Lincoln Aviator: Towing / Essential Towing Checks
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
- Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
- Consult your local motor vehicle laws for
towing a trailer.
- See the instructions included with towing
accessories for the proper installation
and adjustment specifications.
- Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer.
- If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's load
in the Load Carrying chapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue
weight as part of your vehicle load when
calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
A weight distributing hitch is not required for
your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Note: Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hook
retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer's
hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may
not have enough braking power and your
chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you install
them properly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The trailer
brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined weight
rating.
Safe control of towed vehicles requires
separate functioning brake systems for
vehicles and trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailer
lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;
this may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.
Make sure all running lights, brake lights,
direction indicators and hazard flashers are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to
get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip. When
turning, make wider turns so the trailer
wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
- Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
- Do not make full-throttle starts.
- Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after
you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
- When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
- Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control
may turn off automatically when you are
towing on long, steep grades.
- Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
- If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and transmission
cooling.
- Allow more distance for stopping with a
trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
- Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
- Turn the steering wheel to point your
vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
- Set your vehicle parking brake.
- Place the automatic transmission in park
(P).
- Place wheel chocks in front and back of
the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included
with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
- Do not allow the static water level to rise
above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
- Do not allow waves to break higher than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
- Causing internal damage to the
components.
- Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or other
axle repair is required.
Note: Do not exceed the trailer weight
for your vehicle configuration listed in
the chart below.
Note: Be sure to take into consideration
trailer frontal area...
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the ignition
is in the accessory or on position when
being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle transport
trailer, it can be flat-towed with all wheels on
the ground, regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration, under the
following conditions:
Your vehicle is facing forward for towing
in a forward direction...
Other information:
Service data recorders in your vehicle are
capable of collecting and storing diagnostic
information about your vehicle. This
potentially includes information about the
performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine,
throttle, steering or brake systems...
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Chart
Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart
Module
DTC
Description
Action
PCM
P00FE:00
EVAP System Tank Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P043E:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Reference Orifice Low Flow: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P043F:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Reference Orifice High Flow: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0442:00
EVAP System Leak Detected (Small Leak): No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0443:00
EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0446:00
EVAP System Vent Control Circuit: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0451:00
EVAP System Pressure Sensor / Switch A Circuit Range / Performance: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0452:00
EVAP System Pressure Sensor / Switch A Circuit Low: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0453:00
EVAP System Pressure Sensor / Switch A Circuit High: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0454:00
EVAP System Pressure Sensor / Switch A Circuit Intermittent: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0455:00
EVAP System Leak Detected (Large Leak): No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0456:00
EVAP System Leak Detected (Very Small Leak): No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0457:00
EVAP System Leak Detected (Fuel Cap Loose / Off): No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0460:00
Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0461:00
Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0462:00
Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit Low: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0463:00
Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit High: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P0496:00
EVAP System High Purge Flow: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P04EA:00
EVAP System Small Leak Detected - Fuel Tank Side: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P04EB:00
EVAP System Small Leak Detected - Fresh Air Side: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P04ED:00
EVAP System Large Leak Detected - Fresh Air Side: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P04EE:00
EVAP System Very Small Leak Detected - Fuel Tank Side: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P04EF:00
EVAP System Very Small Leak Detected - Fresh Air Side: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P04F0:00
EVAP System High Load Purge Line A Performance: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P144A:00
EVAP System Purge Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P144B:00
EVAP System Secondary Purge Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P144C:00
EVAP System Purge Flow Performance During Boost: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P1450:00
Unable To Bleed Up Fuel Tank Vacuum: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2401:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2402:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit High: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2418:00
EVAP System Switching Valve Control Circuit/Open: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2450:00
EVAP System Switching Valve Performance/Stuck Open: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2451:00
EVAP System Switching Valve Stuck Closed: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24B9:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24BA:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Pressure Sensor Circuit Low: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24BB:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Pressure Sensor Circuit High: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24BC:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24BE:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Switching Valve Control Circuit Low: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24BF:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Switching Valve Control Circuit High: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24C0:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Vacuum Switching Valve Stuck On: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P24C1:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Vacuum
Switching Valve Performance/Stuck Off: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P260F:00
EVAP System Monitoring Processor Performance: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2DDA:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Performance/Stuck Off: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
PCM
P2DDB:00
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Stuck On: No Sub Type Information
GO to Pinpoint Test HX
Global Customer Symptom Code (GCSC) Chart
Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices...