towing FORD EXPEDITION 1997 1.G User Guide

should the vehicle weight ratings
per axle or combination truck and
trailer exceed the weight ratings
listed on the Safety Compliance
Certification label located on the
driver's side door.
When connecting a trailer hitch:
1. Turn off the air suspension
switch.
2. Connect the trailer.
3. Turn the air suspension back on.
Adjusting an equalizing
hitch so the rear bumper
of the vehicle is lower or higher
than it was unloaded will defeat
the function of the load
equalizing hitch and may cause
unpredictable handling.
Driving while towing a trailer
Speed control (if equipped) may
not work properly while towing on
long, steep grades.
Driving with an automatic
transmission:
²use D, 1 or 2 rather than
Dwhile towing up or down
steep hills
²anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
Towing behind another vehicle
Your vehicle can not be flat towed
with all wheels on the ground.
No neutral tow kit is available for
your vehicle.
exd_driving_trailer
exd_towing_another_vehicle
exd_servicing_while_towing
Driving
132

Servicing while towing
If you tow a trailer for long
distances, your vehicle requires
more frequent service than a
vehicle not used for towing. Refer
to the ªService GuideºSevere
Duty Schedulefor more
information on maintenance
intervals.
Using a step bumper
The rear bumper is equipped with
an intregal hitch and requires only
a ball with a 1 inch shank
diameter. The bumper has a 1814
kg (4000 lb) trailer weight and 181
kg (400 lb) tongue weight
capability.
Use a frame mounted weight
distributing hitch for trailers over
1814 kg (4000 lb).
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel economy can be improved by
avoiding:
²lack of regular, scheduled
maintenance
²excessive speed
²rapid acceleration
exd_step_bumper
com_fuel_consumption.01
Driving
133

4. Remove the end of the cable
from the wheel and slide the spare
out from under the vehicle.
To re-install the spare tire or tools,
reverse the removal procedure.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior
to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
Tire change procedure
Refer to the instruction sheet for
detailed tire change instructions.
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Activate the hazard flashers.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Place the gearshift in P(Park).
5. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
OFF
exd_change_proc
exd_removing_flat
Roadside emergencies
146

3. Once the engine has been
started, run both vehicles for a
further three minutes before
disconnecting the leads.
Removing the jumper cables
1. Remove the jumper cables in
reverse order. Take the cable off
the metallic surface (1) first,
followed by the cable on the
negative (-) booster battery
terminal (2).
2. Remove the cable from the
positive (+) terminal of the booster
battery (3) and then the
discharged battery (4).
3. After the disabled vehicle has
been started, allow it to idle for a
while so the engine can ªrelearnº
its idle conditions.
+–
+–
2
3
4
1
com_removing_cables.01
exd_wrecker_towing
Roadside emergencies
153

WRECKER TOWING
If towing is necessary, it is
recommended that your vehicle be
towed with wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with
slingbelt equipment. Ford Motor
Company has not developed or
approved a slingbelt towing
procedure.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to
tow the vehicle with the front
wheels on the ground and the rear
wheels off the ground.
On vehicles equipped with
Air Suspension, turn OFF
the Air Suspension switch prior
to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
Roadside emergencies
154

Changing the engine oil and
filter
Change your engine oil and filter
according to the following
kilometers (mileage) and time
requirements, whichever occurs
first:
²Normal Schedule ± 8,000 km
(5,000 miles) or six months.
²Severe Duty Schedule ± 5,000
km (3,000 miles) or three
months. Severe duty operation
would include extensive idling,
trailer towing, driving in severe
dust and police, taxi or delivery
service.
Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed
for added engine protection and
long life. If a replacement oil filter
is used that does not meet Ford
material and design specifications,
startup engine noises or knock
may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the
appropriate Motorcraft oil filter (or
another brand meeting Ford
specifications) for your engine
application.
Checking and adding brake
fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed at least once
each year:
exd_fix-me
com_checking-adding_fluid.01
Maintenance and care
162

Trailer towing
calculating maximum trailer
weight ......................................127
Transfer case (see Differential
fluid) ...................................175,176
Transmission ......................114,172
Transmission control switch ......49
Trip odometer .............................17
Turn signal ..................................47
indicator lights ..........................12
Vehicle dimensions ...................218
Vehicle headlamp aiming
device (VHAD) .........................206
Ventilating your vehicle ...........105
Voltmeter (see Battery voltage
gauge) ..........................................16Warning chimes
headlamps on ............................14
key in ignition ...........................14
safety belt .................................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .8,144,
145
Windows
accessory delay .........................59
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................179
checking and adding fluid .....164
operation ..............................44,45
Wrecker towing .........................154
Index
224