towing LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 2015 Owner's Manual
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11. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so thatthe height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1
and H2.
12. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle. If it is not, remove the trailer, adjust the ball height
accordingly, and repeat Steps 5 -11.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:
• Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
• Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the
hitch.
• Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by
law or the trailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note: Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the chains 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.
Separate functioning brake systems are required for safe control
of towed vehicles and trailers weighing more than 1500 pounds
(680 kilograms) 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 a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights 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 miles
(800 kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
the gearshift in position Pto aid engine and transmission cooling and
to help air conditioning 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.
• If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac™ with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded
trailer. This is normal. Turning the corner at a slower speed while
towing may reduce this tendency.
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•If your vehicle is equipped with Continuous Controlled Damping
Suspension (CCD Suspension), you can select NORMAL or SPORT
drive control modes for better experience while towing a trailer. See
the Information Displays chapter for details on selecting driving
modes.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions,
at the gross combined weight rating (or any combination of these
factors), consider refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant
(if the axle is not already filled with it). See the Capacities and
Specifications chapter for the lubricant specification.
• 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 position P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included with vehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. A “temporary” spare tire is different in size (diameter or width),
tread-type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
than the road tires on your vehicle. Consult information on the tire label
or Safety Compliance label for limitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer beforebacking the trailer into
the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer afterremoving 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 inches (15 centimeters)
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 submerges in
water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle lubricant, which does
not normally require checking or changing unless it is leaking or other
axle repair is required.
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Recovery Hooks
WARNING:Using recovery hooks is dangerous and should only
be done by a person familiar with proper vehicle recovery safety
practices. Improper use of recovery hooks may cause hook failure or
separation from the vehicle and could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING: Always slowly remove the slack from the recovery
strap prior to pulling. Failure to do so can introduce significantly
higher loads which can cause the recovery hooks to break off, or the
recovery strap to fail which can cause serious injury or death.
WARNING: Never link two straps together with a clevis pin.
These heavy metal objects could become projectiles if the strap
breaks and can cause serious injury or death.
Your vehicle may come equipped with frame-mounted front recovery
hooks. These hooks should never have a load applied to them greater
than the gross vehicle weight rating of your vehicle.
Before using recovery hooks:
• Make sure all attaching points are secure and capable of withstanding
the applied load.
• Never use chains, cables or tow straps with metal hook ends.
• Only use recovery straps that have a minimum breaking strength two
to three times the gross vehicle weight of the stuck vehicle.
• Make sure the recovery strap is in good condition and free of visible
cuts, tears or damage.
• Use a damper device such as a tarp, heavy blanket or piece of carpet
draped over the recovery strap to help absorb the energy in the event
the strap breaks.
• Make sure the stuck vehicle is not loaded heavier than its gross
vehicle weight rating specified on the certification label.
• Always align the tow vehicle and stuck vehicle in a straight line
(within 10 degrees).
• Keep bystanders to the sidesof the vehicle, at a distance of at least
twice the length of the recovery strap. This helps avoid injury from
the hazard of a recovery hook or strap breaking, or a vehicle lurching
into their path.
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TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
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.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment
to tow your vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company
has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. Vehicle damage may
occur if towed incorrectly, or by any other means.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your two-wheel drive vehicle towed with the
front wheels on the ground (without dollies) and the rear wheels off the
ground.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drive vehicle with all wheels off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment.
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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,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (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.
• Place the transmission in position N.See Automatic transmission in
the Transmission chapter if you cannot move the transmission into
N.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See the Climate
Control chapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing, such
as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission.
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, you cannot tow your vehicle.
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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Getting Roadside Assistance
If you ever need help on the road, the Lincoln Motor Company is there
for you with nationwide, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week assistance.
The service is available:
•Throughout the life of the vehicle for original owners.
• For six years or 70000 miles (112655 kilometers) (whichever comes
first) within the extended powertrain warranty coverage period for
subsequent owners.
