trailer LINCOLN MARK LT 2008 User Guide

3.Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within12” (13 mm) of the reference point. After
proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher than in Step 2.
Note:Adjusting a weight distributing hitch so the rear bumper of the
vehicle is higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the
weight distributing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
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.
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.
Note:Trailer brakes are required for trailers over 2,000 lbs. (907 kg).
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. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a ball
with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000 lb.
(2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (227 kg) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
207

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components, do not trailer
tow during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a new vehicle.
•To ensure proper “break-in” of powertrain components during the first
500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. For additional information, refer toAutomatic
transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
208

•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed 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 inches (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 any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. These guidelines are designed to ensure that your
transmission is not damaged.
All vehicles:Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow
your vehicle with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a
car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, seeWrecker
Towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
209

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the gearshift bezel.
The transmission control indicator
(TCIL) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster.
Drive (not shown)
Drive is activated when the transmission control switch is pressed.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (Overdrive), press the transmission control switch.
The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
O/D
OFF
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
222

REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in
reverse and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
224

Objects in the red zone are closest to your vehicle and objects in the
green zone are further away. Objects are getting closer to your vehicle as
they move from the green zone to the yellow or red zones.
Use the side mirrors and rear view mirror to get better coverage on both
sides and rear of the vehicle. When shifting out of reverse and into any
other gear, the image will remain on for a few seconds before it shuts off
to assist in parking or trailer hookup.
When towing, the reverse camera system will only see what is being
towed behind the vehicle; this might not provide adequate coverage as it
usually provides in normal operation and some objects might not be
seen.
The camera lens for the reverse camera system is located on the tailgate,
near the tailgate handle. Keep the lens clean so the video image remains
clear and undistorted. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and
non-abrasive cleaner.
Note:If the reverse camera system image is not clear or seems
distorted, it may be covered with water droplets, snow, mud or any other
substance. If this occurs, clean the camera lens before using the reverse
camera system.
The reverse camera system is a reverse aid supplement device
that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with the rear
view mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.
Objects that are close to either corner of the bumper or under
the bumper, might not be seen on the screen due to the limited
coverage of the reverse camera system.
Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds might limit your
reaction time to stop the vehicle.
Do not use the reverse camera system with the tailgate open.
If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your
authorized dealer to have your rear video system checked for proper
coverage and operation.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
227

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
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 coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
237

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
3 7.5A* Power mirrors, Memory seats and
pedals, Driver power seat
4 10A* DVD battery power, Power fold
mirror
5 7.5A* Keep alive memory for Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) and
climate control module
6 15A* Parklamps, BSM, Instrument
panel illumination
7 5A* Radio (start signal)
8 10A* Heated mirrors, Switch indicator
9 20A* Fuel pump relay, Fuel injectors
10 20A* Trailer tow back-up lamps relay
(PCB1), Trailer tow parklamp
relay (R201)
11 10A* A/C clutch, 4x4 solenoid
12 5A* PCM relay coil
13 10A* Climate control module power,
Flasher relay
14 10A* Back-up lamp and Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) relay coil,
A/C pressure switch, Redundant
speed control switch, Heated PCV,
Trailer tow back-up lamps relay
coil, ABS, Reverse park aid, EC
mirror, Navigation radio (reverse
input)
15 5A* Overdrive cancel, Cluster,
Traction control switch
16 10A* Brake-shift interlock solenoid
17 15A* Fog lamp relay (R202)
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
243

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
35 20A* Instrument cluster high beam
indicator, High beam headlamps
36 10A* Trailer tow right turn/stop lamps
37 20A* Rear power point, Center console
power point
38 25A* Subwoofer power
39 — Not used
40 20A* Low beam headlamps, DRL
41 — Not used
42 10A* Trailer tow left turn/stop lamps
101 30A** Starter solenoid
102 20A** Ignition switch feed
103 20A** ABS valves
104 — Not used
105 30A** Electric trailer brakes
106 30A** Trailer tow battery charge
107 30A** Power door locks (BSM)
108 30A** Passenger power seat
109 30A** Driver power seat, Adjustable
pedals, Memory module (pedals,
seat, mirror)
110 20A** Cigar lighter, Diagnostic connector
power
111 30A** 4x4 relays
112 40A** ABS pump power
113 30A** Wipers and washer pump
114 40A** Heated backlite, Heated mirror
power
115 20A** Moon roof
116 30A** Blower motor
117 20A** Instrument panel power point
118 30A** Heated seats
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
245

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
401 30A Circuit
breakerDelayed accessory power: Power
windows, Moon roof, Power
sliding backlite
R01 Full ISO relay Starter solenoid
R02 Full ISO relay Accessory delay
R03 Full ISO relay Hi-beam headlamps
R04 Full ISO relay Heated backlite
R05 Full ISO relay Trailer tow battery charge
R06 Full ISO relay Blower motor
R201 Half ISO relay Trailer tow park lamps
R202 Half ISO relay Fog lamps
R203 Half ISO relay PCM
* Mini fuses ** Cartridge fuses
Auxiliary relay box
The relay box is located in the engine compartment on the left fender.
•With Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) or 4x4 options
2008 Mark LT(mlt)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
246