Ford F53 Motorhome 1999 User Manual

Table of contents

Introduction 2

Instrumentation 4

Controls and features 14

Starting 21

Driving 25

Roadside emergencies 37

Maintenance and care 54

Capacities and specifications 84

Customer Assistance 88

Reporting Safety Defects 89

Index 90

All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written authorization from Ford Motor Company.

Copyright娀1998 Ford Motor Company

Introduction

ICONS

Indicates a safety alert. Read the following section on Warnings.

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

Correct vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste cleaning and lubrication materials are significant steps towards protecting the environment.

Indicates a message regarding child safety restraints. Refer to Seating and safety restraints for more information.

Indicates that this Owner Guide contains information on this subject. Please refer to the Index to locate the appropriate section which will provide you more information.

WARNINGS

Warnings provide information which may reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. 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.

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

Notice to owners of Class A Motorhome Vehicles

The Ford Motorhome Chassis is not suitable for producing ambulances or school buses. In addition, Ford urges manufacturers to follow the recommendations of the “Ford Incomplete Vehicle Manual,” the “Ford Truck Body Builder’s Layout Book,” and other pertinent supplements.

Notification of delayed warranty start date and accumulated mileage

Verify that your recreational vehicle dealer has submitted a Notification of Delayed Warranty Start Date and Accumulated Mileage (FCS 900) to Ford Motor Company.

Instrumentation

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

MPH km/h

100

000000

000

PRN 21

120

140

180

100

RPMx1000

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

FUEL

RESET

ABS

DOOR AJAR

LOW

FUEL

BRAKE

LOW FUEL

+ -

BRAKE

+ -

Low fuel

Illuminates as an early reminder of a low fuel condition indicated on the fuel gauge. The light comes on when there is approximately 1/16th of a tank indicated on the fuel gauge (refer to Fuel Gauge in this chapter for more information). The ignition must be in the ON position for this lamp to illuminate. The lamp will also illuminate for several seconds after the ignition is turned to the ON position regardless of the fuel level.

Oil pressure/Engine coolant

This light will come on when the key is in the ON position and the:

• engine coolant temperature is very high

• engine oil pressure is low

The light serves as a notice that a system needs your attention and to check the engine coolant temperature gauge and the engine oil pressure gauge.

Refer to Engine coolant temperature gauge and Engine oil pressure gauge in this chapter for more information.

Instrumentation

Charging system

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the engine is off. The light also illuminates when the battery is not charging properly, requiring electrical system service.

Brake system warning

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position, the engine is off and the parking brake is engaged. If the brake warning lamp does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be inspected immediately.

Safety belt

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned ON to remind you to fasten your safety belts.

Brake reserve system warning (if equipped)

Illuminates to indicate normal Hydromax booster reserve system activation when the engine is OFF and the service brake pedal is applied, or when the ignition is in the ON or START position.

This light may also illuminate momentarily if the engine is running and the driver turns the steering wheel fully in one direction while braking.

If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure. Safely stop the vehicle as soon as possible and seek service immediately.

BRAKE

Instrumentation

Service engine soon (Federal only)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD I). This OBD I system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD I system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Check Engine/Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD I system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run

poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

These and other temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

Instrumentation

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior

floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL), which is located on the gearshift lever (the word OFF), may flash steadily if a transmission malfunction has been detected. It the TCIL is flashing, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible. If this condition persists, damage to the transmission may occur.

Service engine soon (California only)

Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). This OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require towing.

What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates

Light turns on solid:

This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause your Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Examples are:

1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run

poorly.)

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.

SERVICE

ENGINE

SOON

OVERDRIVE

Instrumentation

3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely

tightened.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions present, the Service Engine Soon light should turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.

If the Service Engine Soon light remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Light is blinking:

Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.

Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior

floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.

OVERDRIVE

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

Momentarily illuminates when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately.

Normal is braking is still effective unless the brake warning light(s) also illuminate(s) with the ignition turned to ON.

ABS

Door ajar

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

Fuel reset

Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the fuel pump shut-off switch has been triggered. For more information, refer to Fuel pump shut-off switch in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

High beams

Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.

Turn signal

Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. Refer to Exterior bulbs in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Instrumentation

DOOR

AJAR

FUEL

RESET

Safety belt warning chime

Chimes to remind you to fasten your safety belts.

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 or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (and the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.

Instrumentation

GAUGES

MPH km/h

100

000000

000

PRN 21

120

140

180

100

RPMx1000

FUEL

RESET

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

ABS

DOOR AJAR

BRAKE

LOW FUEL

+ -

BRAKE

+ -

Fuel gauge

Displays approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank (when the key is in the ON position). The ignition should be in the OFF position while the vehicle is being refueled. When the gauge first indicates empty, there is a small amount of reserve fuel in the tank. When refueling the vehicle from empty indication, the amount of fuel that can be added will be less than the advertised capacity due to the reserve fuel.

