trailer LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 2015 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: LINCOLN, Model Year: 2015, Model line: NAVIGATOR, Model: LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 2015Pages: 475, PDF Size: 5.13 MB
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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 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
• 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 your
scheduled maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer to Load limit in theLoad Carrying chapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package
and 7–Pin Connector) When attaching the trailer wiring
connector to your vehicle, only use
a proper fitting connector that
works with the vehicle and trailer
functions. If your vehicle has a
trailer towing package, it may have
a 7–pin connector. Some connectors
may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper
wiring connector and works correctly with your vehicle.
Color Function
1. Yellow Left turn signal and stop lamp
2. White Ground (-)
3. Blue Electric brakes
4. Green Right turn signal and stop lamp
5. Orange Battery (+)
6. Brown Running lights
7. Grey Reverse lights
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Trailer Hitch Cover
Your vehicle is equipped with a removable trailer hitch trim cover. To
remove the trim cover:1. Loosen the two quarter-turn
fasteners in the bottom of the cover
by turning them counterclockwise.
Pull the cover downward to remove
it. The fasteners remain attached to
the cover.
2. To reinstall the cover, insert the
four plastic tabs on top of the cover
into the corresponding slots, as
shown in the illustration and push
the cover up into the bumper trim.
3. Hold the cover against the bumper trim and reinstall the two
quarter-turn fasteners by turning them clockwise.
Hitches
WARNING: The trailer hitch on this vehicle is part of the vehicle
rear crash safety structure. Do not remove the trailer hitch.
Failure to follow this warning could compromise vehicle crash structure
and increase the risk of injury in a rear end crash.
Do not use a hitch that clamps onto your vehicle’s bumper. Use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Integrated Hitch Rating
WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum tongue weight
exceeds the limit of the towing system and could result in vehicle
structural damage, loss of vehicle control and personal injury.
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The standard integrated hitch has two ratings depending on mode of
operation:
•Weight-carrying mode requires a draw bar and hitch ball. The draw
bar supports all the vertical tongue load of the trailer.
• Weight-distributing mode requires an aftermarket weight-distributing
system, which includes draw bar, hitch ball, spring bars and snap-up
brackets. This system distributes the vertical tongue load of the trailer
between the truck and the trailer.
Mode Maximum trailer
weight Maximum tongue
weight
Weight-carrying 6300 lb (2857 kg) 630 lb (285 kg)
Weight-distributing 9000 lb (4082 kg) 900 lb (408 kg)
Note: These are hitch ratings only. Actual vehicle ratings are dependent
on engine, transmission and axle combinations.
Weight-distributing Hitch – Vehicles without Automatic Leveling
Suspension
WARNING: Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use
the following procedure:
1. Park your vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that the height of the front fender is approximately halfway between H1
and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward your vehicle. If not, adjust the ball height accordingly and repeat
Steps 2–6.
Once the trailer is level or slightly nose down toward the vehicle:
• Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
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•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.
Weight-distributing Hitch – Vehicles with Automatic Leveling
Suspension
WARNING: Do not adjust a weight-distributing hitch to any
position where the rear bumper of the vehicle is higher than it
was before attaching the trailer. Doing so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause unpredictable handling, and
could result in serious personal injury.
Note: If you do not move the loaded vehicle for approximately 12 hours,
the leveling system may bleed down to a lower height. This can be
especially apparent if you leave a trailer attached to the parked vehicle
for long periods. You must drive your vehicle in order to re-level the
suspension.
When connecting a trailer to a vehicle with automatic leveling suspension
using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure:
1. Load the interior of the vehicle to a weight similar to that which you intend to carry when towing. This includes things such as passenger
weight and cargo.
2. Drive the vehicle for approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) to re-level the suspension.
3. Park your vehicle, without the trailer, on a level surface.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle’s front wheel opening on the fender. This is H1.
5. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars connected.
6. Make sure you securely attach and lock the trailer tongue to the hitch.
7. Install safety chains, lighting, and trailer brake controls as required by law or the trailer manufacturer.
8. Drive the vehicle and trailer at 20–25 mph (32–40 km/h) for approximately 2 miles (3 kilometers) to re-level the suspension.
9. Park your vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
10. Measure the height to the top of your vehicles front wheel opening on the fender a second time. This is H2.
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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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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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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles
(480 kilometers). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unique
driving characteristics. Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers). Vary your speed frequently and change up through
the gears early. Do not labor the engine. Do not tow during the first
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel
economy:
•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.
There are also some things you may not want to do because they may
reduce your fuel economy:
• Sudden or hard accelerations.
• Rev 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.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for
every 400 pounds [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
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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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