Lincoln MKX (2018 year). Manual - part 12

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6. When you finish refueling slightly raise

the fuel pump nozzle and slowly remove
it.

7. Fully close the fuel filler door.

Do not attempt to start the engine if you have
filled the fuel tank with incorrect fuel.
Incorrect fuel use could cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty. Have your
vehicle immediately checked.

Refueling System Warning

 (If Equipped)

If the fuel tank filler valve does not fully close,
a message may appear in the information
display.

Message

Check Fuel Fill Inlet

If the message appears, do the following:

1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so and switch the engine off.

2. Shift into park (P) or neutral (N).

3. Apply the parking brake.

4. Fully open the fuel filler door.

5. Check the fuel tank filler valve for any

debris that may be restricting its
movement.

6. Remove any debris from the fuel tank

filler valve.

7. Fully insert a fuel pump nozzle or the fuel

filler funnel provided with your vehicle
into the fuel filler pipe.  See Fuel Filler
Funnel Location (page 179).   This action
should dislodge any debris that may be
preventing the fuel tank filler valve from
fully closing.

8. Remove the fuel pump nozzle or fuel filler

funnel from the fuel filler pipe.

9. Fully close the fuel filler door.

If this action corrects the problem the
message may not immediately reset. If the
message remains and a warning lamp
illuminates, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Advertised Capacity

The advertised capacity is the maximum
amount of fuel that you can add to the fuel
tank after running out of fuel. Included in the
advertised capacity is an empty reserve. The
empty reserve is an unspecified amount of
fuel that remains in the fuel tank when the
fuel gauge indicates empty.

Note: The amount of fuel in the empty
reserve varies and should not be relied upon
to increase driving range.

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Fuel and Refueling

Fuel Economy

Your vehicle calculates fuel economy figures
through the trip computer average fuel
function.  See General Information (page
118).

The first 1,000 mi (1,500 km) of driving is the
break-in period of the engine. A more
accurate measurement is obtained after
2,000 mi (3,000 km).

Impacting Fuel Economy

•

Incorrect tire inflation pressures.

•

Fully loading your vehicle.

•

Carrying unnecessary weight.

•

Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle such as bug deflectors, rollbars
or light bars, running boards and ski
racks.

•

Using fuel blended with alcohol.  See
Fuel Quality (page 178).

•

Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures.

•

Fuel economy may decrease when
driving short distances.

•

You may get better fuel economy when
driving on flat terrain than when driving
on hilly terrain.

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Fuel and Refueling

EMISSION LAW

WARNING

Do not remove or alter the original
equipment floor covering or insulation

between it and the metal floor of the vehicle.
The floor covering and insulation protect
occupants of the vehicle from the engine
and exhaust system heat and noise. On
vehicles with no original equipment floor
covering insulation, do not carry passengers
in a manner that permits prolonged skin
contact with the metal floor. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in fire or
personal injury.

U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components. Similar
federal or provincial laws may apply in
Canada. We do not approve of any vehicle
modification without first determining
applicable laws.

Tampering with emissions control
systems including related sensors
or the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system

can result in reduced engine power and the
illumination of the service engine soon light.

Tampering With a Noise Control
System

Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•

Removal or rendering inoperative by any
person other than for purposes of
maintenance.

•

Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is in use.

•

The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
•

Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.

•

Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.

If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive exhaust
smoke, check for the following:
•

A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.

•

A plugged engine air filter element.

•

Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.

•

A clogged fuel filter.

•

Contaminated fuel.

•

Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.

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Engine Emission Control

•

An open or pinched sensor hose.

•

Incorrect engine oil level.

•

Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.

•

Incorrect engine oil viscosity for climactic
conditions.

Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel filter
that is integrated with the fuel tank. Regular
maintenance or replacement is not needed.

Note: If these checks do not help you correct
the concern, have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.

Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance

On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The
preceding statements concerning prohibited
tampering acts and maintenance, and the
noise warranty found in the Warranty Guide,
are applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg) GVWR.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

WARNINGS

Do not park, idle or drive your vehicle
on dry grass or other dry ground cover.

The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, creating
the risk of fire.

The normal operating temperature of
the exhaust system is very high. Never

work around or attempt to repair any part of
the exhaust system until it has cooled. Use
special care when working around the
catalytic converter. The catalytic converter
heats up to a very high temperature after
only a short period of engine operation and
stays hot after the engine is switched off.

Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes

into the passenger compartment. If you smell
exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your
vehicle inspected immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes.

Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable exhaust
emission standards.

To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue
to work properly:
•

Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.

•

Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.

•

Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables.  See Jump
Starting the Vehicle (page 276).

•

Use only the specified fuel listed.

•

Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.

•

Avoid running out of fuel.

•

Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.

Note: Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.

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Engine Emission Control

The scheduled maintenance items listed in
scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emissions system.

If you use anything other than Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.

Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust
system may allow exhaust to enter the
vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly
operating exhaust system inspected and
repaired immediately.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an
emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle’s
emission system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information Decal located on or near
the engine. This decal also lists engine
displacement.

Please consult your warranty information for
complete details.

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle has a computer known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that
monitors the engine’s emission control
system. The system protects the environment
by making sure that your vehicle continues
to meet government emission standards. The
OBD-II system also assists a service
technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause the
service engine soon indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:

1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—the

engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the

engine may misfire or run poorly.

3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed

properly.  See Refueling (page 181).

4. Driving through deep water—the

electrical system may be wet.

You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with good
quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet
or letting the electrical system dry out. After
three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
service engine soon indicator should stay off
the next time you start the engine. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city and highway driving.
No additional vehicle service is required.

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Engine Emission Control

If the service engine soon indicator remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may not
have symptoms that are apparent, continued
driving with the service engine soon indicator
on can result in increased emissions, lower
fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness and lead to more
costly repairs.

Readiness for Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) Testing

Some state and provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to
inspect the emission control equipment on
your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.

If the service engine soon indicator
is on or the bulb does not work,
your vehicle may need service.

See On-Board Diagnostics.

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if the
service engine soon indicator is on or not
working properly (bulb is burned out), or if
the OBD-II system has determined that some
of the emission control systems have not
been properly checked. In this case, the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has
just been serviced, or the battery has
recently run down or been replaced, the
OBD-II system may indicate that the vehicle
is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if
the vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the
ignition key to the on position for 15 seconds
without cranking the engine. If the service
engine soon indicator blinks eight times, it
means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing; if the service engine soon indicator
stays on solid, it means that your vehicle is
ready for I/M testing.

The OBD-II system checks the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days.

If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, you
can perform the following driving cycle
consisting of mixed city and highway driving:

1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an

expressway or highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at
least four 30-second idle periods.

2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eight

hours with the ignition off. Then, start the
vehicle and complete the above driving
cycle. The vehicle must warm up to its
normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the vehicle until
the above driving cycle is complete.

If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,
you need to repeat the above driving cycle.

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Engine Emission Control

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNINGS

Always fully apply the parking brake
and make sure you shift into park (P).

Failure to follow this instruction could result
in personal injury or death.

Do not apply the brake pedal and
accelerator pedal simultaneously.

Applying both pedals simultaneously for
more than a few seconds will limit engine
performance, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead
to serious injury.

Note: You may not be able to shift out of
park (P) unless the intelligent access key is
inside the vehicle.

Push Button Shift Transmission

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The shift buttons are located
near the middle of the instrument panel. The
gears are selected by pressing and releasing
the PRNDS buttons.

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Every time a gear is selected, the selected
button will light up. You will also see the gear
selected appear in the instrument cluster.

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Understanding the Positions of your
Electronic Transmission

Note: Always come to a complete stop
before putting your vehicle into and out of
park (P).

Putting your vehicle in gear:

1. Fully press down the brake pedal.

2. Press and release the button on the

instrument panel of the gear you want to
select.

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Transmission

3. The gearshift button you select will

illuminate and the selected gear will
appear in the instrument cluster.

4. Release the brake pedal and your

transmission will remain in the selected
gear.

Note: If you attempt to leave your vehicle
while it is in gear, your vehicle will
automatically shift into park (P). Safety belt
and door monitors determine your intent and
make the shift for you. During this time, a
message will appear in the information
display screen prompting you to make the
shift to park (P).

Note: To put your vehicle in gear with the
door open, perform steps 1-4. See the
Automatic Return to Park section in this
chapter for more information on this feature.

Park (P)

With the transmission in park (P), your vehicle
locks the transmission and prevents the
wheels from turning. Always come to a
complete stop before putting your vehicle
into and out of park (P). An audible tone
sounds once you select park (P).

When the ignition is turned off, the vehicle
will automatically shift into park (P). If the
ignition is turned off while the vehicle is
moving, it will first shift into neutral (N) until
a slow enough speed is reached. The vehicle
will then shift into park (P) automatically.

