flat tire LINCOLN AVIATOR 2005 Owner's Manual

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
When the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire
information placard (label). Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can eventually lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Even if your vehicle is
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, it is still important
that you manually check the inflation pressure of your tires regularly.
Each tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly when cold and
set to the recommended inflation pressure which can be found on either
the tire label or certification label which is located on the B-Pillar or the
edge of the driver’s door.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is NOT a substitute for
manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be
checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, see
Inspecting and inflating your tiresin this chapter. Failure to
properly maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire
failure, loss of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Changing tires with TPMS
It is recommended that you always
have your tires serviced by a dealer
or qualified technician.Each road
tire is equipped with a tire
pressure sensor mounted on the
wheel inside the tire connected
to the valve stem. The tire
pressure sensor must be
unbolted from the wheel prior to
tire removal. The sensor can be
removed by loosening the nut at the valve stem. Failure to
remove the sensor may damage it.The rubber grommet (washer)
between the wheel and the tire pressure sensor needs to be replaced
whenever the sensor is removed to minimize air leaks.
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The tire pressure should be checked periodically (at least monthly) using
an accurate tire gauge, refer toInspecting and inflating your tiresin
this chapter.
Understanding your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System measures pressure in your four
road tires and sends the tire pressure readings to your vehicle every
minute while you are driving and once an hour when your vehicle is
parked. The Low Tire Warning Lamp will turn ON if the tire pressure is
25% below the pressure listed on the tire label (approximately 6 to 9 psi
below the manufacturer’s recommend tire pressure). If the tire pressure
increases 2 psi above the“Light ON”threshold, then the TPMS light will
turn OFF. Once the light is illuminated, your tires are under inflated and
need to be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure.
Even if the light turns ON and a short time later turns OFF, your tire
pressure still needs to be checked.
In short, once the light has turned ON, at least one tire may be under
inflated.
When your temporary spare tire is installed
When one of your road tires needs to be replaced with the temporary
spare, the TPMS system will continue to identify an issue to remind you
that the damaged road wheel/tire needs to be repaired and put back on
your vehicle. During this time, the low tire warning light can periodically
return or stay on, depending on the state of the damaged road
wheel/tire. This will include the message center messages (if equipped).
To restore the full functionality of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System,
have the damaged road wheel/tire repaired and remounted on your
vehicle. For additional information, refer toChanging tires with TPMS
in this section.
When you believe your system is not operating properly
The main function of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is to warn you
when your tires need air. It can also warn you in the event the system is
no longer capable of functioning as intended. Please refer to the
following chart for information concerning your Tire Pressure Monitoring
System:
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Low Tire Warning
LightCustomer Action Required
Solid Warning Light 1. Check your tire pressure to ensure they are
properly inflated, refer toInspecting and
inflating your tiresin this chapter. Ford
recommends the use of a digital or dial type
tire pressure gauge rather than a stick type
tire pressure gauge for increased accuracy.
2. After inflating your tires to the
manufacturer’s recommended air pressure as
shown on the Tire Label (located on the
driver’s door or the B-Pillar), the vehicle must
be driven for at least two minutes at 20 mph
(32 km/h) to guarantee that the light will turn
off.
3. If the light remains on even after these
steps have been taken, have the system
inspected by your servicing dealership
Flashing Warning Light
(flashes for 20 to 30
seconds either at
start-up or while
driving)1. Your spare tire is in use. Repair the
damaged road wheel and re-mount it on the
vehicle to restore system functionality. For a
description of how the system functions under
these conditions, refer to When You Have a
Flat Tire in this section.
2. If your tires are inflated to the
manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure,
and your spare tire is not in use, and a
flashing low time warning light is still present,
have the system inspected by your servicing
dealership.
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When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires. Here are the details:
•The tire pressure monitor sensors mounted in your wheels updates
your vehicle with tire pressure information only once every minute,
therefore it may take up to a minute for the light to turn off after you
have filled your tires to the recommended tire pressure.
