Ford Excursion (2005 year). Manual — part 41

• Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare

tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer
other than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the spare tire label for limitations
when using.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for 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.

• 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

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.

• Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses

caused by water entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

166

Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.

Replace front and rear axle lubricants any time the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.

RECREATIONAL TOWING (ALL WHEELS ON THE GROUND)

An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need for
recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.

2WD vehicles:
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km)
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km)
If a distance of 50 miles (80 km) or a speed of 35 mph (56 km) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed before the vehicle is
towed.

Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.

Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.

4WD vehicles electronic shift transfer case:

4x4 vehicles with electronic shift on the fly cannot be towed with any
wheels on the ground.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

167

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical
accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not
running.

2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,
automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.

3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also allows the automatic transmission shift
lever to be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal
being depressed.

When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P

(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.

5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk

of fire or other damage.

3

1

2

5

4

Driving

Driving

168

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed
areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door

before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in
this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating
and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

Driving

169