Ford Expedition 1997 Owner's Manual

Contents

Before driving

Introduction 2
Instrumentation 5
Controls and features 20
Seating and safety restraints 72

Starting and driving

Starting 100
Driving 107
Roadside emergencies 134

Servicing

Maintenance and care 155
Capacities and specifications 213
Reporting safety defects 221
Index 222

1

Introduction

ICONS AND WARNINGS
ICONS

Indicates a warning. Read the
following section on Warnings for
a full explanation of them.

Indicates that vehicle information
related to recycling and other
environmental concerns will follow.

We must all play our part in
protecting the environment.
Correct vehicle usage and the
authorized disposal of waste
cleaning and lubrication materials
are significant steps towards this
aim.

WARNINGS

How can you reduce the risk of
personal injury and prevent
possible damage to others, your
vehicle and its equipment?

In this owner’s guide, answers to
such questions are contained in
comments highlighted by the
warning triangle symbol.

NOTICE TO OWNERS OF
UTILITY TYPE VEHICLES

Before you drive your vehicle,
please read this owner’s guide
carefully. Your vehicle is not a
passenger car. In vehicles of this
type, incorrect operation may
result in unpredictable handling
behavior. Be sure to read Control

Trac – Automatic Four–Wheel
Drive System (if equipped) in the

2

Driving chapter as well as the
special “Four Wheeling”
supplement included with AWD
and 4WD vehicles.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in
rules for your vehicle. Simply avoid
driving too briskly during the first
1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving.
Vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts
a chance to break in.

If possible, you should avoid full
use of the brakes for the first
1,600 km (1,000 miles).

From 1,600 km (1,000 miles)
onwards you can gradually
increase the performance of your
vehicle up to the permitted
maximum speeds.

INFORMATION ABOUT THIS
GUIDE

The information found in this
guide was in effect at the time of
printing. Ford may change the
contents without notice and
without incurring obligation.

Introduction

SPECIAL NOTICES
Using your vehicle as an

ambulance

Do not use this vehicle as
an ambulance.

3

Introduction

Using your vehicle as a
snowplow

Do not use this vehicle for
snowplowing.

4

Instrumentation

Engine oil

pressure gauge

(pg. 16)

Charging

system

gauge

(pg. 16)

P

Headlamp control

(pg. 20)

Instrument panel dimmer

Engine
coolant

temperature

gauge

(pg. 15)

INT 2
INT 1
OFF

PANEL

AUTO

DIM

LAMP

switch (pg. 22)

Fuel gauge

(pg. 15)

Speedometer

(pg. 14)

L

A

H

H

M

R

O

N

E

E

L

L

L

A

M

H

H

L

R

A

O

18

18

M

R

N

O

N

C

C

8

8

ON

OFF

Turn signal and

wiper/washer control

F

F

40

40

60

60

30

30

40

40

20

20

20 km/h

20 km/h

SRS

(pg. 44)

000005

000005

Speed

control

(pg. 41)

Gearshift
(pg. 114)

Tachometer

(pg. 15)

Transmission

50

50

60

60

80

80

100

100

70

70

120

120

3

3

80

80

2

2

4

140

140

90

90

4

1

1

5

5

6

6

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

OVERDRIVE OFF

control

switch

(pg. 48)

Driver air bag

(pg. 87)

6

Vents (pg. 28)

Instrumentation

Electronic sound system

(pg. 24)

* if equipped

4WD

4WD

HIGH

2WD

LOW

Auxiliary power point

(pg. 63)

VOL – PUSH ON

SEEK

TUNE

DISCS

REW

1

LO

FM 1

AM

BASSTREB

FM

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

FF

SIDE 1-2

2

3

HI

WARMCOOL

4WD Control*

(pg. 119)

CLK

ST

BAL FADE

AUTO

SET

TAPE CD

COMP5SHUFFLE

4

6

OFF

PANEL &

PANEL

FLOOR

*A/C

FLOOR
FLR

*MAX

& DEF

A/C

DEF

Climate controls

(pg. 27)

7

Instrumentation

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
WARNING LIGHTS AND
CHIMES

LOW

LOW
FUEL

FUEL

H

H

L

L

DOOR
AJAR

BRAKE

!