•If your vehicle has been parked for over 15 minutes, the sensors go
into a low power mode to conserve battery life and therefore only
transmit about once an hour. If you inflate your tires under these
conditions, the light could take up to an hour to turn off after you
have filled your tires to the recommended tire pressure.
For these reasons, the low tire warning light is NOT a substitute for
using an accurate tire gauge when checking and filling your tires. The
best way to turn off the low tire warning light is to fill your tires to the
recommended tire pressure and drive your vehicle—the tire pressure
sensors in your wheels will update your vehicle with the updated tire
pressure when your vehicle reaches a speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) for at
least a minute.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. The pressure in each tire is dependent upon several
factors, one of them being the contained air temperature (temperature of
the air inside the tire). As the contained air temperature increases, the
tire pressure also increases. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. This increase in tire pressure
is due to an increase in the contained air temperature. Contained air
temperature is dependent upon several factors such as rate of tire
rotation, tire deflection, amount of braking, etc. In similar manner, the
tire pressure will decrease if the contained air temperature decreases.
For example, if the vehicle is stationary over night with the outside
temperature significantly lower than the daytime temperature, the tire
pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi (20.7 kPa) for a drop of 30°
F (16.6°C) in ambient temperature. This lower pressure value may be
detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower than the cold pressure
indicated on your vehicles tire label, and activate the TPMS warning for
low tire pressure. If the low warning light is on, visually check each tire
to verify that no tire is flat. If one or more tires are flat, repair as
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necessary. If all tires appear to be inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to
the nearest location where air can be added to the tires. Turn the
ignition to the“off”position. Inflate all the tires to the recommended
cold pressure.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System complies with part 15 of the FCC
rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is NOT a substitute for
manually checking tire pressure. The tire pressure should be
checked periodically (at least monthly) using a tire gauge, see
Inspecting and inflating your tiresin this chapter. Failure to
properly maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire
failure, loss of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only cable type chains or chains offered by Ford as an accessory
or equivalent. Other conventional link type chains may contact and
cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or body.
•Do not install chains on the front wheels. Chains on the front wheels
may interfere with suspension components.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
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•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
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:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
Speed sensitive steering
Your vehicle is equipped with speed sensitive, variable assist power
steering. At low speeds, steering assist will adjust to reduce efforts and
improve low speed maneuverability and at high speeds, the assist will
adjust to improve steering feel.
If the amount of effort required to steer your vehicle changes while
driving at a constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system
checked by your dealer or a qualified service technician.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
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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.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), the system indicator light may illuminate depending on
how much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
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 hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may 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.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 36,000
miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (2.0 gallons [7.5L], maximum two occurrences within 12
month period)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents, are covered (some
exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theOwner Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
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Roadside Emergencies
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•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between gears occurs. Unnecessary shifting of
this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
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Steering
speed sensitive .......................275
Steering wheel
controls ....................................134
tilting .......................................121
T
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Driving .....................................288
Maintenance and
Specifications ..........................247
Roadside Emergencies ...........229
Warning Displays ......................13
Tires ...........................223–224, 229
alignment ................................244
care ..........................................243
changing ..........................229, 234
checking the pressure ............226
inspecting and inflating .........225
label .........................................242
replacing ..........................228, 234
rotating ....................................245
safety practices .......................244
sidewall information ...............238
snow tires and chains ............251
spare tire .................229, 231–233
terminology .............................225
tire grades ...............................224
treadwear ........................224, 243
Towing .......................................258
recreational towing .................264
trailer towing ..........................258
wrecker ....................................309Transmission .............................276
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....276
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................350
fluid, refill capacities ..............352
lubricant specifications ..354, 356
Trunk .........................................161
Turn signal ................................109
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................356
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................358
Vehicle loading ..........................252
Ventilating your vehicle ...........268
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................328
Water, Driving through .............291
Windows
power .......................................125
rear wiper/washer ...................121
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ........................................120
checking and adding fluid .....328
liftgate reservoir .....................328
operation .................................120
replacing wiper blades ...........121
Wrecker towing .........................309
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