• For the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner’s Manual portfolio.
This complimentary Roadside Assistance program is separate from the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and includes:
• A flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles 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 (7.5 liters)
of gasoline or 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters) of diesel fuel to a disabled
vehicle. Roadside Assistance limits fuel delivery service 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 – Lincoln eligible vehicles to the client’s selling or preferred
dealer within 100 miles (161 kilometers) of the disablement location
or to the nearest Lincoln dealer. If a client requests a tow to a selling
or preferred dealer that is more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from
the disablement location, the client shall be responsible for any
mileage costs in excess of 100 miles (161 kilometers).
Roadside Assistance will include up to $200 coverage for a towed trailer
if the disabled eligible vehicle requires service at the nearest authorized
dealer. If the towing vehicle is operational but the trailer is not, then the
trailer does not qualify for any roadside services.
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Vehicles sold in the United States: Using roadside assistance
United States Lincoln vehicle clients who require Roadside Assistance,
call 1-800-521-4140. If you need to arrange roadside assistance for
yourself, Ford Motor Company will reimburse a reasonable amount for
towing to the nearest Lincoln dealership within 100 miles
(161 kilometers). To obtain reimbursement information, United States
Lincoln vehicle clients, call 1-800-521-4140. Clients will be asked to
submit their original receipts.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside Assistance
Canadian clients who require roadside assistance, call 1-800-387-9333.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Using Roadside Assistance
For your convenience, you may complete the roadside assistance
identification card found in the centerfold of this warranty guide and
retain for future reference.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefits may differ from the U.S.
coverage. If you require more information, please refer to the coverage
section of your warranty guide, call us in Canada at 1-800-387-9333 or
visit our website at www.lincolncanada.com.
Sykes Assistance Services Corporation administers the Roadside
Assistance program. You must receive covered services in Canada or the
continental United States. Coverage extends to vehicles that use public,
non-seasonal, annually traveled roadways. Roadside Assistance coverage
does not extend to vehicles involved in cross-country driving, logging,
autocross and any other form of off-road use. Well maintained roads and
surfaces help ensure safe travel for the Supplier, and allow their
representatives to perform service as per the standard operating
procedures.
In Remote Locations
If our supplier cannot take your vehicle by road to the nearest
authorized dealership, transportation by rail or water may be necessary.
The program covers a tow to the dock or rail terminal and also to the
dealership at the end of the trip. For rail or water transportation,
however, contact your authorized dealer to confirm if you are eligible for
additional coverage before you authorize or pay for the service. Call the
Lincoln Roadside Assistance at 1-800-387-9333 for additional information.
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The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly can lead
to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
• Comfort and noise
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs
• Winter weather driving capability
• Wet weather driving capability
• All-wheel driving capability (if applicable)
• Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly,
additional caution should be given to:
• towing a trailer.
• driving vehicles equipped with a camper body.
• driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel,
and seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNING: When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the transmission is in park (P).
WARNING: To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure to place the transmission in park (P), set
the parking brake and block (in both directions) the wheel that is
diagonally opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being
changed.
WARNING: Never get underneath a vehicle that is supported
only by a jack. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone
else could be seriously injured.
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•Rear
• Note: Jack at the specified locations to avoid damage to the vehicle.
13. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
14. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem
is facing outward.
15. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not
fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
16. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise. 17. Remove the jack and fully
tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown and reinstall the wheel cover.
SeeWheel Lug Nut Torque
Specifications later in this chapter
for the proper lug nut torque
specification.
18. Unblock the wheels.
19. Put flat tire, jack, lug wrench and tools away. Make sure the jack bag
is properly reinstalled around the jack and tools assembly tray with the
strap securely fastened. Be sure to tighten the wing nut sufficiently so it
does not rattle when you drive.
Stowing the Spare Tire
1. Lay the tire on the ground, near the rear of the vehicle, with the valve
stem side facing up.
1
3
5 4
6
2
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