2004 Lincoln Aviator Owner's Manual - Page 226

Driving • If a serious problem occurs with the AWD system, the AWD LOCKED indicator light in the instrument cluster will flash 10 times every two minutes. The message center will also display CHECK AWD and a warning chime will sound. You can press SETUP to check the status of the AWD system (which will display AWD LOCKED), but the AWD system will be disabled until the system is serviced. Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles AWD vehicles are specially equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road. When driving at slow speeds off-road under high outside temperatures, use 1 (First) gear when possible. 1 (First) gear operation will maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability. Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to protect overheating of the engine. How your vehicle differs from other vehicles Truck and utility vehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components. The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle differently than an ordinary passenger car. Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Basic operating principles • Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics of your vehicle. • Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice. 226 2004 Aviator f/k/a Navigator LS (231) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA English (fus)