18

18

8

8

Your vehicle is equipped with the
following instrument cluster:

Low fuel

Illuminates when the fuel level is
low.

Engine coolant temperature

Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On.
Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high. Stop
the engine and check the engine
coolant level as soon as possible.
Refer to Checking and adding

engine coolant and What you
should know about fail-safe
cooling in the Maintenance and
care section.

F

F

30

10

10

20

20

0

0

30

20 km/h

20 km/h

E

E

H

H

C

C

40

40

40

40

50

50

60

60

000005

000005

0010

0010

60

60

80

80

100

100

70

70

120

120

140

140

80

80

90

90

100

100

1

1

0

0

RPMx1000

RPMx1000

3

3

2

2

THEFT

THEFT

CHECK

ENGINE

ABS

ABS

RESET

4

4

5

5

6

6

LOW

FUEL

RANGE

4x4

LOW

FUEL

8

Low washer fluid

Illuminates briefly when the
ignition is turned to On. Also
illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.

Oil pressure

Illuminates briefly when the
ignition key is turned to On.
Illuminates when the oil pressure
is low. Stop the engine and check
the engine oil level as soon as
possible. Refer to Checking and

adding engine oil in the
Maintenance and care section.

The oil pressure and engine
coolant warning lights share the
same lightbulb — if one of the
warning lights illuminates, they
both do.

Door ajar

Illuminates when the ignition
switch is in the ON or START
position and any door is open.

Instrumentation

LOW

WASH

DOOR

AJAR

Charging system

Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. The light also
illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly, requiring
electrical system service.

9

Instrumentation

Brake system warning

Extinguishes when the parking
brake is released. Illumination after
releasing the parking brake
indicates low brake fluid level.

Safety belt

Illuminates when the ignition is
switched on to remind you to
fasten your safety belts. For more
information, refer to Using the

safety restraints properly in the
Seating and safety restraints

chapter.

Air bag readiness

Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned to On. If the light
fails to illuminate, continues to
flash or remains on, have the
system serviced. For more
information, refer to

Supplemental restraints system
(SRS) in the Seating and safety
restraints chapter.

BRAKE

!

Check engine warning light

This light illuminates when the
engine’s Emission Control System
requires service. It will also
illuminate when the ignition key is
in the On position and the engine
is off. Refer to What you should

know about the On-board
diagnostic (OBD II) system in the
Maintenance and care chapter.

10

CHECK

ENGINE

Transmission control indicator
light (TCIL)

The TCIL (OFF), located on the
end of the gearshift lever, may
flash steadily if a malfunction has
been detected. If the TCIL is
flashing, contact your Ford dealer
as soon as possible. If this
condition persists, damage to the
transmission could occur.

For more information, refer to the
Driving chapter.

Automatic four wheel drive
indicator (if equipped)

Illuminates when A4WD
(automatic 4–wheel drive) is
engaged.

Instrumentation

OVERDRIVE OFF

A4WD

4x4 (if equipped)

Illuminates when the 4H
(Four-Wheel Drive) or 4L
(Four-Wheel Drive Low) is
engaged.

4x4 low range (if equipped)

Illuminates when 4L (Four-Wheel
Drive Low) is engaged.

4x4

LOW

RANGE

11

Instrumentation

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on and the
engine is off. If the light stays on
or continues to flash, the ABS
needs to be serviced.

Fuel reset

Illuminates when the ignition key
is turned to the ON position and
the fuel pump shut-off switch has
been activated. For more
information , refer to Fuel pump

shut-off switch in the Roadside
emergencies chapter.

Anti-theft system

Briefly illuminates when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position to verify that the passive
anti-theft system is operating
properly.