Automatic Return to Park

Note: This feature will not operate when your
vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutral
tow.

Your vehicle has a safety feature that will
automatically shift your vehicle into park (P)
when any of the following conditions occur:

•

You turn the ignition off

•

You open the driver's door with your
safety belt unlatched

•

Your safety belt is unlatched while the
driver's door is open

If you turn the ignition off while your vehicle
is moving, your vehicle will first shift into
neutral (N) until it slows down enough to shift
into park (P) automatically.

Note: If you have waited an extended period
of time (2-15 minutes) before starting your
vehicle, unlatching your safety belt will cause
this feature to activate, even with the driver's
door closed.

Note: This feature may not work properly if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If your
door ajar indicator does not illuminate when
you open the driver’s door or the indicator
illuminates with the driver’s door closed, see
your authorized dealer.

Reverse (R)

With the transmission in reverse (R), your
vehicle will move backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R).

Neutral (N)

With the transmission in neutral (N), you can
start your vehicle and it is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this position.

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Transmission

Stay in Neutral mode

Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle to
stay in neutral (N) when you exit the vehicle.
Your vehicle must be stationary to enter this
mode.

To enter Stay in Neutral mode:

1. Press the neutral (N) button on the

instrument panel.

2. A message will appear in your

information display screen prompting you
to press the neutral (N) button again to
enter Stay in Neutral mode.

3. Press the neutral (N) button again to

enter Stay in Neutral mode.

A message will appear in your information
display screen when your vehicle has
entered Stay in Neutral mode.

Note: During this mode the N button will
flash continuously and your instrument
cluster will display N as the selected gear.

Exiting Stay in Neutral mode

To disable Stay in Neutral mode select
another gear. See the Putting the Vehicle
in Gear for instructions on how to do this.

Entering a Carwash

Note: Always put your vehicle in Stay in
Neutral mode when entering an automatic
car wash. Failure to do this could result in
vehicle damage not covered by warranty.

Drive (D)

The normal driving position for the best fuel
economy.

Sport (S)

Putting the vehicle in sport (S):

•

Provides additional engine braking and
extends lower gear operation to enhance
performance for uphill climbs, hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. This will increase
engine RPM during engine braking.

•

Provides additional lower gear operation
through the automatic transmission shift
strategy.

•

Provides gear selection more quickly and
at higher engine speeds.

SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission

Your SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears
manually.

Paddle Shifters

With your vehicle in drive (D), the paddle
shifters provide temporary manual control.
They allow you the ability to shift gears
quickly, without taking your hands off the
steering wheel.

You can achieve extensive manual control
by pressing the sport (S) button.

•

Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.

•

Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift.

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Transmission

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The instrument cluster will display your
currently selected gear.

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The transmission will automatically upshift if
your engine speed is too high or downshift
if your engine speed is too low.

Note: The system will stay in manual control
until you make another shift button selection.
For example, drive (D).

Brake-Shift Interlock Override

WARNINGS

When doing this procedure, you need
to take the transmission out of park (P)

which means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always
fully apply the parking brake prior to doing
this procedure. Use wheels chocks if
appropriate.

If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains

illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.

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

Note: See your authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.

Note: For some markets this feature is
disabled.

Note: This feature will only function if your
12-volt battery has power.

Use the brake-shift interlock override to
move your transmission from the park (P)
position in the event of an electrical
malfunction or if your vehicle has a dead
battery.

1. Apply the parking brake and turn your

ignition off before performing this
procedure.

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Transmission

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2. Locate your brake-shift interlock access

slot. The slot is located below the media
hub, in your center console storage bin.
The access slot does not have a label.

Note: Make sure that you correctly identify
the access hole as not to damage the media
hub.

3. Using a tool, press and hold the brake

shift interlock switch. The shift buttons
on the instrument panel will flash when
your vehicle is in override mode.

4. With the override switch still held, press

the neutral (N) button to shift from park.

5. Release the override button.

6. Your vehicle will remain in neutral (N) for

wrecker towing purposes or can be
shifted to the desired gear and driven (if
possible).

7. Release the parking brake.

Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning

This feature increases durability and provides
consistent shift feel over the life of your
vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may
have firm or soft shifts. This operation will
not affect function or durability of your
transmission and is normal. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, the
strategy must be relearned whenever the
battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow

Note: Do not rock your vehicle if your engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to your transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to your transmission
and tires may occur, or your engine may
overheat.

Note: If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, it
may be beneficial to disengage the
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
system while attempting to rock the vehicle.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you can help rock your vehicle out by shifting
between forward and reverse gears,
stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

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Transmission

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

All-wheel drive uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road conditions
that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot. The AWD system is active all the time
and requires no input from the operator.

Note: Your AWD vehicle is not intended for
off-road use. The AWD feature gives your
vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in
which driving surfaces are relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to
normal on-road driving conditions. Operating
your vehicle under other than those
conditions could subject the vehicle to
excessive stress which might result in
damage which is not covered under your
warranty.

Note: A warning message will be displayed
in the information display when an AWD
system fault is present  See Information
Messages (page 125).  An AWD system fault
will cause the AWD system to default to
front-wheel drive only mode. When this
warning message is displayed, have your
vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer

Note: A warning message will be displayed
in the information display if the AWD system
has overheated  See Information Messages
(page 125).  This condition may occur if the
vehicle was operated in extreme conditions
with excessive wheel slip, such as deep
sand. To resume normal AWD function as
soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10
minutes. After the engine has been restarted
and the AWD system has adequately cooled,
the warning message will turn off and normal
AWD function will return.

Do not use a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided. If the mini-spare
tire is installed, the AWD system may disable
automatically and enter front-wheel drive
only mode to protect driveline components.
This condition will be indicated by a warning
in the information display  See Information
Messages (page 125).  If there is a warning
message in the information display from
using the spare tire, this indicator should turn
off after reinstalling the repaired or replaced
normal road tire and cycling the ignition off
and on. It is recommended to reinstall the

repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between
the front and rear axles could cause the AWD
system to stop functioning and default to
front-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system.

Driving In Special Conditions With All-
Wheel Drive (AWD)

AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on
and off the highway.

Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.

Basic operating principles in special
conditions

•

Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.

•

Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement

•

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle back
onto the pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the
road surface.

•

It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.

•

It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement
which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover.
Remember, your safety and the safety of
others should be your primary concern.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

WARNINGS

Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the transmission is in P

(Park). Turn the ignition to the lock position
or turn the vehicle off using the start/stop
button 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 authorized dealer.

Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure

a passenger or bystander.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: 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.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, it
may be beneficial to disengage the
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
system while attempting to rock the vehicle.

Emergency Maneuvers

•

In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (i.e., turn the steering wheel
only as rapidly and as far as required to
avoid the emergency). Excessive steering
will result in less vehicle control, not
more. Additionally, smooth variations of
the accelerator and/or brake pedal
pressure should be utilized if changes in
vehicle speed are called for. Avoid abrupt

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

steering, acceleration or braking which
could result in an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or
personal injury. Use all available road
surface to return the vehicle to a safe
direction of travel.

•

In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.

•

If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e., from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
the vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.

Sand

When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning the wheels.

Do not drive your AWD vehicle in deep sand.
This will cause the AWD system to overheat.
After the system has cooled down, normal
AWD function will return.

Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and cause
the vehicle to become stuck to the point that
assistance may be required from another
vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with
caution.

Mud and Water

If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may be
limited.

When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of
the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.

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Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. As when you are driving over
sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does
slide, steer in the direction of the slide until
you regain control of the vehicle.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage
drive components.

Note: Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission.

If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,
have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rear
axle serviced by an authorized dealer.

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“Tread Lightly” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities in
our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our
national forest and other public and private
lands by “treading lightly.”

Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain

Note: Avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing
traction, slipping sideways and possibly
rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,
determine beforehand the route you will use.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without
the aid of an observer.

Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down a
hill or steep incline, you should always try to
drive straight up or straight down.

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

If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.

Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.

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Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating. Do
not descend in neutral; instead, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose control. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the
brakes.

Driving on Snow and Ice

WARNING

If you are driving in slippery conditions
that require tire chains or cables, then

it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep
speeds down, allow for longer stopping
distances and avoid aggressive steering to
reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle
control which can lead to serious injury or
death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of the vehicle.

Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.

AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like
any other vehicle.

Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.

Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
won’t stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.

Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for stopping.
Drive slower than usual and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, apply the brake steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes.  See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 201).

Maintenance and Modifications

The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and tested
to provide predictable performance whether
loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lowering kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts
not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.

Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such
as ladder or luggage racks).

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