

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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...

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The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... “Crashes are rare events”

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles (40 Km) of home. We design our safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. Prime time for an accident. BeltMinder reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted. Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see.

“I’m not going far”

“Belts are uncomfortable”

“I was in a hurry”

“Safety belts don’t work”

“Traffic is light”

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

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

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Reasons given... “I have an air bag”

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

Seating and Safety Restraints

Consider... Air bags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea. People who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR CRASH”.

Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt to avoid the Belt Minder chime. Sitting on the safety belt will increase the risk of

injury in an accident. To disable (one-time) or deactivate the Belt Minder feature please follow the directions stated below.

One time disable Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, the BeltMinder will be disabled for that ignition cycle only. Deactivating/activating the BeltMinder feature Read steps 1 - 9 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The BeltMinder feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, ensure that the following conditions are met: • 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).

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To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt Minder feature while driving the vehicle.

BeltMinder activation and deactivation procedure 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 BeltMinder warning activation. 4. Turn on the parklamps/headlamps, turn off the parklamps/headlamps. 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 BeltMinder if it is currently enabled, or enable

BeltMinder if it is currently disabled.

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

seconds.

second for three seconds.

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

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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, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front safety 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 LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use 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. The energy absorbing functions may have been activated in a collision so the restraints should be examined; if the front air bags have deployed, the pretensioners have also deployed and must be replaced — regardless of whether there was an occupant in the passenger seat or not.

Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe

personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Interior in the Cleaning chapter.

AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

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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.

Never place a rear facing infant seat in the front seat

unless the passenger air bag is turned off.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

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 airbag: • 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.

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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.

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

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

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

Additional equipment may affect the performance of the air bag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body

Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.

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

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Never place a rearward facing child safety restraint in front of an activated airbag. Airbags have been known to kill or injure

children in front facing child safety restraints. Whenever placing a child safety seat in a front seating position (including center if equipped), turn off the passenger side air bag switch after being certain the child is properly restrained. If using a forward facing child safety restraint in the front outboard seat, slide the seat all the way back, and turn off the passenger air bag. If using a rear facing child safety seat in the front outboard seating position, make sure the passenger airbag is turned off and slide the passenger seat all the way forward until the safety seat rests on the dashboard. See Passenger air bag on/off switch in this chapter.

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

An air bag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. Child

seats should never be placed in the front seats, unless passenger air bag switch is turned off. See Passenger air bag on/off switch in this chapter.

Rear facing child seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats unless the passenger airbag switch is turned off.

Booster seats must be installed only in seating positions equipped with a combination lap/shoulder belt.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

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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.

Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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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 wiring (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 Instrument cluster chapter or Passenger air bag on/off 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.

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.

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Disposal of air bags and air bag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) See your local dealership or qualified technician. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

Passenger air bag ON/OFF switch

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.

ON

OFF

OFF

PASSENGER AIRBAG

Turning the passenger air bag off The passenger air bag on/off switch is located below the center stack of the instrument panel or in the center console. 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

OFF

OFF

ON

If the light fails to illuminate when the passenger air bag switch is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is in the On

position, have the passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

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In order to avoid inadvertent activation of the switch, always remove the ignition key from the passenger air bag ON/OFF

switch.

Turning the passenger air bag back on 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.

ON

OFF

OFF

PASSENGER AIRBAG

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

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.

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.

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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. 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. NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada) 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.

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.

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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.

This vehicle has special energy management safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. These particular belts are

specifically designed to work with air bags to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. The energy management safety belt is designed to give or release additional belt webbing in some accidents to reduce concentration of force on an occupant’s chest and reduce the risk of certain bone fractures and injuries to underlying organs. In a crash, if the air bag is turned OFF, this energy management safety belt might permit the person wearing the belt to move forward enough to incur a serious or fatal injury. The more severe the crash, and the heavier the occupant, the greater the risk. Be sure the air bag is turned ON for any person who does not qualify under the NHTSA deactivation criteria.

Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only) 1. Infant: An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: • the vehicle has no rear seat; • the rear seat in the 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: • the 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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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.

This vehicle has special energy management safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. These particular belts are

specifically designed to work with air bags to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. The energy management safety belt is designed to give or release additional belt webbing in some accidents to reduce concentration of force on an occupant’s chest and reduce the risk of certain bone fractures and injuries to underlying organs. In a crash, if the air bag is turned OFF, this energy management safety belt might permit the person wearing the belt to move forward enough to incur a serious or fatal injury. The more severe the crash, and the heavier the occupant, the greater the risk. Be sure the air bag is turned ON for any person who does not qualify under the Transport Canada deactivation criteria.

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. Many states require that children use approved booster seats until they are eight years old. 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.

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Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

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. 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.

Child booster seats Children outgrow a typical convertible or toddler seat when they weigh 40 pounds and are around 4 years of age. Although the lap/shoulder belt will provide some protection, these children are still too small for lap/shoulder belts to fit properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury. To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster. Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably. Booster seats also make the shoulder belt fit better and more comfortably for growing children. When children should use booster seats Children need to use booster seats from the time they outgrow the toddler seat until they are big enough for the vehicle seat and lap/shoulder belt to fit properly. Generally this is when they weigh about 80 lbs (about 8 to 12 years old).

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Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions: • Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips? • Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? • Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? Types of booster seats There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats: • Those that are backless.

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

• Those with a high back.

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

Both can be used in any vehicle in a seating position equipped with lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lbs.

