traction control FORD FREESTYLE 2008 User Guide

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 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).
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-highway 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.
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
263
ProCarManuals.com

alignment ................................220
care ..........................................216
changing ..................273, 276–277
checking the pressure ............216
inflating ...................................213
label .........................................226
replacing ..................................217
rotating ....................................220
safety practices .......................219
sidewall information ...............221
snow tires and chains ............231
spare tire .................................274
terminology .............................213
tire grades ...............................212
treadwear ........................212, 216
Towing .......................................237
recreational towing .................239
trailer towing ..........................237
wrecker ....................................286
Traction control ........................250
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................330
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
lubricant specifications ..........334
Transmission .............................252
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....252Trunk .........................................140
Turn signal ..................................91
U
USB port ......................................38
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................337
Vehicle loading ..........................231
Ventilating your vehicle ...........244
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................306
Water, Driving through .............263
Windows
power .......................................101
rear wiper/washer .....................96
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................96
checking and adding fluid .....306
replacing wiper blades ...........307
Wrecker towing .........................286
2008 Taurus X(219)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
346
ProCarManuals.com