High beams

Illuminates when the headlamp
high beams are on.

ABS

FUEL

RESET

THEFT

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right
turn signal or the hazard lights are
turned on.

12

Check air suspension

Illuminates briefly when the
ignition is turned to the ON
position and the engine is OFF.
The light also illuminates when the
air suspension system requires
servicing.

Testing warning lights

LOW

LOW
FUEL

BRAKE

FUEL

H

H

L

L

DOOR
AJAR

18

!

18

8

8

F

F

E

E

H

H

C

C

10

10

20

20

0

0

30

30

20 km/h

20 km/h

40

40

40

40

Turn the ignition key to ON
without starting the vehicle. The
warning and indicator lights shown
above will illuminate for a brief
time. If any of these lights do not
illuminate, contact your dealer for
service.

50

50

60

60

000005

000005

0010

0010

Instrumentation

CHECK

SUSP

60

60

80

80

100

100

70

70

120

120

140

140

80

80

90

90

100

100

1

1

0

0

RPMx1000

RPMx1000

3

3

2

2

THEFT

THEFT

CHECK

ENGINE

ABS

ABS

RESET

4

4

5

5

6

6

LOW

FUEL

RANGE

4x4

Safety belt warning chime

For information on the safety belt
warning chime, refer to the

Seating and safety restraints

chapter.

Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) warning chime

For information on the SRS
warning chime, refer to the

Seating and safety restraints

chapter.

13

Instrumentation

Key-in-ignition warning chime

Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACC
position and the driver’s door is
opened.

Headlamps on warning chime

Sounds when the headlamps are
on, the ignition is off (and the key
is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
GAUGES

F

H

H

L

L

18

18

8

8

F

E

E

H

H

C

C

10

10

20

20

0

0

30

30

20 km/h

20 km/h

MPH

40

40

40

40

50

50

60

60

000005

000005

0010

00100010

60

60

80

80

100

100

70

70

120

120

180

180

140

140

100

100

80

80

90

90

2

2

1

1

0

0

RPMx1000

RPMx1000

THEFT

THEFT

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle
speed.

14

20

10

0

30

40

40

40

40

20 km/h

20 km/h

MPH

MPH

50

50

60

60

000005

000005

60

80

80

100

100

70

120

120

80

140

140

90

180

180

100

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in
revolutions per minute.

Instrumentation

2

3

4

Engine coolant temperature
gauge

Indicates the temperature of the
engine coolant. At normal
operating temperature, the needle
remains within the normal zone. If
it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Switch off
the engine and allow it to cool.
Refer to Checking and adding

engine coolant and What you
should know about fail-safe
cooling in the Maintenance and
care chapter.

Fuel gauge

For information on the capacity of
the fuel tank, refer to the

Capacities and specifications

chapter.
The fuel gauge displays

approximately how much fuel is in
the fuel tank only when the
ignition is ON. For proper fuel
gauge indication after adding fuel,
turn the ignition switch OFF while
refueling the vehicle.

1

RPMx1000

0

5

6

H

LHL

F

E

15

Instrumentation

The fuel gauge indicator may vary
slightly when the vehicle is in
motion. The most accurate reading
is obtained with the vehicle on
level ground.

With ignition switch OFF, the fuel
gage indicator may drift from the
ignition switch ON position.

Refer the Ignition information in
the Controls and features chapter
for more information on the
positions of the ignition.

Charging system gauge

If the pointer moves and stays
outside of the normal range, have
the vehicle’s electrical system
checked as soon as safely possible.

18

8188

Engine oil pressure gauge

Indicates the engine oil pressure in
the system. Sufficient pressure
exists as long as the needle is in
the normal range. If the gauge
constantly indicates low pressure
at normal engine speed, refer to

Checking and adding engine oil

in the Maintenance and care
chapter.

If the gauge indicates a low
pressure and the engine oil level is
correct, switch off the engine
immediately and have the vehicle

16

H

LHL

checked by your dealer or qualified
service technician.