Engine oil pressure gauge

This shows the engine oil pressure in the system. Sufficient pressure exists as long as the needle remains in the normal range (the area

between the “L” and “H”).

If the gauge indicates low pressure, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine

immediately. Check the oil level. Add oil if needed (refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and care chapter). If the oil level is correct, have your vehicle checked at your dealership or by a qualified technician.

Battery voltage gauge

This gauge shows the battery voltage when the ignition is in the ON position. If the pointer moves and stays outside the normal operating range (as indicated), have the vehicle’s electrical system checked as soon as possible.

Engine coolant temperature gauge

Indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating temperature, the needle remains within the normal area (the area between the “H” and “C”). If it enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine immediately and let the engine cool. Refer to Engine

coolant in the Maintenance and care chapter.

Instrumentation

Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.

This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the coolant is not at its proper level the gauge indication will not be accurate.

Instrumentation

Speedometer

Indicates the current vehicle speed.

Odometer

Registers the total kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.

Trip odometer

Registers the kilometers (miles) of individual journeys. To reset, depress the control.

MPH

00000

0000

100

km/h

120

140

160

100

Tachometer

Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.

Driving with your tachometer pointer in the red zone may damage the engine.

Instrumentation

Controls and features

HEADLAMP CONTROL

Rotate the headlamp control to the first position to turn on the parking lamps. Rotate to the second position to also turn on the headlamps.

Daytime running lamps (DRL)

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

• the vehicle is running and

• the headlamp system is in the OFF position or parking lamp position.

Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during

inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light (DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

High beams

Push forward to activate.

Controls and features

Flash to pass

Pull toward you to activate and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel during headlamp and parklamp operation.

• Rotate up to brighten.

• Rotate down to dim.

• Rotate to full up position (past

detent) to turn on interior lamps.

POSITIONS OF THE IGNITION

1. ACCESSORY, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate while the engine is not running.

2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel, automatic transmission gearshift lever and allows key removal.

3. OFF, shuts off the engine and all accessories without locking the steering wheel.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key position when driving.

5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.

PANEL

DIM

Controls and features

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

To turn speed control on

• Press ON.

Vehicle speed cannot be controlled until the vehicle is traveling at or above 48 km/h (30 mph).

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that

are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

Do not shift the gearshift lever into N (Neutral) with the speed

control on.

To turn speed control off

• Press OFF or

• Turn off the vehicle ignition.

OFF

Once speed control is switched off, the previously programmed set speed will be erased.

Controls and features

To set a speed

• Press SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. For speed control to operate, the speed control must be ON and the vehicle speed must be greater than 48 km/h (30 mph).

If you drive up or down a steep hill, your vehicle speed may vary momentarily slower or faster than the set speed. This is normal.

Speed control cannot reduce the vehicle speed if it increases above the set speed on a downhill. If your vehicle speed is faster than the set speed while driving on a downhill, you may want to shift to the next lower gear or apply the brakes to reduce your vehicle speed.

If your vehicle slows down more than 16 km/h (10 mph) below your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage. This is normal. Pressing RES/RSM/RESUME will re-engage it.

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery, or unpaved.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

To set a higher set speed

• Press and hold SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Release the control when the desired vehicle speed is reached or

• Press and release SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL. Each press will

RES

SET

ACCEL

increase the set speed by

1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

COAST

• Accelerate with your accelerator pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press and release SET/SET ACC/SET ACCEL.

Controls and features

You can accelerate with the accelerator pedal at any time during speed control usage. Releasing the accelerator pedal will return your vehicle to the previously programmed set speed.

To set a lower set speed

• Press and hold CST/COAST. Release the control when the desired speed is reached or

• Press and release CST/COAST. Each press will decrease the set speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) or

• Depress the brake pedal. When the desired vehicle speed is reached, press SET/SET ACC/ SET ACCEL.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

To disengage speed control

• Depress the brake pedal.

Disengaging the speed control will not erase the previously programmed set speed.

Controls and features

Pressing OFF will erase the previously programmed set speed.

OFF

To return to a previously set speed

• Press RES/RSM/RESUME. For RES/RSM/RESUME to operate, the vehicle speed must be faster than 48 km/h (30 mph).

HAZARD FLASHER

For information on the hazard flasher control, refer to Hazard flasher in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

RES

SET

ACCEL

COAST

WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER CONTROLS

Rotate the windshield wiper control to the desired interval, low or high speed position.

The bars of varying length are for intermittent wipers. When in this position rotate the control upward for fast intervals and downward for slow intervals.

Controls and features

Push the control on the end of the stalk to activate washer. Push and hold for a longer wash cycle. The washer will automatically shut off after ten seconds of continuous use.

