2002 Ford Excursion Owner's Manual - Page 125
2002 Ford Excursion Manual
Page 125 highlights
Driving When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear when added engine braking is desired. When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load. If vehicle speed drops more than 16 km/h (10 mph), the speed control will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal. If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 50 km/h [30 mph]). Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep (Overdrive) into grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of a lower gear. Driving on snow and ice A 4WD vehicle has advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any other vehicle. Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting from a full stop. Apply the brakes as you normally would. Your 4WD vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). In order to allow the ABS to operate properly when braking, keep steady pressure on the brake pedal, do not pump the brakes. When driving on snow or ice with either braking system, allow more stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider using one of the lower gears. VEHICLE LOADING Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms: • Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or aftermarket equipment. • Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight rating minus base curb weight. • GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification. 125