Odometer

Registers the total number of miles
the vehicle has traveled.

Trip odometer

Registers thenumber of miles
traveled on individual journeys. To
reset, depress the control.

20

10

0

Instrumentation

50

50

80

80

000005

00000000005

0010

0010

50

50

60

80

80

100

100

0

60

100

100

5

120

120

180

180

180

180

70

140

140

100

20

10

0

30

20 km/h

20 km/h

30

40

40

MPH

MPH

40

40

40

40

60

60

40

40

20 km/h

20 km/h

MPH

MPH

60

60

000005

000005

0010

001

70

120

120

140

140

80

90

80

90

100

TRIP COMPUTER (IF
EQUIPPED)

With the ignition control in the ON
position, the trip computer
displays important vehicle
information through a constant
monitor of vehicle systems. You
may select display features on the
message center for a display of
status.

For more information on the
overhead console of your vehicle,

km TO EMPTY

17

Instrumentation

refer to trip computer information
in the Controls and features
chapter.

Selectable features

English/metric display

Press the E/M control to change to
message center display from
metric to English units or vice
versa.

Compass

Press the mode control once for
compass only display.

E/M

MODE

Fuel range

Press the mode control to display
the approximate number of
kilometers (miles) left to drive
before the fuel tank is empty.

The indicated distance to empty
may be inaccurate with sustained,
drastic changes in fuel economy
(e.g. towing with a trailer), but will
eventually recover.

18

Fuel economy

Press the mode control to display
your vehicle’s average fuel
economy in liters/100 kilometers
(miles/gallon).

Press the mode control to display
the instantaneous fuel economy of
your running vehicle.

Distance to empty display may be
inaccurate if the vehicle is started
while parked on an incline.

Fuel fills of less than 22.7 liters
(six gallons) may not be detected
by the trip computer.

Off

Press the mode control a final time
to turn the trip computer display
off.

Instrumentation

19

Controls and features

Headlamp/foglamp control

Rotate the headlamp control to the
desired position:

— OFF.

— Parking lamps on.

— Headlamps on.

Foglamp control (if equipped)

The headlamp control also
operates the foglamps. The
foglamps can be turned on only
when the headlamps are in the

position.

Pull headlamp control towards you
to turn foglamps on. The foglamp
indicator light

(located to the

right of the control) will illuminate.

20

P

PANEL

DIM

PULL

FOR

FOG

PANEL

DIM

P

Autolamp control (if equipped)

The autolamp system provides
light sensitive automatic on-off
control of the exterior lights
normally controlled by the
headlamp control.

The autolamp system also keeps
the lights on for a preselected
period of time after the ignition
switch is turned to Off.

• To turn autolamps on, rotate the
control up. The preselected time
lapse is adjustable up to
approximately three minutes by
continuing to rotate the control
upward.

• To turn autolamps off, rotate the
control down until it clicks.

• A small LED illuminates under
the autolamp control to indicate
that the headlamps have been
turned on by the autolamps.

• Foglamps are not controlled by
the autolamps. In order to turn
on the foglamps, you must turn
the lamp switch to the

position and pull for fog.

Controls and features

PANEL

AUTO

DIM

LAMP

Daytime running light (Canadian
vehicles only)

The daytime running light system
turns the headlamps on, with a
reduced light output, when:

• the vehicle is running

• the parking brake is released

• the headlamp system is in the

position

21

Controls and features

The Daytime Running

Light (DRL) system will
not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your
headlamps at dusk. Failure to do
so may result in a collision.

Panel dimmer control

• Turn the control up to brighten
the panel.

• Turn the control down to dim
the panel.

• Rotate the control up until it
clicks to turn on the interior
lights.

P

PANEL

DIM

22

4WD control (if equipped)

This control operates the Control
Trac 4WD. Refer to Control trac
system in the Driving chapter for
more information.

Auxiliary power point

This 12V power point is an
additional power source for
electrical accessories.

