2008 Ford E 250 Owners Manual

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

• If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you • If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below

may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.

your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.

Resuming a set speed Press the RES (resume) control and release it. This will automatically return the vehicle to the previously set speed.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

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Increasing speed while using speed control There are two ways to set a higher speed: • Press and hold the SET ACCEL control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. You can also use the SET ACCEL control to operate the Tap-Up function. Press and release this control to increase the vehicle set speed in increments by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

• Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the

vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET ACCEL control.

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

Reducing speed while using speed control There are two ways to reduce a set speed: • Press and hold the COAST control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. You can also use the COAST control to operate the Tap-Down function. Press and release this control to decrease the vehicle set speed in increments by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

• Depress the brake pedal until the desired vehicle speed is reached, press the SET ACCEL control.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

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Turning off speed control There are two ways to turn off the speed control: • Depress the brake pedal. This will

not erase your vehicle’s previously set speed.

• Press the speed control OFF

control.

Note: When you turn off the speed control or the ignition, your speed control set speed memory is erased.

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Locks and Security

KEYS The key operates all locks on your vehicle. You should always carry a second key with you in a safe place in case you require it in an emergency. If your vehicle is equipped with the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system, your keys are electronically coded to your vehicle; using a non-coded key will not permit your vehicle to start. If you lose your dealer supplied keys, replacement keys are available through your authorized dealer.

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED) Press U to unlock all doors and L to lock all doors.

Memory lock If you lock your doors with the power lock switch or the remote transmitter while the sliding door is open, the door will automatically lock after it is closed.

Autolock feature Note: Your vehicle comes with the autolock feature disabled. The autolock feature will lock all the doors when: • all the doors are closed, • the ignition is in the on position, • you shift into any gear putting the vehicle in motion, and • the vehicle attains a speed greater than 12 mph (20 km/h) for greater

than two seconds.

The autolock feature repeats when: • any door is opened then closed while the ignition is in the on position • the vehicle then attains a speed greater than 12 mph (20 km/h) for

and the vehicle speed is 9 mph (15 km/h) or lower, and

greater than two seconds.

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Deactivating/activating autolock feature Your vehicle comes with the autolock feature disabled; there are two methods to enable/disable this feature: • Through your authorized dealer, or • by using a power door unlock/lock procedure. Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure Before starting, ensure the ignition is in the 3 (OFF) position and all vehicle doors are closed. You must complete Steps 1–5 within 30 seconds or the procedure will have to be repeated. If the procedure needs to be repeated, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before beginning again. 1. Place the key in the ignition and turn the ignition to the 4 (ON) position. 2. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times. 3. Turn the ignition from the 4 (ON) position to the 3 (OFF) position. 4. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times. 5. Turn the ignition back to the 4 (ON) position. The horn will chirp one time to confirm programming mode has been entered and is active. 6. To enable/disable the autolock feature, press the unlock control, then press the lock control. The horn will chirp once if autolock was deactivated or twice (one short and one long chirp) if autolock was activated. 7. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position. The horn will chirp once to confirm the procedure is complete.

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Locks and Security

Back cargo door lock (if equipped) The passenger side rear cargo door has a power door lock control mounted on the inside of the door. When this lock is pressed, all doors will lock/unlock.

or manual door locks.

E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ (if equipped) The E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ insures that the cargo doors are double locked for extra security. E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ features • The E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ is available with either power • The E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ provides extra security via a • The cargo doors can only be unlocked from the outside by using the • The power unlock feature (if equipped with power door locks) will • The E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ is equipped with an emergency unlock handle installed in the door inner panel.

only unlock the front doors.

double-locked design.

keys.

E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ procedure For vehicles equipped with power door locks: • Lock the vehicle with the key, manual door lock, key fob or use the power door lock on the front door trim panel. The front doors are locked and the cargo doors are double-locked.

• Unlock the vehicle with the key fob or use the power door lock on the front door. The front doors are unlocked and the cargo doors remain double-locked.

• The only way to unlock the side or back cargo doors from

outside vehicle is with the key.

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manual door lock.

For vehicles equipped with manual door locks: • The front door locks can be locked by using either the key or the • In order to activate the E-Guard Cargo Protection System™, use the key or the manual door lock to lock the side and back cargo doors. • The cargo doors cannot be unlocked using the manual door

lock.

WARNING: If equipped with E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ occupants may become trapped in the cargo area unless the exit procedure is followed. The cargo doors cannot be unlocked using manual or power door locks or key fob. In an emergency, to exit the cargo area, locate the emergency handle in the rear door or side door, pull the emergency handle to unlock the door, then unlatch the door using the inside release handle.

Emergency lock release The emergency handle in the door trim panel unlocks the E-Guard Cargo Protection System™. The emergency handles are located in the following areas: • The side door emergency handle is located on the door inner trim panel in the speaker cup.

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Locks and Security • The rear door handle is located in

the rear door below the glass.

To open the side or back cargo doors from the inside: 1. Unlock the E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ using the emergency handle. 2. Unlatch the door using the inside release handle.

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The typical operating range for your remote entry transmitter is approximately 33 feet (10 meters). A decrease in operating range could be caused by: • weather conditions, • nearby radio towers, • structures around the vehicle, or • other vehicles parked next to your vehicle.

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The remote entry system allows you to lock or unlock all vehicle doors without a key. Note: • The lock and unlock features

work when the ignition is in any position. • The panic feature is active when the ignition is in either the 1
(ACCESSORY), 2 (LOCK) or 3
(OFF) positions.

If there are problems with the remote entry system, make sure to take ALL remote entry transmitters with you to the authorized dealer in order to aid in troubleshooting the problem. Note: If the vehicle is equipped with the E-Guard Cargo Protection System™ the remote transmitter Unlock command will only unlock the front doors; the only way to unlock the side or rear cargo doors from outside the vehicle is with the key.

and release again within three seconds to unlock the

Two step door unlocking and release to unlock the driver’s door. Note: The interior 1. Press lamps will illuminate if the control on the overhead lamp is not set to the off position. 2. Press passenger doors and the rear cargo doors. The battery saver feature will turn off the interior lamps 30 minutes after the ignition is turned to the off position. One step door unlocking and release If the one step door unlocking feature is activated, press once to unlock the passenger doors and the rear cargo doors. Note: The interior lamps will illuminate (refer to the Illuminated entry feature later in this section), if the control on the overhead lamp is not set to the off position. Switching from two step to one step door unlocking Your vehicle comes with two step unlocking enabled. With the vehicle locked, unlocking can be switched between two step and one step door unlocking by pressing and holding both the simultaneously on the remote entry transmitter for approximately four

buttons

and

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seconds and release. The park lamps will flash twice to indicate that the vehicle has switched to one step unlocking. Repeat the procedure to switch back to two-step unlocking.

and release to lock all the doors. If all doors are closed the

Locking the doors 1. Press park lamps will flash once. and release again within three seconds to confirm that all 2. Press the doors are closed and locked. Note: The doors will lock again, the park lamps will flash and the horn will chirp once. If any door is ajar the park lamps will not flash and the horn will chirp twice.

Car finder twice within three seconds. The horn will chirp and the turn Press lamps will flash. It is recommended that this method be used to locate your vehicle, rather than using the panic alarm.

Sounding a panic alarm to activate the alarm. Press the control again, or turn the Press ignition to the 1 (ACCESSORY) or 4 (ON) position to deactivate the alarm. Note: The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the 2
(LOCK) or 3 (OFF) position.

Replacing the battery The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the remote entry transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE RUBBER COVER AND CIRCUIT BOARD OFF THE FRONT HOUSING OF THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER.

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2. Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board. 3. Remove the old battery. Note: Please refer to local regulations when disposing of transmitter batteries. 4. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing cavity. 5. Snap the two halves back together. Note: Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement.

Replacing lost remote entry transmitters If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all remote entry transmitters to your authorized dealer for reprogramming. How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters You must have all remote entry transmitters (maximum of four) available before beginning this procedure. If all remote entry transmitters are not present during programming procedure, the ones missing during programming will no longer operate the vehicle. Note: Ensure the brake pedal is not depressed during this sequence. To reprogram the remote entry transmitters: 1. Ensure the vehicle is electronically unlocked. 2. Place the key in the ignition and turn from the 2 (lock) position to 3
(off).

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Locks and Security

3. Cycle eight times rapidly (within 10 seconds) between the 3 (off) position and 4 (on). Note: The eighth turn must end in the 4 (on) position. 4. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been activated. 5. Within 20 seconds press any button on the remote entry transmitter. Note: If more than 20 seconds have passed you will need to start the procedure over again. 6. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that this remote entry transmitter has been programmed. 7. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to program each additional remote entry transmitter (up to four transmitters). 8. Turn the ignition to the 3 (off) position after you have finished programming all of the remote entry transmitters. 9. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been exited.

Illuminated entry The interior lamps illuminate when the remote entry system is used to unlock the door(s) or sound the personal alarm. The illuminated entry system will turn off the interior lights if: • the ignition switch is turned to the on or accessory position, or • the remote transmitter lock control is pressed, or • after 25 seconds of illumination. The dome lamp control (if equipped) must not be set to the off position for the illuminated entry system to operate. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on with the dimmer control, or • any door is open. SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to help prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a “no-start” condition. Your vehicle comes with two coded keys; additional coded keys may be purchased from your authorized dealer. The authorized dealer can

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program your spare keys to your vehicle or you can program the keys yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key. Note: The SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. Note: Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine. Note: Do not leave a duplicate coded key in the vehicle. Always take your keys and lock all doors when leaving the vehicle.

