2001 Ford Expedition Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 175

Driving Driving while you tow When towing a trailer: • Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades. • Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer. • Use a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills. This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum fuel economy and transmission cooling. • Anticipate stops and brake gradually. Exceeding the GCWR rating may cause internal transmission damage and void your warranty coverage. 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. 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 (with automatic transmissions) • Place the transmission in N (Neutral) • Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph) • Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles) If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed while the vehicle is being 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. 175