Lincoln Aviator (2023 year). Manual in english - page 16

Note:

When plugging into an unfamiliar wall

outlet, let the vehicle charge for several
minutes before leaving it unattended. The
red indicator will illuminate if not charging.
The unit will turn off if breaker or
infrastructure ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) is tripped. You can view vehicle
charging status remotely via the Lincoln Way
App.

Mobile Power Cord Auto-Restart

Auto-restart helps to make sure that your
vehicle will be charged and ready for use
when needed. A charge could be interrupted
if errors are detected. Charging resumes
once the error is no longer detected. The
red indicator illuminates during an error
condition.

The exception to the immediate auto-restart
is when the interruption is due to a charger
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) event.
The charger attempts to restart 15 minutes
after a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
event. After the fourth attempt to restart, the
charger shuts down and the red indicator
stays on.

If the fault persists, do not continue to try to
charge your vehicle. Contact your authorized
dealer.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Do not use cleaners or solvents as this could
damage your mobile power cord. Do not
place stress on the charger cables. If unit
overheats, remove the mobile power cord
from direct sunlight.

SAFETY FEATURES

The charger includes the following safety
features to protect against the risk of electric
shock:

•

Service Ground Check: The charger
constantly checks for the presence of a
service ground connection. If the service
ground ever fails, the charger red
indicator turns ON and shuts down power
to the vehicle.

•

Thermal Event Sensor: Charger module
senses out-of-ordinary thermal events
and decreases the charging current or
shuts the unit down if required.

•

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Protection: The charger has a ground
fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) reaction
system to protect against electric shock.
If the charger module detects an output
ground fault, it shuts down power to the
output cable and illuminates the red
indicator.

•

Insulation: The charger module,
connector, cable assembly, and charge
coupler are completely insulated. There
are no exposed live parts, to protect
against electric shock.

•

Unintentional Disconnection: The charge
coupler is designed to minimize
unintentional disconnection. A pilot signal
wire in the cable and charge coupler
eliminates the possibility of electric shock
when not connected to a vehicle or if an
unintended disconnect occurs during a
charge. Disconnection during charging
is safe.

254

High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Charge Port

The charge port is between the front
left-hand side door and the front left-hand
wheel well. To open, press the center right
edge of the charge port door, and then
release.

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Note:

 Do not force the charge port door

open or closed.  Forcing the door open or
closed damages the charge port.

The charge status indicator around the
charge port indicates the charge status of
the high voltage battery in your vehicle.

Divided into five zones, the charge status
indicator displays the state of charge in 20
percent increments.

We use the color white as a courtesy light to
help with plugging in and to acknowledge
actions such as plugging in, unplugging or
pressing the charge times button.

Blue is used when you plug the vehicle in
and are either charging or waiting to charge.

Orange indicates charge faults.

Charge Times Button

Use the charge times button to either turn
off or turn on your charge times settings for
this location. Select charge settings on the
home page of your touchscreen or under the
vehicle settings menu to access charge
preferences.

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Charging

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To charge the high-voltage battery:

1.

Put the vehicle in park (P).

2. Press the center right edge of the charge

port door and then release to open the
door.

3. Plug the charging coupler into the charge

port receptacle on your vehicle. Make
sure the button clicks confirming that you
have completely engaged the coupler.

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High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Note:

Put your vehicle in park (P) to charge,

and for the charge status indicator to
illuminate.

Note:

Pump and fan noise could be present

when charging the high voltage battery. The
pump and fan noise is normal as it circulates
liquid and keeps your high voltage battery
cool while charging.

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4. Verify that the cord acknowledgment

feature activates.   This indicates the
beginning of a normal charge cycle.  The
charge status indicator lights up each
zone alternately from bottom to top and
from bottom to top again.

5. If using a charging station, follow the

instructions on the charge station to
begin the charging process.

Charge Port Indicators

The charge status indicator displays how far
along the charge is:

•

When the bottom zone is pulsing, the
charge is between 0-20 percent.

•

When the bottom zone illuminates and
the next is pulsing, the charge is between
20-40 percent.

•

When two zones illuminate and the next
is pulsing, the charge is between 40-60
percent.

•

When three zones illuminate and the next
is pulsing, the charge is between 60-80
percent.

•

When four zones illuminate and the top
zone is pulsing, the charge is between
80-100 percent.

•

When all zones illuminate, the charge is
100 percent.

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80%-100% state of charge.

A.

60%-80% state of charge.

B.

40%-60% state of charge.

C.

20%-40% state of charge.

D.

0%-20% state of charge.

E.

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High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Note:

When charging stops, the charge

status indicator shows all the completed
zones solidly lit up in a blue color for 30
seconds before turning off. For example, if
charging stops at 70 percent, then the
bottom three zones light up solidly to
indicate a battery charge level of at least 60
percent but less than 80 percent. Charging
stops when complete or when paused due
to preferred charge settings or charge
station actions.

