LINCOLN AVIATOR 2021 Owners Manual

Special Loading Instructions for
Owners of Pick-up Trucks and Utility-
type Vehicles
WARNING: When loading the
roof racks, we recommend you evenly
distribute the load, as well as maintain
a low center of gravity. Loaded
vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded
vehicles. Take extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased
stopping distance, when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.
AIR SUSPENSION
(IF EQUIPPED) WARNING:
If your vehicle has
self-leveling air suspension, you must
switch the system off before carrying out
any maintenance or repair. Failure to follow
this warning could result in serious
personal injury or death. The air suspension system automatically
adjusts to maintain a constant frame height,
allows for ease of vehicle loading, provides
improved vehicle ride, and increased driver
comfort.
You can adjust different ride settings through
the selectable drive modes.
See Selecting
a Drive Mode (page 329).
Note: The air suspension system may not
operate properly if you exceed the load limit.
See
Load Limit (page 334).
Note: When your vehicle is off, the air
compressor may run for a short time. This is
normal.
Switching the systems on or off
You can access the air suspension, liftgate
and easy entry features through the
information display menu settings.
See
General Information (page 134).
Using the Service Mode
When the service mode is active, the air
suspension does not make any adjustments
while your vehicle is stationary. Note:
Always switch the air suspension
service mode to on before servicing your
vehicle.
Using Cargo Loading
The air suspension cargo loading feature
lowers your vehicle for easier access when
the system detects the liftgate is opening.
When the liftgate is closed your vehicle
returns to its normal height after a short time.
Note: To preserve your vehicle battery, your
vehicle may only lower for cargo mode one
to two times per ignition cycle.
Using Easy Entry
The air suspension can lower your vehicle
to an easier access entry height when the
system detects the intelligent access key,
you press the unlock button, use the remote
start, or use Phone as a Key.
The leveling process stops when you open
a door or the target level is achieved.
Note: To stop the leveling process, press the
lock button on the intelligent access key.
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Note:
To preserve your vehicle battery, your
vehicle may only lower for easy entry one to
two times per ignition cycle.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers
beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit
of your vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury. WARNING:
Do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Note: See
Recommended Towing
Weights (page 341).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,
such as fuses or relays, related to
towing.
See Fuses (page 368). Your vehicle's load capacity designation
is by weight, not by volume, so you
cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect
these components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement
affects your vehicle when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest to
the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items centered
between the left and right side trailer
tires. •
Load the heaviest items above the
trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not
allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the correct
rise or drop and load capacity. When
both the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly angled
down toward your vehicle, when
viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may
be present due to the increased payload
weight. Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing is located in
another chapter of this manual.
See
Load Limit (page 334).
You can also find information in the
RV
& Trailer Towing Guide available at your
authorized dealer, or online.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING: Turning off trailer sway
control increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford does
not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation.
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed. The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine torque
to aid vehicle stability. If the trailer begins
to sway, the stability control warning lamp
flashes and a message appears in the
information display. See Information
Messages (page 140). Slow your vehicle
down, pull safely to the side of the road and
check for correct load distribution. See Load
Carrying
(page 334).
You can switch this feature off in the
information display. When you switch the
ignition on, the system automatically turns
on.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: Do not exceed the trailer weight
for your vehicle configuration listed in
the chart below. Note:
Be sure to take into consideration
trailer frontal area. Do not exceed 55 ft²
(5.11 m²) if your vehicle can tow a class
III trailer.
Note: Your vehicle could have reduced
performance when operating at high
altitudes and when heavily loaded or
towing a trailer. When driving at
elevation, in order to match driving
performance as perceived at sea level,
reduce gross vehicle weight and gross
combination weight by 2% per
1,000 ft
(300 m) elevation.
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Note:
Certain states require electric
trailer brakes for trailers over a specified
weight. Be sure to check state
regulations for this specified weight. The
maximum trailer weights listed may be
limited to this specified weight, as the
vehicle ’s electrical system may not
include the wiring connector needed to
activate electric trailer brakes. Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided
the maximum trailer weight is less than
or equal to the maximum trailer weight
listed for your vehicle configuration on
the following chart. Maximum Trailer Weight
Drive
Transmission
Engine
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
AWD 1
10-Speed Automatic Transmission
(10R80)
3.0L GTDI PHEV
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
AWD 2
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
2WD 1
10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10R60)
3.0L GTDI 6,700 lb (3,040 kg)
2WD 2
5,600 lb (2,540 kg)
AWD 1
6,700 lb (3,040 kg)
AWD 2
1 Without Trailer Tow Package.
2 With Trailer Tow Package.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with towing
accessories for the proper installation
and adjustment specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer.
See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 564).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's load
in the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page
334).
Remember to account for the trailer tongue
weight as part of your vehicle load when
calculating the total vehicle weight. Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
A weight distributing hitch is not required for
your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note:
Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hook
retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’ s safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground. Trailer Brakes 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.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install
them properly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The trailer
brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined weight
rating.
Safe control of towed vehicles requires
separate functioning brake systems for
vehicles and trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb (680 kg)
when loaded.
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Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailer
lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;
this may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.
Make sure all running lights, brake lights,
direction indicators and hazard flashers are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to
get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip. When
turning, make wider turns so the trailer
wheels clear curbs and other obstacles. When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after
you have traveled
50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control
may turn off automatically when you are
towing on long, steep grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective. •
If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and transmission
cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a
trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in park
(P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included
with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
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Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise
above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than
6 in (15 cm)
above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or other
axle repair is required. TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing WARNING:
If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the ignition
is in the accessory or on position when
being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle transport
trailer, it can be flat-towed with all wheels on
the ground, regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration, under the
following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for towing
in a forward direction.
• Refer to the Manual Park Release
procedure. See Automatic Transmission
(page 245). Failing to do so could result
in damage to the transmission.
• Maximum speed is
35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km). Note:
If you are unsure of the vehicle ’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could occur.
Place the front wheels on a two-wheel tow
dolly. If you are using a tow dolly, follow the
instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could occur.
We recommend towing your vehicle with all
four wheels off the ground, such as when
using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you
cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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Recreational Towing - All-Wheel and
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could occur.
We recommend towing your vehicle with all
four wheels off the ground, such as when
using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you
cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop without
warning. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position, the
engine is overheating.
See Gauges (page
126).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain. The
engine continues to operate with limited
power for a short period of time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually. 1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop
your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level.
See Engine
Coolant Check (page 390).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the conditions
you drive under, and how you maintain your
vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop. •
Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at
55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less fuel than
traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
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