Anti-theft indicator The anti-theft indicator is located in the instrument cluster. Vehicles equipped with the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system behave as follows: • When the ignition is in the 2 (LOCK) position, the indicator will flash

once every two seconds for a total of 10 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock™ system is functioning as a theft deterrent.

• When the ignition is in the 4 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for three seconds to indicate a programmed key has been validated and the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system has enabled the engine. Vehicles without the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system behave as follows: • When the ignition is in the 2 (LOCK) position, the indicator will not • When the igniton is in the 4 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for

flash.

three seconds to indicate the engine is enabled.

Automatic arming The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the off position.

Automatic disarming Switching the ignition to the on position with a coded key disarms the vehicle.

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Replacement keys If your keys are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key, you will need to have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need to be programmed. Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional spare or replacement keys.

Programming spare keys A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle. Only SecuriLock™ keys can be used. To program a coded key yourself, you will need two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible for timely implementation of each step in the procedure. If two previously programmed coded keys are not available, you must bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare coded key(s) programmed. Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin. 1. Insert the first previously programmed coded key into the ignition and turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position (maintain ignition in the 4
(ON) position for at least one second, but no more than ten seconds). 2. Turn ignition from the 4 (ON) position back to the 3 (OFF) position in order to remove the first coded key from the ignition. 3. Within ten seconds of removing the first coded key, insert the second previously programmed coded key into the ignition and turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position (maintain ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second but no more than ten seconds). 4. Turn the ignition from the 4 (ON) position back to the 3 (OFF) position in order to remove the second coded key from the ignition.

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5. Within 10 seconds of removing the second coded key, insert the new unprogrammed key (new key/valet key) into the ignition and turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position (maintain ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second, but no more than ten seconds). This step will program your new key to a coded key. 6. To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), repeat Steps 1
through 5. If successful, the new coded key(s) will start the vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. If not successful, the new coded key(s) will not start the vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator will flash on and off and you may repeat Steps 1
through 5. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the new spare key(s) programmed.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

SEATING

WARNING: Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal

injuries in the event of a collision.

WARNING: Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped

behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)

WARNING: Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Lift handle to move seat forward or backward.

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Pull lever up to adjust seatback.

WARNING: Before returning the seatback to its

original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped) The lumbar support control is located on the inboard side of the driver’s seat. Turn the lumbar support control clockwise to increase firmness. Turn the lumbar support control counterclockwise to increase softness.

Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped) The control is located on the outboard side of the seat cushion. Press to raise or lower the front portion of the seat cushion.

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Press to raise or lower the rear portion of the seat cushion.

Press the control to move the seat forward, backward, up or down.

REAR SEATS

Rear captains chair adjust — passenger side only Pull the lever to adjust the seat forward or backward.

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Quick-release captains chair (7 passenger configuration- second row only) To remove the seat: 1. Disengage the lap/shoulder belt from the seat by inserting a key or small screwdriver into the slot in the detachable anchor and lifting upward.

2. Pull the seat latch handle, then pull the seat toward the right side of the vehicle to disengage four pins from the floor mount. 3. Remove the seat.

To install the seat:

WARNING: Check to see that the seat and seatback is latched securely in position. Keep floor area free of objects that would

prevent proper seat engagement. Never attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING: Ensure that the seat is latched to the vehicle floor by pushing/pulling on the seat. If not latched, the seat may cause

injury during a sudden stop.

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1. Position the seat to the floor mount.

2. Pull the seat latch handle downward to lock the seat in position. 3. Make sure the safety belt is not twisted, then insert the safety belt tongue into detachable anchor until you hear a “click” and feel the latch engage.

Rear bench seat To remove the seats: 1. Disengage the lap/shoulder belt from the seat by inserting a key or small screwdriver into the slot in the detachable anchor and lifting upward (2nd row passenger side only).

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2. Find the clips attached near the ends of the lap/shoulder belts.

3. Clip the end of the belt to the stationary portion of the shoulder belt coming out of the trim panel.

The end of the shoulder belt must be clipped in order to keep it from striking anything during vehicle operation.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

4. With assistance, pull the LH/RH seat latch release straps (1) (located behind the latch mechanisms) to release the latch from the rear strikers. 5. Lift the rear end of seat upward and rearward by pushing on the seatback (2) and lifting the seat cushion (3) to disengage the front seat hook and the rear seat latch from the striker. 6. With assistance, remove the seat assembly. • To remove the 3rd, 4th, and 5th row seats (if equipped), repeat

Steps 1 through 6. To install the seat:

WARNING: Ensure that the seat is installed or removed from the striker pins with adequate ergonomic assistance. Due to the

weight of the seat, it must be handled by at least two adults during installation or removal from the vehicle.

WARNING: Ensure that the seat is latched to the vehicle floor by pushing/pulling on the seat or seatback (2). If not latched,

the seat may cause injury during a sudden stop.

1. Please make sure the floor striker area is clean of any debris that would prevent the seat from latching. 2. With assistance, position the seat in the vehicle. 3. Align the front hooks to the LH/RH front striker pins prior to lowering the rear latch mechanism and aligning them with the rear striker pins. 4. Engage the front LH/RH hooks to the LH/RH front striker pins.

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5. After the front LH/RH hooks are engaged to the LH/RH front striker pins, pull LH/RH seat latch release straps to allow engagement of the latch to the striker pins. Refer to the illustration in To remove the rear seats above. 6. Pull/push seat back forward/backward to check for proper seat installation.

WARNING: Always latch the vehicle seat to the floor, whether the seat is occupied or empty. If not latched, the seat may cause

injury during a sudden stop.

WARNING: Do not hang or attach any cargo to the release straps of the rear bench seats. Doing so could cause the release straps to inadvertently unlatch the rear bench seat. If not latched, the seat may cause serious injury during a sudden stop.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS Safety restraints precautions

WARNING: Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit in the back seat where they can be properly restrained.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the

child from injury in a collision.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an

airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

WARNING: It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

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WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety

belt.

WARNING: Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one

tongue that are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

WARNING: Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child

restraints.

WARNING: Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them.

WARNING: Front and rear seat occupants, including pregnant women, should wear safety belts for optimum protection in an

accident.

Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

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• Front and rear seats

Seating and Safety Restraints

2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle. • Front and rear seats

All safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. All of the passenger combination lap and shoulder belts have two types of locking modes described below:

Vehicle sensitive mode This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.

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Automatic locking mode When to use the automatic locking mode In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. This mode should be used any time a child safety seat, except a booster, is installed in passenger front or rear seating position (if equipped). Children 12 years old and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. Refer to Safety restraints for children or Safety seats for children later in this chapter. How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

• Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is pulled out.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

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WARNING: After any vehicle collision, the safety belt systems at all outboard seating positions (except the driver position,

which does not have this feature) must be checked by an authorized dealer to verify that the automatic locking retractor feature for child seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all safety belts should be checked for proper function.

WARNING: BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the safety belt assembly “automatic locking

retractor” feature or any other safety belt function is not operating properly when checked by an authorized dealer. Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front outboard passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioner tightens the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body at the start of the crash.

WARNING: The driver and front passenger safety belt system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be

replaced if the vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of front airbags and safety belt pretensioners.

Front safety belt height adjustment The front seat and outboard positions are equipped with a height adjuster. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. To adjust the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster down. Release the button and pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place. To adjust the belt upward, slide the adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.

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WARNING: Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust

the safety belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts. Conditions of operation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.

The safety belt warning light and the warning chime will remain off.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

Belt-Minder姞 The Belt-Minder威 feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster.

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If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled approximately 5 seconds after the safety belt warning light has turned off...

Seating and Safety Restraints

Then... The Belt-Minder威 feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until safety belt is buckled. The Belt-Minder威 feature will not activate.

The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the safety belt indicator light is illuminated and the safety belt warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts: (All statistics based on U.S. data) Reasons given... “Crashes are rare events”

The Belt-Minder威 feature will not activate.

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles of home. We design our safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort.

“I’m not going far”

“Belts are uncomfortable”

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Reasons given... “I was in a hurry”

“Safety belts don’t work”

“Traffic is light”

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

“The people I’m with don’t wear belts”

“I have an airbag”

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

Consider... Prime time for an accident. Belt-Minder威 reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted. Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see. Airbags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. People who are ejected are 40
times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR CRASH”.

WARNING: Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minder威 chime. To

do so may adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system

One-time disable Any time the safety belt is buckled and then unbuckled during an ignition ON cycle, the Belt-Minder威 will be disabled for that ignition cycle only.

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Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder姞 feature Read Steps 1 - 5 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. The Belt-Minder威 feature can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: • the parking brake is set • the gearshift is in P (Park) • the ignition switch is in the OFF position • all vehicle doors and the hood are closed • the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled • the parklamps/headlamps are in the OFF position

WARNING: While the design allows you to deactivate your Belt-Minder威, this system is designed to improve your chances of

being safely belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you leave the Belt-Minder威 system activated for yourself and others who may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt-Minder威 feature while driving the vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. DO NOT START THE ENGINE. 2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off (Approximately one minute). • Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt

warning light turns off.

3. At a moderate speed, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt nine times, ending with the safety belt in the unbuckled state. • After Step 3 is complete, the safety belt warning light will be turned • Belt-Minder威 will automatically exit programming mode without

on for three seconds.

changing its enable status if Step 4 does not occur within 10 seconds of the end of Step 3.

4. Within approximately seven seconds of the light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. • This will disable the Belt-Minder威 feature for that seating position if it is currently enabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • This will enable the Belt-Minder威 feature for that seating position if it is currently disabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the light off, then followed by the safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds again.

5. After receiving confirmation, the deactivation/activation procedure is complete.

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is a 9 inch (23 cm) or 12 inch (31 cm) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Use the shortest extender assembly that will provide adequate fit.

WARNING: Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front safety belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), child safety seat LATCH and tether anchors, and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and an authorized dealer finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

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WARNING: Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in

severe personal injuries in the event of a collision.

For proper care of soiled safety belts, refer to Interior in the Cleaning chapter.

AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

Important SRS precautions The SRS is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Airbags DO NOT inflate slowly; there is a risk of injury from a deploying airbag.

WARNING: All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air

bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

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WARNING: Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child

restraints. Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If you must transport a forward-facing child in the front seat, move the seat all the way back and use appropriate restraints.

WARNING: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 10 inches

(25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and the driver airbag module.

WARNING: Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other

injuries.

pedals comfortably.

To properly position yourself away from the airbag: • Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the • Recline the seat slightly one or two degrees from the upright position. WARNING: Do not put anything on or over the air bag module. Placing objects on or over the air bag inflation area may cause those objects to be propelled by the air bag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

WARNING: Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the airbag supplemental restraint systems or its fuses. See your

authorized dealer.

WARNING: Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle (including frame, bumper, front end body structure

and tow hooks) may affect the performance of the airbag system, increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.

WARNING: Additional equipment may affect the performance of the airbag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to

the Body Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.

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Children and airbags Children must always be properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of injury in a collision.

WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work? The airbag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains a longitudinal deceleration sufficient to cause the airbag sensors to close an electrical circuit that initiates airbag inflation. The fact that the airbags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not sufficient enough to cause activation. Airbags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration.

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The airbags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After airbag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder or sodium compounds which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the SRS is designed to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying airbag may also cause abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because airbags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. It is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the airbag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control. The SRS consists of: • driver and passenger airbag modules (which include the inflators and • one or more impact and safing sensors • a readiness light and tone • a diagnostic module • and the electrical wiring which connects the components The diagnostic module monitors its own internal circuits and the supplemental airbag electrical system wiring (including the impact sensors), the system wiring, the airbag system readiness light, the airbag back up power and the airbag ignitors.

airbags)

WARNING: Several air bag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

WARNING: If the air bag has deployed, the air bag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the air bag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

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Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to Airbag readiness section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness light will either • The readiness light will not • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

flash or stay lit.

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) See your authorized dealer. Airbags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

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Passenger airbag ON/OFF switch (if equipped) Note: The passenger airbag ON/OFF switch (if equipped) may be on vehicles with no rear seats and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 8500 lb (3856 kg). See Vehicle loading – with and without a trailer in the Tires, Wheels and loading chapter.

WARNING: An airbag ON/OFF switch (if

equipped) may have been installed in this vehicle. Before driving, always look at the face of the switch to be sure the switch is in the proper position in accordance with these instructions and warnings. Failure to put the switch in a proper position can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

Turning the passenger airbag off 1. Insert the ignition key, turn the switch to OFF position and hold in OFF position while removing the key. 2. When the ignition is turned to the ON position the OFF light illuminates briefly, momentarily shuts off and then turns back on. This indicates that the passenger airbag is deactivated.

WARNING: If the light fails to illuminate when the passenger air bag switch is in the OFF position and the ignition switch is in

ON, have the passenger air bag switch serviced at your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer immediately.

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WARNING: In order to avoid inadvertent activation of the switch, always remove the ignition key from the passenger air

bag ON/OFF switch.

WARNING: An infant in a rear-facing seat faces a high risk of serious or fatal injuries from a deploying passenger airbag. Rear facing infant seats should NEVER be placed in the front seats, unless the passenger airbag is turned off.

Turning the passenger airbag back on The passenger airbag remains OFF until you turn it back ON. 1. Insert the ignition key and turn the switch to ON. 2. The OFF light will briefly illuminate when the ignition is turned to On. This indicates that the passenger airbag is operational.