Note:

If the charge status indicator does not

light up or pulse after plugging in, please
verify that the charge port light setting is On.
If you do not wish to have the charge status
indicator light up at all while charging, then
you can switch it Off. See charge port light
under vehicle settings on your touchscreen.

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Note:

You can identify charging faults by the

color orange on the charge status indicator.
Faults can occur within the vehicle charging
system or outside the vehicle, such as with
the charge cord, charge station or electrical
supply.

Note:

If the system detects a fault in the

vehicle charging system at any point in a
charge cycle, the entire charge status
indicator lights up solidly in an orange color
for 30 seconds and then turns off. If this
happens, unplug the charging coupler and
then plug it back into the charge port
receptacle. If the problem persists, have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Note:

If the system detects a fault outside

the vehicle, such as with the charge station
or charge cord, the entire charge status
indicator flashes continuously for 30 seconds
and then turns off. If this happens, check the
charge cord and the charge station or
electrical supply.

Waiting to Charge

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Note:

Select charge settings on the home

page of the touchscreen or under the vehicle
settings menu to access charge preferences.

Charging may not begin upon plugging in if
you have set up preferred charge times for
this vehicle location. Your vehicle could delay
charging to take advantage of off-peak
electricity rates. Your vehicle optimizes the
charge schedule to be complete by your next
departure time.

When waiting to charge, plugged in and not
currently charging, the charge status
indicator shows the present state of charge
of the high voltage battery by lighting up all
completed zones for 30 seconds before
turning off. For example, if the battery is at
70 percent charge then the bottom three
zones solidly light up to indicate a battery
charge level of at least 60 percent but less
than 80 percent. When the current state of
charge is less than 20 percent, none of the
zones light up.

Note:

When your vehicle is waiting to

charge, the charge status indicator turns off
30 seconds after displaying the present state
of charge. When your vehicle begins
charging, the charge status indicator turns
on and displays the status of the charge, as
described above.

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High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Disconnecting the Charging Coupler

1.

If you have installed a padlock or
combination lock, then remove it.

2. Press the button on the charging coupler.

3. While holding the button, remove the

charging coupler from the charge port
receptacle.

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4. Press the center right edge of the charge

port door to close.

Note:

Do not pull the wall plug from the wall

when your vehicle is charging. Doing so
could damage the outlet and the cord.

MOVING AND STORAGE
INSTRUCTIONS

Make sure you wrap the mobile power cord
after charging.  Store the mobile power cord
in the storage bag supplied with the mobile
power cord.

When charging is complete, replace the
mobile power cord in the rear luggage
compartment.

Note:

Do not hold the mobile power cord by

the power cable. Hold the complete unit and
carefully place back in the storage bag.

Note:

To remove the connector, firmly grasp

the connector by the cable or plug and pull
away from the control box.

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High Voltage Battery - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNING: 

Apply the parking brake

and make sure your vehicle is in park (P).
Power the vehicle off and remove the keys
or remote control whenever you leave your
vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: 

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 cannot shift out of park (P) unless

the intelligent access key is inside your
vehicle.

Understanding Your Transmission
Selector Positions

Your vehicle has an electronic transmission
shifter. The transmission selector is on the
center stack below the touchscreen.

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Park.

P

Reverse.

R

Neutral.

N

Drive.

D

The instrument cluster displays the current
position.

Note:

The position could illuminate on the

transmission selector.

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 you switch the ignition off, your vehicle
shifts into park (P). If you switch the ignition
off while your vehicle is moving, the
transmission first shifts into neutral (N) until
it reaches a speed less than 3 mph (5 km/h)
and then shifts into park (P).

The electric parking brake could apply when
you shift to park (P) without the brake pedal
fully pressed. The electric parking brake
applies when you shift to park (P) on large
slopes. The electric parking brake releases
with the drive away release function, or
manually as described in the Releasing the
Electric Parking Brake section. See 

Electric

Parking Brake

 (page 272).

259

Transmission

Note:

A warning tone sounds if you open the

driver door and you have not shifted the
transmission selector to park (P).

Reverse (R)

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

Neutral (N)

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

Drive (D)

Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy and smoothness. Shift
the transmission selector to drive (D) to allow
your vehicle to move forward and shift
through the forward gears.

The transmission shifts to the appropriate
gear for optimum performance based on
ambient temperature, road slope, vehicle
load and your input.

Automatic Return to Park

Your vehicle shifts into park (P) when your
vehicle is stationary and any of the following
occur:

•

You switch the vehicle off.

•

You open the driver door with your
seatbelt unlatched.