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The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting snugly on the center of the shoulder. The lap belt should rest low and snug across the hips, never up high across the stomach. If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition. The importance of shoulder belts Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster seat with lap/shoulder belts in the back seat- the safest place for children to ride.

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

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

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

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

collision.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

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When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information

presented in the Air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) section in this chapter. • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from).

• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling. • Place seat back in upright position. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic

locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped) section in this chapter.

• LATCH lower anchors are recommended for use by children up to 22 kg

(48 pounds) in a child restraint. Top tether anchors can be used for children up to 27 kg (60 pounds) in a child restraint, and to provide upper torso restraint for children up to 36 kg (80 pounds) using an upper torso harness and a belt-positioning booster.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position with LATCH and tether anchors. For more information on top tether straps and anchors, refer to Attaching safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. For more information of LATCH anchors refer to Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments in this chapter.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

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

An air bag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. Child seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats, unless the passenger

air bag switch is turned off, See Passenger air bag on/off switch.

Rear facing child seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats unless the passenger airbag switch is turned off.

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

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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 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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7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with 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. To check this, grab the seat at the belt path and attempt to move it side to side and forward. There should be no more than one inch of movement for proper installation. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat steps two through nine. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

Attaching child safety seats with tether straps Most new forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap which goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact the manufacturer of your child seat for information about ordering a tether strap. The tether anchors in your vehicle are located on the back of the front seat cushion.

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The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions (shown from top view): • Bucket seats

• 60/40 seats

Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate tether anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work properly if attached

somewhere other than the correct tether anchor.

1. Position the child safety seat on the front seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat.

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3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position. The tether anchor is located on the rear lower portion of the passenger seat.

4. Clip the tether strap to the anchor.

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Center seating location

When installing a child safety seat in the front center position, route the tether strap over the center arm rest and clip it to the center anchor.

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

5. Install the child safety seat tightly using the LATCH anchors or safety belts. Follow the instructions in this chapter. 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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Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors Some child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted attachments that connect to two anchors at certain seating positions in your vehicle. This type of child seat eliminates the need to use safety belts to attach the child seat. For forward-facing child seats, the tether strap must also be attached to the proper tether anchor. See Attaching safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. Your vehicle may be equipped with LATCH anchors for child seat installation at the following seating positions:

• Bucket seats

• 60/40 seats

Never attach two LATCH child safety seats to the same anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold two

child safety seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury or death.

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The lower anchors for child seat installation are located at the rear section of the front passenger seat between the cushion and seat back. The LATCH anchors are below the locator symbols on the seat back. Two plastic LATCH guides may be obtained at no charge from any Ford dealer (part number 1W4Z-54613F16–AA). They snap onto the latch lower anchor in the vehicle to help attach a child seat with rigid latch attachments. It will hold the seat foam away and expose the anchor making attachment of the child seat easier.

Follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions to properly install a child seat with LATCH attachments.

Attach LATCH lower attachments of the child seat only to the anchors shown.

If you install a child seat with rigid LATCH attachments, do not tighten the tether strap enough to lift the child seat off the vehicle seat cushion when the child is seated in it. Keep the tether strap just snug without lifting the front of the child seat. Keeping the child seat just touching the vehicle seat gives the best protection in a severe crash. Each time you use the safety seat, check that the seat is properly attached to the lower anchors and tether anchor. Try to tilt the child seat from side to side. Also try to tug the seat forward. Check to see if the anchors hold the seat in place.

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

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STARTING

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

When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P

(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving. 5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise. When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

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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 When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Before starting the vehicle: 1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter. 2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

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

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

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

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

Driving

light may not illuminate.

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced. • If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START). If there is difficulty in turning the key, rotate the steering wheel until the key turns freely. 2. Turn the key to 5 (START), then release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.

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Using the engine block heater (if equipped) An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach -10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

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

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

exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

BRAKES Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician. Refer to Brake system warning light in the Instrument Cluster chapter for information on the brake system warning light.

BRAKE

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Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) Your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; this is normal and should be no reason for concern. Using ABS When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance. ABS warning lamp The ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced. Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. (If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)

BRAKE

ABS

Parking brake To set the parking brake (1), press the parking brake pedal down until the pedal stops.

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The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain illuminated until the parking brake is released.

To release, pull the lever (2).

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).

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

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

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the steering wanders or pulls, check for: • an improperly inflated tire • uneven tire wear • loose or worn suspension components • loose or worn steering components • improper steering alignment A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering seem to wander/pull.

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. The axle may exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed. This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.

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PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

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

Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.

Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a

lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.

Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as

slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Brake-shift interlock This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless the 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).

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When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P

(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

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

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy. Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume. P (Park)

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This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from turning. To put your vehicle in gear: • Start the engine • Depress the brake pedal • Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear To put your vehicle in P (Park): • Come to a complete stop • Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

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

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse) With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse). N (Neutral) With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position. D (Drive) with Overdrive The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission operates in gears one through five. D (Drive) without Overdrive D (Drive) with Overdrive can be deactivated by pressing the transmission control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. • This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive. • O/D OFF lamp is illuminated. O/D OFF

ON/OFF

O/D

• Provides engine braking.

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Driving • Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing and when engine braking is required. • To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control • O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

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

off.

2 (Second) Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional engine braking on downgrades. 1 (First) • Provides maximum engine braking. • Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever. • Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.