User manual FORD EXCURSION-2001

[. . . ] 2 Notice to 4x2 utility vehicle owners All occupants should always wear the safety belts provided and children/infants should use appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection. Driving at speeds safe for road conditions and the use of safety belts are the best means of avoiding the possibility of accident and serious injury. Ford Motor Company reserves the right at any time to change information provided herein, including specifications, design or testing procedures without incurring obligation. NOTICE TO 4X2 UTILITY VEHICLE OWNERS Although this supplement is primarily directed to 4WD or AWD vehicle operators, these principles of safe driving also apply to operators of two-wheel drive utility vehicles. [. . . ] Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles for stopping. Use a "squeeze" technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels, release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. See your "Owner's Guide" for additional information on the 8 Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD operation of the anti-lock brake system. Parking Before leaving the driver's seat, you should make sure that the gearshift is engaged in P (Park) with an automatic transmission or either 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with a manual transmission. Set the parking brake fully, shut off the ignition and remove the key. On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral) position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in N (Neutral) position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition when leaving the vehicle. DRIVING OFF-ROAD WITH 4WD OR AWD When using 4WD or AWD, maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. 9 Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Instead, shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible. 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 Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even 4WD 10 Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD and AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. [. . . ] Ford recommends that caution be used with any vehicle equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box cover). Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of vehicle chassis 17 Hauling cargo and vehicle handling components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to heavy off-road usage. Refer to the "Owner's Guide" and "Service Guide" for proper maintenance instructions and schedules. [. . . ]