•

You unlatch the driver seatbelt when the
driver door is open.

Note:

Do not use automatic return to park

(P) when your vehicle is moving, except in
an emergency.

Automatic return to park (P) may not work if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning.

See an authorized dealer if any of the
following occur:

•

Door ajar indicator does not illuminate
with the driver door open.

•

Door ajar indicator illuminates with the
driver door closed.

•

Transmission not in park message
appears with the driver door closed, after
you shift out of park (P). You unlatch the
driver seatbelt when the driver door is
open.

Stay in Neutral Mode

This mode keeps your vehicle in neutral (N)
when you switch your vehicle off. Use this
mode at an automatic car wash if you exit
your vehicle, or switch your vehicle off.

Note:

Automatic return to park (P) is delayed

when your vehicle is in this mode.

Your vehicle could shift to park (P) after 30
minutes, or when the vehicle battery charge
level is low. Prolonged use of this mode can
cause the vehicle battery to run out of
charge.

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Transmission

Do not tow your vehicle in this mode. Failure
to follow these instructions could result in
vehicle damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.

Entering Temporary Neutral Mode

1.

Power your vehicle on.

2. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.

3. Press and hold the brake pedal.

4. Shift into neutral (N).

Note:

An instructional message appears.

5. Press the neutral (N) button.

Note:

A confirmation message appears

when your vehicle enters the mode.

6. Release the brake pedal.

Note:

Your vehicle is free to roll.

7.

Switch your vehicle off.

Note:

Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.

Note:

The neutral (N) indicator on the

transmission selector may flash in this mode.

Exiting Temporary Neutral Mode

1.

Press the brake pedal.

2. Shift into park (P), or power your vehicle

on and shift into drive (D) or reverse (R).

Manually Shifting Gears

The instrument cluster displays the current
gear. The current gear flashes when your
vehicle cannot shift into the requested gear.
Your vehicle will not shift if the requested
gear raises or lowers the engine speed
beyond the limit.

Your vehicle could shift when you fully press
the accelerator or brake pedal.

Note:

Prolonged driving with high engine

speed could cause vehicle damage not
covered by vehicle warranty.

Note:

Drive modes could affect when the

vehicle shifts into the requested gear.

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Manually Shifting Gears in Drive (D)

Use this feature to temporarily change gear.

Note:

We recommend using this feature for

engine braking or driving on hilly or
mountainous roads.

•

Pull any paddle to switch the feature on.

•

Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift.

•

Pull the left (-) paddle to downshift.

•

Hold the + paddle for a few seconds to
switch the feature off.

Note:

The feature switches off after a short

period of time if neither paddle is pulled.

Manual Park Release

WARNING: 

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, apply the
parking brake prior to doing this
procedure. Use wheel chocks if
appropriate.

261

Transmission

WARNING: 

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.

WARNING: 

Do not drive your vehicle

until you verify that the stoplamps are
working.

Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in the
event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.

Activating the Manual Park Release Cable

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1.

Apply the parking brake.   See 

Electric

Parking Brake

 (page 272).

Note:

If the vehicle battery is dead, for

example, no electrical power is available,
you could require an external power source
to apply the parking brake.

2. Using a flat head screwdriver 4.7 in

(120 mm), carefully open the access cover
under the arm rest console.

3. Turn the vehicle ignition on without

starting the vehicle. Press the push to
start button without pressing the brake.

4. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the

brake pedal and hold. Do not release.

5. Insert a screwdriver fully into the Manual

Park Release lever slot, pull the Manual
Park Release lever toward the rear until
the detent in the slot pops up against the
screwdriver. Allow 0.3 in (7 mm) of full
upward travel of the detent, which locks
in the park override mode, and you can
remove the screwdriver. If done correctly,
a message on the instrument cluster
displays Park Not Available, Transmission
Not in Park or Shift System Fault.

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262

Transmission

Note:

A screwdriver tool longer than 4.7 in

(120 mm) could hit the underside of the
armrest console before you achieve full
travel of the detent.

6. With your foot still fully applied on the

brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake.  See 

Electric Parking Brake

 (page

272).

7.

Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for
emergency towing purposes.

8. Switch off the ignition.

9. Once it is safe to do so, and there is no

risk of your vehicle rolling, disconnect
the negative, black, battery cable from
the battery.

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Mode

1.

Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the
negative, black, battery cable to the
battery.

2. Apply the parking brake.   See 

Electric

Parking Brake

 (page 272).

Note:

 If the vehicle battery is dead, you

could require an external power source to
apply the parking brake.

3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do

not release.

4. Insert the screwdriver fully into the

Manual Park Release lever slot. Push the
tool downwards. The system detent
releases and the Manual Park Release
lever moves forward, allowing the vehicle
to go back into the park (P) position.
Remove the screwdriver.

