Brake Assist (if equipped)
The Brake Assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and
maximizes the amount of brake booster assist, helping the driver to
achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake application is
detected, the system will remain activated as long as the brake pedal is
depressed. The system is deactivated by releasing the brake pedal.
When the system activates, the brake pedal will travel with very little
effort; this is normal.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is
turned to the ON position. 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.)
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
Driving
198
Roll Stability Control System (4x2 vehicles only)
The Roll Stability Control system works in conjunction with the
AdvanceTracysystem to further enhance the vehicle's overall stability
during aggressive maneuvers. The system helps maintain roll stability of
the vehicle during aggressive maneuvers by applying brake force to one
or more wheels.
Driving conditions that may activate Roll Stability Control include:
²Emergency lane-change
²Taking a turn too fast
²Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
²Hitting a curb while turning
The AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability Control system automatically turns on
when the engine is started. However, the system does not function when
the vehicle is traveling in R (Reverse). In R (Reverse), ABS and the
traction enhancement feature will continue to function.
The AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability
Control button allows the driver to
control the availability of the
AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability Control
system. AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability
Control system status is indicated by a warning indicator light with a
ªsliding carº icon in the instrument cluster that will flash when the
system is active and an indicator light in the control button that will
illuminate when the system is turned off. In vehicles with a message
center, the message ªADVANCETRAC OFFº will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability Control
system, the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster will stay on.
If the warning indicator light in the instrument cluster remains on while
the engine is running, have the system serviced immediately.
Pressing the control once will disable the AdvanceTracystability
enhancement/Roll Stability Control and the engine power reduction
portion of the traction enhancement feature; the brake portion of the
traction enhancement feature will still function normally. Pressing and
holding the control for more than five seconds will disable the
AdvanceTracystability enhancement/Roll Stability Control and traction
enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck in snow or mud or when
driving in deep sand, switching off the AdvanceTracysystem may be
beneficial so the wheels are allowed to spin. If your vehicle seems to lose
engine power while driving in deep sand or very deep snow, switching off
the AdvanceTracystability enhancement feature will restore full engine
power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
Driving
201
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
AdvanceTracyperforms a system self-check. During AdvanceTracy/Roll
Stabilty Control operation you may experience the following:
²A rumble or grinding noise
²A slight deceleration of the vehicle
²The AdvanceTracyindicator light will flash
²If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
²If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal will move to apply higher brake forces. You may also hear
a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during this severe
condition.
All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability
Control operation.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle's suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle's handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability Control system. Also, do not
install a stereo loudspeaker near the rear console or either rear
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTracy/Roll Stability Control sensors located in this area.
Note:Pressing the AdvanceTracybutton will disable AdvanceTracyand
Roll Stability Control.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a AdvanceTracy/Roll
Stability Control event is an indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the steering
wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than a few
seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
²Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
Driving
202
²It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key 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.
Do not spin the wheels at over 56 km/h (35 mph). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving
214
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If you must reduce the tire pressure for whatever reason in sand, make
sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring
system, the system indicator light may illuminate depending on how
much air is released from your tires and/or how long you drive the
vehicle under these conditions.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high
water, drive slowly. Traction or
brake capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the hubs
(if possible) and proceed slowly. If
the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving
216
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
VEHICLE LOADING ± WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's
Safety Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
Base Curb Weight± is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight± is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo Weight± includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
Driving
221
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper; use a
load-carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10±15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue, not to exceed
the maximum tongue loads as stated:
²Class II receiver: 159 kg (350 lbs.)
²Class III/IV receiver: 227 kg (500 lbs.) (weight-carrying)/331 kg (730
lbs.) (weight-distributing)
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer's safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer's safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer's
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
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.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Never connect any trailer lighting to the vehicle's taillamp
circuits, because it may damage the electrical system resulting in
fire. Contact your local Ford dealership for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Driving
228
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
6 5A Electronic Hidden Antenna
Module (EHAM) (antenna
amplifier), Radio, Moonroof motor,
Driver window motor, Navigation
7 15A Heated mirrors, DEATC module
8 5A Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
module, Heated PCV valve
9 10A Back-up lamps (DTRS),
Electrochromatic mirror
10 10A Heated backlight relay coil,
Climate seat modules, Auxiliary
A/C temperature blend/mode
actuator, A/C clutch relay contact
11 20A Not used (spare)
12 15A Restraints module
13 10A Brake shift interlock
14 5A Not used (spare)
15 5A Instrument cluster, Rear wiper
module, TPMS
16 15A Cigar lighter, OBD II
17 15A Delayed accessory relay coil,
Battery saver relay coil and
contacts
18 5A Not used (spare)
19 15A Washer pump
20 5A Shifter, Clock, Power mirror
switch, DVD
21 10A Brake pressure switch (ABS), IVD
switch, Flasher relay
22 10A ABS module
23 7.5A Liftgate release relay coil and
contacts
Roadside Emergencies
236