OVERDRIVE CONTROL

Activating overdrive

(Overdrive) is the normal drive

position for the best fuel economy.

The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts to second, third and fourth gear.

Deactivating overdrive

Press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS) located on the end of the gearshift lever. The Transmission Control Indicator Light (TCIL) (the word OFF) will illuminate on the end of the gearshift lever.

The transmission will operate in gears one through three. To return to normal overdrive mode, press the Transmission Control Switch again. The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated.

When you shut off and re-start your vehicle, the transmission will automatically return to normal

(Overdrive) mode.

OFF

OVERDRIVE

Starting

PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE

Engine starting is controlled by the ignition system. This system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, avoid pressing the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this chapter.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk

of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed

areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in this chapter for more instructions.

If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer

inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

A computer system controls the engine’s idle revolutions per minute (RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle checked. Do not allow the vehicle to idle for more than ten minutes.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts.

2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.

Starting

3. Make sure the parking brake is set.

4. Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).

5. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without turning the key to 5 (START).

BRAKE

LOW FUEL

+ -

BRAKE

+ -

000000

000

100

MPH km/h

PRN 21

120

140

180

100

RPMx1000

SERVICE ENGINE

SOON

FUEL

RESET

ABS

DOOR AJAR

Starting

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate briefly. If a light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.

• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Turn the key to 5 (START) without pressing the accelerator pedal and release as soon as the engine starts. The key will return to 4 (ON).

2. If the temperature is above –12°C (10°F) and the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait ten seconds and try again.

3. If the temperature is below –12°C (10°F) and the engine does not start in fifteen seconds on the first try, turn the key OFF and wait ten seconds and try again. If the engine does not start in two attempts, depress the accelerator and start the engine while holding the accelerator down to the floor. Release the accelerator when the engine starts.

4. After idling for a few seconds, apply the brake and release the parking brake.

light may not illuminate.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant, which improves starting, warms up the engine faster and allows the heater-defroster system to respond quickly. Use of an engine block heater is strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach –23°C (–10°F) or below.

For best results, plug the heater in at least three hours before starting the vehicle. Using the heater for longer than three hours will not harm the engine, so the heater can be plugged in the night before starting the vehicle.

Starting

To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater with

ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.

If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle,

have your dealer inspect and fix your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes. These fumes are harmful and could kill you.

Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:

• the vehicle is raised for service.

• the sound of the exhaust system changes.

• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle

components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped in an open area for long periods of time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch).

Adjust the heating or air conditioning (if equipped) to bring in fresh air.

Improve vehicle ventilation by keeping all air inlet vents clear of snow, leaves and other debris.

Driving

BRAKES

Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the Scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.

Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.

Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)

On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check at 17 km/h (10 mph) after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

Driving

The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake applications and compensating for this tendency. The wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied. The accompanying illustration depicts the advantage of an ABS equipped vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking traction.

ABS warning lamp

ABS

The when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be serviced.

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains illuminated with parking brake released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle serviced immediately).

warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates

Using ABS

• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

• The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.

• We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

Hydraulic brake booster system (Hydroboost or Hydromax)

The Hydroboost and Hydromax systems receive fluid pressure from the power steering pump to provide power assist during braking.

Driving

The Hydromax booster receives backup pressure from the reserve system electric pump whenever the fluid in the power steering system is not flowing. When the engine is OFF, the pump will turn on if the brake pedal is applied, or if the ignition is turned to the ON position.

The sound of the pump operating may be heard by the driver, but this is a normal characteristic of the system.

The reserve system provides reduced braking power, so the vehicle should be operated under these conditions with caution, and only to seek service repair and remove the vehicle from the roadway.

For Hydromax-equipped vehicles operating under normal conditions, the noise of the fluid flowing through the booster may be heard whenever the brake is applied. This condition is normal. Vehicle service is not required.

If braking performance or pedal response becomes very poor, even when the pedal is strongly depressed, it may indicate the presence of air in the hydraulic system or leakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible and seek service immediately.

Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is parked. Push pedal downward to set the parking brake.

The BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates and remains illuminated (when the ignition is turned ON) until the parking brake is released.

Driving

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave

your vehicle.

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle. However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the transmission mounted parking brake assembly, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Push the service brake pedal with your foot and pull the parking brake release handle to release the parking brake.

TRANSMISSION OPERATION

Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the

key.

2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N

(Neutral).

Driving

3. Start the vehicle.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps are working.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. The transmission and tires may be damaged or the engine may overheat.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you leave

your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your dealer or a qualified service technician.

Driving with a 4–speed automatic transmission

Understanding gearshift positions

Pull the gearshift lever towards you and downward to move the automatic gearshift.

Hold the brake pedal down while you move the gearshift lever from P (Park) to another position. If you do not hold the brake

pedal down, your vehicle may move unexpectedly and injure someone.

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