5. Install the access cover.

6. With your foot fully applied on the brake

pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm that
your vehicle is in the park (P) position and
that the instrument cluster indicates park
(P).

7.

If the instrument cluster does not display
the park (P) position or there is a
message stating Park Not Available,
Transmission Not In Park or Shift System
Fault, apply the parking brake before
exiting your vehicle. Contact an
authorized dealer.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or
Snow

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

Note:

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine

is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.

Note:

Do not rock the vehicle for more than

a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires could occur, or the engine could
overheat.

263

Transmission

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

WARNING: 

Vehicles with a higher

center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.

WARNING: 

Do not become

overconfident in the ability of all-wheel
drive vehicles. Although an all-wheel drive
vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at
a safe speed.

The intelligent AWD system continuously
monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. It combines transparent
all-surface operation with highly capable
all-wheel drive.

The AWD system is always active and
requires no driver input. It is capable of
handling all road conditions including street
and highway driving as well as off-road and
winter driving. You can optimize more AWD
control by selecting different drive modes.
See 

Selecting a Drive Mode

 (page 343).

Note:

A warning message displays in the

information display when an AWD system
fault is present.  See 

Information Messages

(page 142).  A AWD system fault causes the
AWD system to default to rear-wheel drive
only mode. When this warning message
displays, have your vehicle serviced.

Note:

A warning message displays in the

information display if the AWD system
overheats.  See 

Information Messages

(page 142).  This condition could occur if you
operate your vehicle 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 you restart the engine and the
AWD system adequately cools, the warning
message turns off and normal AWD function
returns.

Operating All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles With Spare Tires

Do not use a different size spare tire other
than the tire provided. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system will disable and
enter rear-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components. Some limited AWD
traction could be provided if the mini-spare
is installed on one of the front wheels. If you
are in driving conditions where limited AWD
traction is needed while the mini-spare is
installed, it is recommended the mini-spare
be installed on the front axle.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

If the mini-spare is installed, this condition is
indicated by a warning in the information
display.

The slip response system could activate if
the mini spare is installed on the front
wheels. If the mini spare was installed on the
rear wheels the slip response system will
fully disable. In situations where there is a
wintery mix or an off road situation, and you
need to use a mini spare, you must install
the mini spare in the front tire position and
move a full size tire to the rear tire position
for the slip response system to function.

Operating ALL-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles with Mismatched Tires

WARNING: 

Only use replacement

tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating, and type as those
originally provided for your vehicle. The
recommended tire and wheel sizes can be
found on the Tire Label on the driver side
door frame or the edge of the driver door.
If this information is not found in those
locations, or for additional options, contact

your authorized dealer. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended, could affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.

Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to rear-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system.

For optimum AWD Performance, it is
recommended to follow the tire rotation
maintenance schedule. To avoid potential
AWD malfunction or AWD system damage,
it is recommended to replace all four tires
rather than mixing significantly worn tires
with new tires. For example, using 3 worn
tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same
original tire size/brand, can be tolerated by
the AWD system as long as the worn tires
still have usable tread depth.

How Your Vehicle Differs from Other
Vehicles

Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle could be
higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or damaging
underbody components.

The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently than
an ordinary passenger car.

Maintain steering wheel control at all times,
especially in rough terrain. Since sudden
changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip
the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.

Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.

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All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the area.
To maintain steering and braking control of
your vehicle, you must have all four wheels
on the ground and they must be rolling, not
sliding or spinning.

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

Note:

Use of the AWD system in slippery,

deep snow and sand drive modes on dry
surfaces could produce some vibration and
driveline bind up and, or excessive tire wear,
as the intent of these drive modes are for
slippery and loose surfaces.

Note:

You can use AWD vehicles 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.

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.

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

•

It often could 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.

266

All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

WARNING: 

Apply the parking brake,

shift into park (P), switch the ignition off
and remove the key before you leave your
vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: 

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.

WARNING: 

Do not spin the wheels

at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
could 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.

It could be beneficial to disengage Traction
Control while attempting to rock the vehicle.

Note:

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine

is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.

Note:

Do not rock the vehicle for more than

a few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires could occur or the engine could
overheat.

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
can 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

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 is 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.

267

All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and cause
the vehicle to become stuck to the point that
assistance could be required from another
vehicle. Remember, you could 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 could be
limited.

Note:

Driving through deep water could

damage your vehicle.

When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly.
If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle
could stall.

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

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.

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.

“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

Although natural obstacles could 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.

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.

268

All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)

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 turn around
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 can cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting
in loss of vehicle control.

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.

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 your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your 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 could accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
will not stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.

269

All-Wheel Drive

 (If Equipped)