WARNING: If the OFF light is illuminated when the passenger airbag switch is in the ON position and the ignition switch is in ON, have the passenger airbag switch serviced at an authorized dealer immediately.

The passenger side airbag should always be ON (the airbag OFF light should not be illuminated) unless the passenger is a person who meets the requirements stated either in Category 1, 2 or 3 of the NHTSA/Transport Canada deactivation criteria which follows.

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WARNING: The safety belts for the driver and right front passenger seating positions have been specifically designed to function together with the airbags in certain types of crashes. When you turn OFF your airbag, you not only lose the protection of the airbag, you also may reduce the effectiveness of your safety belt system, which was designed to work with the airbag. If you are not a person who meets the requirements stated in the NHTSA/Transport Canada deactivation criteria turning OFF the airbag can increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

WARNING: If your vehicle has rear seats, always transport children who are 12 and younger in the rear seat. Always use safety belts and child restraints properly. DO NOT place a child in a rear facing infant seat in the front seat unless your vehicle is equipped with an airbag ON/OFF switch and the passenger airbag is turned OFF. This is because the back of the infant seat is too close to the inflating airbag and the risk of a fatal injury to the infant when the airbag inflates is substantial.

The vast majority of drivers and passengers are much safer with an airbag than without. To do their job and reduce the risk of life threatening injuries, airbags must open with great force, and this force can pose a potentially deadly risk in some situations, particularly when a front seat occupant is not properly buckled up. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary airbag injuries without reducing the overall safety of the vehicle is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained in the vehicle, especially in the front seat. This provides the protection of safety belts and permits the airbags to provide the additional protection they were designed to provide. If you choose to deactivate your airbag, you are losing the very significant risk reducing benefits of the airbag and you are also reducing the effectiveness of the safety belts, because safety belts in modern vehicles are designed to work as a safety system with the airbags. Read all airbag warning labels in the vehicle as well as the other important airbag instructions and warnings in this Owner’s Guide.

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NHTSA deactivation criteria (excluding Canada) 1. Infant. An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: • the vehicle has no rear seat; • the vehicle has a rear seat too small to accommodate a rear-facing • the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s

infant seat; or

physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

2. Child age 1 to 12. A child age 1 to 12 must ride in the front seat because: • the vehicle has no rear seat; • although children ages 1 to 12 ride in the rear seat(s) whenever possible, children ages 1 to 12 sometimes must ride in the front because no space is available in the rear seat(s) of the vehicle; or • the child has a medical condition which, according to the child’s

physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can constantly monitor the child’s condition.

and

3. Medical condition. A passenger has a medical condition which, according to his or her physician: • causes the passenger airbag to pose a special risk for the passenger; • makes the potential harm from the passenger airbag in a crash greater than the potential harm from turning OFF the airbag and allowing the passenger, even if belted, to hit the dashboard or windshield in a crash.

WARNING: This vehicle has special energy management safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. These particular

belts are specifically designed to work with airbags to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. The energy management safety belt is designed to give or release additional belt webbing in some accidents to reduce concentration of force on an occupant’s chest and reduce the risk of certain bone fractures and injuries to underlying organs. In a crash, if the airbag is turned OFF, this energy management safety belt might permit the person wearing the belt to move forward enough to incur a serious or fatal injury. The more severe the crash, and the heavier the occupant, the greater the risk is. Be sure the airbag is turned ON for any person who does not qualify under the NHTSA deactivation criteria.

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Transport Canada deactivation criteria (Canada Only) 1. Infant: An infant (less than 1 year old) must ride in the front seat because: • my vehicle has no rear seat; • the rear seat in my vehicle cannot accommodate a rear-facing infant • the infant has a medical condition which, according to the infant’s

seat; or

physician, makes it necessary for the infant to ride in the front seat so that the driver can monitor the infant’s condition.

2. Child age 12 or under: A child age 12 or under must ride in the front seat because: • my vehicle has no rear seat; • although children age 12 and under ride in the rear seat whenever

possible, children age 12 and under have no option but to sometimes ride in the front seat because rear seat space is insufficient; or • the child has a medical condition that, according to the child’s

physician, makes it necessary for the child to ride in the front seat so that the driver can monitor the child’s condition.

3. Medical condition: A passenger has a medical condition that, according to his or her physician: • poses a special risk for the passenger if the airbag deploys; and • makes the potential harm from the passenger airbag deployment greater than the potential harm from turning OFF the airbag and experiencing a crash without the protection offered by the airbag

WARNING: This vehicle has special energy management safety belts for the driver and right front passenger. These particular

belts are specifically designed to work with airbags to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. The energy management safety belt is designed to give or release additional belt webbing in some accidents to reduce concentration of force on an occupant’s chest and reduce the risk of certain bone fractures and injuries to underlying organs. In a crash, if the airbag is turned OFF, this energy management safety belt might permit the person wearing the belt to move forward enough to incur a serious or fatal injury. The more severe the crash, and the heavier the occupant, the greater the risk is. Be sure the airbag is turned ON for any person who does not qualify under the NHTSA deactivation criteria.

