2002 Ford Escape Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 4

Vehicle Characteristics 4WD AND AWD SYSTEMS Your AWD or 4WD (when you select the 4WD mode) vehicle uses all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can not. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as necessary. Information on shifting procedures and maintenance can be found in your "Owner's Guide." You should become thoroughly familiar with this information before you operate your vehicle. Normal characteristics On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD while the vehicle is moving can cause some momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds. This is the front drivetrain coming up to speed and is not cause for concern. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles 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. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. 4