suspension FORD EXPEDITION 2011 3.G User Guide

Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
WARNING:The trailer hitch on this vehicle is part of the
vehicle rear crash safety structure. Do not remove the trailer
hitch. Failure to follow this warning could compromise vehicle crash
structure and increase the risk of injury in a rear end collision.
Integrated hitch rating
The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of
operation:
•Weight-carrying- requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw bar
supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
•Weight-distributing- requires an aftermarket weight-distributing
system which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. The vertical tongue load of the trailer is distributed between
the truck and the trailer by this system.
Mode Maximum Trailer
Weight - lb (kg)Maximum Tongue
Weight - lb (kg)
Weight-carrying 6000 (2721) 600 (272)
Weight-distributing 9200 (4173) 920 (417)
These are hitch ratings only; actual vehicle ratings are dependent on
engine, transmission and axle combinations.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight
exceeds the limit of the towing system and could result in
vehicle structural damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
Weight-distributing hitch
When hooking-up a trailer using a load-equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition in the
on position and all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand (without
passengers) for several minutes so that it can level.
2. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to off.
3. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
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4. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within a12in. (13 mm) of the reference point. After
proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in Step 3.
5. Turn the air suspension (if equipped) control to on.
WARNING:Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of
the weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling,
and could result in serious personal injury.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your chances of having a collision
greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
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Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROLâ„¢ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem provides the following stability
enhancement features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides.
•Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), which functions to help avoid a
vehicle roll-over.
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
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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:
•Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•Uneven vehicle loading
•High crown in center of road
•High crosswinds
•Wheels out of alignment
•Loose or worn suspension components
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and
general vehicle performance during:
•Certain road conditions
•Steering maneuvers
•Braking
•Acceleration
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the springs. If you exceed
the load limit, the rear air suspension may not operate. The air
suspension system will stay active for 40 minutes after the ignition is
turned off to accommodate any load changes. (The air compressor may
run when the vehicle is off; this is normal.)
The air suspension system can be enabled or disabled through the
message center. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
If the system is off, the rear air suspension will not operate and will not
raise (pump) or lower (vent) while the vehicle is not moving. However, if
the system determines that the vehicle is low or high and needs to make
a height adjustment while driving at speeds above 15 mph (24 km/h), the
system will pump or vent as required. Normal vehicle operation does not
require any action by the driver.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with air suspension, turn the
air suspension and the ignition switch off prior to jacking,
hoisting or towing your vehicle.
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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 lift 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 roll over 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 racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
4 — Trailer tow (TT) battery charge
relay
5 — Fuel pump relay
6 — Electronic fan 1 relay
7 — Rear window defroster/heated
mirror relay
8 — Electronic fan 3 relay
9 — Run/Start (R/S) relay
10 — Rear air suspension (RAS) relay
11 40A** Power running board
12 40A** R/S relay
13 30A ** Starter relay
14 40A** Electronic fan
15 — Not used
16 40A** Electronic fan
17 — Not used
18 30A** Trailer brake
19 60A** RAS relay feed
20 20A** 4x4 module
21 30A** TT battery charge relay
22 30A** Passenger power seat
23 — A/C clutch relay
24 — TT park lamp relay
25 — Not used
26 15A* Transmission control module
(TCM) keep-alive power
27 20A* 4x4
28 25A* Trailer tow park lamp relay
29 20A* Backup lamps, Integrated wheel
end solenoid
30 10A* A/C clutch relay
31 — Not used
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Removing the spare tire
1. Remove the jack handle and
winch extension from the tray and
assemble them.
2. Open the spare tire winch access
plug in the bottom of the
compartment for the jack and tools
tray.
3. Insert the winch extension tool
assembly through the access hole in
the floor and engage the winch.
4. To remove the spare tire, turn the
handle counterclockwise until the
tire is lowered to the ground and
the cable is slightly slack.
5. Slide the retainer through the center of the spare tire wheel.
Tire change procedure
WARNING:To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block the
wheels (both front or both rear) on the opposite end of the vehicle
from the wheel being changed. If on a grade, block both opposite
wheels on the downward side of the hill.
WARNING:If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with air suspension, turn off
the Air Suspension system prior to jacking, hoisting or towing
your vehicle.
WARNING:Turn off the running boards (if equipped) before
jacking or placing any object under the vehicle. Never place your
hand between the extended running board and the vehicle. A moving
running board may cause injury.
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WARNING:Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack and changing the
wheel.
Note:Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
If your vehicle is equipped with air suspension, refer toMessage center
in theInstrument Clusterchapter for instructions on turning the air
suspension system off.
Refer to the instruction sheet (located in the rear floor compartment
behind the 3rd row seat with the jack tray tools assembly kit) for
detailed tire change instructions.
1. Block the wheels (both front or
both rear) on the opposite end of
the vehicle from the wheel being
changed. If on a grade, block both
wheels on the downward side of the
hill.
2. Turn off the air suspension
system (if equipped - the air
suspension system is controlled
through the message center. Refer
toAir suspension systemin the
Drivingchapter for more information). Also, turn off the deployable
running boards (if equipped). SeeMessage centerin theInstrument
Clustersection.
3. Obtain the spare tire and jack tools from their storage locations.
4. Use the tip of the jack handle to
remove any wheel trim. Loosen each
wheel lug nut one-half turn
counterclockwise but do not remove
them until the wheel is raised off
the ground.
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13. Turn on the air suspension system (if equipped). Refer toMessage
centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for instructions on turning the
air suspension system on.
Stowing the spare tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground, near the rear of the vehicle, with the valve
stem side facing up.
2. Slide the wheel partially under
the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. If
equipped, you may have to remove
the wheel center cap prior to
pushing the retainer through the
center of the wheel. To remove the
center cap, press it off with the jack
tool from the inner side of the
wheel. After doing so, pull on the
cable to align the components at the
end of the cable.
3. Assemble the jack handle and
winch extension (as shown in
illustration), then insert the winch
extension through the access hole
behind the 3rd row seat and engage the winch.
4. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The wrench will become harder to turn
and the spare tire winch will ratchet or slip when the tire is raised to
maximum tightness. A clicking sound will be heard from the winch
indicating that the tire is properly stowed.
5. Disassemble the jack tool and winch extension and snap them back
into the tool tray. Reinstall the jack bag properly around the jack and
tool assembly tray, making sure the strap is securely fastened. Close the
access hole with the rubber plug. Reinstall the tray into the vehicle and
secure it with the wing nut (turn clockwise until tight).
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WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure. Also, wrecker towing the vehicle
by the frame-mounted tow hooks is not recommended or advised.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with air suspension, the air suspension
control and the ignition must be turned off before being towed. Refer to
Air suspension systemin theDrivingchapter.
On 4x2 vehicles, it is acceptable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the ground.
On 4x4 vehicles, it is required that your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
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