Do not plug optional electrical
accessories into the cigarette
lighter. Use the power point.

Controls and features

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO
SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP5SHUFFLE

P

A4WD

2H 4L

SIDE 1-2

2

1

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A4WD4H

4L

2H

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

4H

23

Controls and features

Audio system

P

Refer to the “Audio Guide” in your
Owner Portfolio.

Fuel pump shut-off switch

Refer to the Roadside
emergencies chapter for

information on operating the fuel
pump shut-off switch.

VOL – PUSH ON

FM

SEEK

SCAN

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

2

1

LO

HI

AUTO
SET

TAPE CD

EJ

DOLBY SYSTEM

COMP5SHUFFLE

SIDE 1-2

6

4

3

OFF

A/C

*

MAX

*

A/C

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

24

Air suspension load leveling
on/off switch (if equipped)

Your vehicle is equipped with an
air suspension system that levels
your vehicle when carrying heavy
loads. Refer to Air suspension
load leveling in the Driving
chapter for more information.

Controls and features

OFF

25

Controls and features

Rear window defroster

Press the defroster control to clear
the rear window of thin ice and
fog.

• The small LED will illuminate
when the defroster is activated.

The ignition must be in the ON
position to operate the rear
window defroster.

The defroster turns off
automatically after 10 minutes or
when the ignition is turned to the
OFF position. To manually turn off
the defroster before ten minutes
have passed, push the control
again.

P

26

Parking brake

For information on the parking
brake, refer to Preparing to start
the vehicle in the Driving
chapter.

CLIMATE CONTROL
Operating the instrument panel

controls

P

Controls and features

BRAKE

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO
SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP5SHUFFLE

SIDE 1-2

2

1

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

LO

HI

WARMCOOL

PANEL

*A/C
*MAX

A/C

OFF

PANEL &

FLOOR

FLOOR
FLR

& DEF

DEF

27

Controls and features

Instrument panel vents

There are four vents on the
instrument panel. These vents are
equipped with dials to adjust the
amount and direction of air passing
through them.

Temperature

Turn temperature control to the
desired temperature.

28

WARMCOOL

Fan speed

Turn the fan speed control to the
desired speed.

Airflow and air conditioning

Turn the mode control to the
desired airflow position.

Controls and features

LO

HI

OFF

PANEL

A/C

MAX

A/C

PANEL &

FLOOR

FLOOR

FLR

& DEF

DEF

Controlling airflow

Select PANEL for air to flow
through these vents:

The PANEL position allows outside
air to flow through the instrument
panel vents.

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO
SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP5SHUFFLE

P

SIDE 1-2

2

1

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

29

Controls and features

Select PANEL & FLOOR for air to
flow through these vents:

The PANEL & FLOOR position
directs outside air to flow between
the panel and floor vents. The air
conditioning system will function
in this mode provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

Select FLOOR for air to flow
through these vents:

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO
SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP5SHUFFLE

P

P

SIDE 1-2

2

1

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO

SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP5SHUFFLE

SIDE 1-2

2

1

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

The FLOOR position directs
outside air to flow through the
floor vents.

30

Select FLR & DEF for air to flow
through these vents:

The FLR & DEF position directs
outside air to flow through the
floor vents and the windshield
defroster vents. The air
conditioning system will function
in this mode provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

Select

for air to flow through

these vents:

Controls and features

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO

SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP5SHUFFLE

P

P

SIDE 1-2

2

1

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

VOL – PUSH ON

CLK

ST

FM 1

AM

BALFADE

BASSTREB

FM

AUTO

SET

SEEK

TAPECD

EJ

SCAN

DOLBY SYSTEM

TUNE
DISCS

FF

REW

COMP

SHUFFLE

SIDE 1-2

2

1

5

6

4

3

OFF

LO

A/C

*

MAX

*

HI

A/C

The

position directs outside
air to flow through the windshield
defroster vents. The air
conditioning system will function
in this mode provided the outside
temperature is above 10°C (50°F).

31