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SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using airbags.

Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 lb [18 kg] or less) ride in your vehicle, you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Many states require that children use approved booster seats until they are eight years old. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle. When possible, always place children under age 12 in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the

child from injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use. Ford recommends using child safety seats equipped with LATCH attachments, attached to LATCH anchors and tether anchors. Some child seat manufacturers sell LATCH accessory belts that attach child seats that are not equipped with LATCH attachments onto LATCH anchors. See Attaching child safety seats with LATCH attachments for child seat anchors in this section for seating positions with LATCH anchors. If you install a forward-facing child safety seat using the vehicle safety belts: • use only seats equipped with lap-shoulder belts; • Ford recommends placing forward-facing safety seats in the 2nd row

and using top tether straps for added protection.

For more information on top tether straps, see Attaching child safety seats with tether straps in this section. Any booster seat that places the vehicle’s lap belt or shoulder belt around a shield above and ahead of the child’s hips should not be used in this vehicle.

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WARNING: Because the last row of seats in the 12 passenger and 15 passenger configuration is not equipped with LATCH

anchors and is spaced closer to the row of seats in front, Do not use forward-facing or rear-facing child seats (other than belt-positioning boosters) in the last row.

Children and safety belts If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and airbag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

WARNING: Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle.

Child booster seats Children outgrow a typical convertible or toddler seat when they weigh 40 lb (18 kg) and are around four years of age. Although the lap/shoulder belt will provide some protection, these children are still too small for lap/shoulder belts to fit properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury in a crash. To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster. Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably. Booster seats may also make the shoulder belt fit better and more comfortably. Try to keep the belt near the middle of the shoulder.

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When children should use booster seats Children need to use booster seats from the time they outgrow the toddler seat until they are big enough for the vehicle seat and lap/shoulder belt to fit properly. Generally this is when they weigh about 80 lb (36 kg) (about 8 to 12 years old). Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions: • Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips? • Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? • Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? Types of booster seats There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats: • Those that are backless.

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield and use the lap/shoulder belt. If a seating position has a low seat back and no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (top of ear level) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seat back and lap/shoulder belts.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • Those with a high back.

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

Either type can be used at any seating position equipped with lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lb (18 kg). Children and booster seats vary widely in size and shape. Choose a booster that keeps the lap belt low and snug across the hips, never up across the stomach, and lets you adjust the shoulder belt to cross the chest and rest snugly near the center of the shoulder. The drawings below compare the ideal fit (center) to a shoulder belt uncomfortably close to the neck and a shoulder belt that could slip off the shoulder.

If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition. The importance of shoulder belts Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster seat with lap/shoulder belts in the back seat- the safest place for children to ride.

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WARNING: Move a child to a different seating location if the shoulder belt does not stay positioned on the shoulder during

use.

WARNING: Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the booster seat.

WARNING: Never put the shoulder belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it eliminates the protection for the

upper part of the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a collision.

WARNING: Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child. They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or

death in a collision.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information presented in the Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section in this chapter. • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from).

• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

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Seating and Safety Restraints • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling.

• For the front passenger seat, place seat back in upright position. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic locking mode (passenger side front and all rear seating positions) (if equipped).

• LATCH lower anchors are recommended for use by children up to

48 pounds (22 kg) in a child restraint. Top tether anchors can be used for children up to 60 pounds (27 kg) in a child restraint, and to provide upper torso restraint for children up to 80 pounds (36 kg) using an upper torso harness and a belt-positioning booster.

Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position with LATCH and tether anchors. For more information on top tether straps and anchors, refer to Attaching child safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. For more information of LATCH anchors refer to Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments ford child seat anchors in this chapter.

WARNING: Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your

vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

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WARNING: An airbag can kill or injure a child in a child seat. Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If

you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

WARNING: Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

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5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode. 7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with your knee on the child seat.

8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. To check this, grab the seat at the belt path and attempt to move it side to side and forward and back. There should be no more than one inch (2.5 cm) of movement for proper installation. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat Steps 2
through 9. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

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Attaching child safety seats with tether straps

WARNING: Children should be placed in the rear in an appropriate child safety seat that is properly secured to the

vehicle.

WARNING: When using forward-facing child safety seats in vehicles with only two seating positions so the forward-facing

child safety seat cannot be placed in the rear of the vehicle, move the passenger seat as far back from the instrument panel as possible.

WARNING: Because the last row of seats in the 12 passenger and 15 passenger configuration is not equipped with LATCH

anchors and is spaced closer to the row of seats in front, Do not use forward-facing or rear-facing child seats (other than belt-positioning boosters) in the last row.

WARNING: Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air

bag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

Front passenger seating position The tether can be attached directly to the rear of the front seat.

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1. Position the child safety seat on the front right-hand passenger seat. 2. Adjust the front right-hand passenger seat full forward.

3. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the front right-hand passenger seat as shown.

4. Clip the tether strap hook to the seat pedestal to the location shown.

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5. Adjust the front right hand passenger seat to the full rearward position.

6. Install the child safety seat tightly using the LATCH anchors or safety belts. Follow the instructions in this chapter. 7. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Second row bucket seats (Quads) The tether strap can be attached directly to the tether bracket under the back edge of the seat cushion.

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1. Position the child safety seat on the second row left hand or right hand bucket seat. 2. Route the child safety tether strap over the back of the left hand or right hand second row bucket seat.

3. Clip the tether strap hook to the seat pedestal at the location shown.

4. Install the child safety seat tightly using the LATCH anchors or safety belts. Follow the instructions in this chapter. 5. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth row bench seats For the center position of a three-passenger bench seat, the tether strap can be attached directly to the tether bracket provided under the back edge of the seat cushion. For the outboard positions, the tether strap can be attached to the slot in the side of the seat pedestal. *: Although tether slots are provided on the seat pedestals of the four–passenger bench seat, use of child seats is not recommended for these seating position locations. 1. For any three–passenger bench seat, place the child safety seat on the left hand outboard position, the center position, or the right hand outboard position as desired.

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2. Route the child safety tether strap over the back of the bench seat. 3. Clip the center tether strap hook to the tether bracket mounted under rear rail of seat cushion frame. Clip the outboard tether strap hooks to the tether bracket slot provided on the left side of each seat pedestal. The slot is located between the two holes.

4. Install the child safety seat tightly using the LATCH anchors or safety belts. Follow the instructions in this chapter. 5. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For additional important safety information on the proper use of safety belts, child seats and infant seats, please read the entire Seating and Safety Restraints chapter in this Owner’s Guide.

Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments for child seat anchors Some child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted attachments that connect to two anchors at certain seating positions in your vehicle. This type of child seat eliminates the need to use safety belts to attach the child seat. For forward-facing child seats, the tether strap must also be attached to the proper tether anchor. See Attaching child safety seats with tether straps in this chapter. Your vehicle may be equipped with LATCH anchors for child seat installation at the seating positions marked with the child seat symbol:

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• Five passenger crew van

• Seven passenger wagon

• Eight passenger wagon

• Twelve passenger wagon

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• Fifteen passenger wagon

represents LATCH anchors. represents tether strap anchors.

WARNING: Never attach two LATCH child safety seats to the same anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough

to hold two child safety seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury or death.

The lower anchors for child seat installation are located at the rear section of the seat between the cushion and seat back.

Follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions to properly install a child seat with LATCH attachments.

WARNING: Attach LATCH lower attachments of the child seat only to the anchors shown.

If you install a child seat with rigid LATCH attachments, do not tighten the tether strap enough to lift the child seat off the vehicle seat cushion when the child is seated in it. Keep the tether strap just snug without lifting the front of the child seat. Keeping the child seat just touching the vehicle seat gives the best protection in a severe crash.

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Each time you use the safety seat, check that the seat is properly attached to the lower anchors and tether anchor. Try to tilt the child seat from side to side. Also try to tug the seat forward. Check to see if the anchors hold the seat in place.

WARNING: If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a crash greatly increases.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS Utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than passenger cars in the various driving conditions that are encountered on streets, highways and off-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.

WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious

injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must: • Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers; • Drive at safe speeds for the conditions; • Keep tires properly inflated; • Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and • Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.

WARNING: In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.

Study your Owner’s Guide and any supplements for specific information about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.

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VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS

How your vehicle differs from other vehicles SUV and trucks can differ from some other vehicles in a few noticeable ways. Your vehicle may be: • Higher – to allow higher load carrying capacity and to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. • Shorter – to give it the capability

to approach inclines and drive over the crest of a hill without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. All other things held equal, a shorter wheelbase may make your vehicle quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.

• Narrower — to provide greater maneuverability in tight spaces, particularly in off-road use.

As a result of the above dimensional differences, SUV’s and trucks often will have a higher center of gravity and a greater difference in center of gravity between the loaded and unloaded condition. These differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car.

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INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. The Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: • Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United States Department of Transportation has set. Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, light truck or “LT” type tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2). U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you the following information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (11⁄2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.