
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
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)
On ABS-equipped vehicles, 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 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.
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The ABS operates by detecting the onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied.
Using ABS
• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the four-wheel
ABS is required, apply continuous force on the brake. The four wheel
ABS will be activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain 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 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.
ABS warning lamp ABS
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.)
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. P!BRAKE
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The Roll Stability Control button
allows the driver to control the
availability of the Roll Stability
Control system. The Roll Stability
Control system status is indicated
by a warning indicator light with a
“ sliding car ” icon in the instrument cluster that will flash when the
system is activated 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 “ Roll Stability Control OFF ” will be displayed.
If a failure is detected in the 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 button once will disable the Roll Stability Control stability
enhancement 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 button for
more than five seconds will disable the Roll Stability Control stability
enhancement and traction enhancement feature. If the vehicle is stuck
in snow or mud or when driving in deep sand, switching off the Roll
Stability Control system 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 Roll Stability Control stability
enhancement feature will restore full engine power and will enhance
momentum through the obstacle.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
Roll Stability Control performs a system self-check. During Roll Stability
Control operation you may experience the following:
• A rumble or grinding noise
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The Roll Stability Control indicator light will flash
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
• If 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 Roll Stability Control operation. O
F
F
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4. Press and hold the white button
located along side the shifter
housing assembly (as shown in the
illustration). Press the gearshift
lever release on the shifter knob and
move the gearshift lever back to N
(Neutral) (two places rearward from
P [Park]).
5. Start the vehicle and release the
parking brake.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
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.
Driving with a 4 – speed automatic transmission
Your vehicle ’ s automatic transmission is equipped with a special shift
strategy that insures maximum heater performance during cold weather
operation.
When ambient temperature is – 5 ° C (23 ° F) or below and the engine
coolant temperature is below 38 ° C (100 ° F), light throttle upshifts may
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be slightly delayed. Once the engine coolant temperature reaches 71 ° C
(160 ° F) the normal shift strategy will resume. This is normal operation
and will not affect the function or the durability of the transmission.
If the normal shift strategy does not resume once the engine
coolant temperature reaches the normal operating temperature,
or if the downshifts and other throttle conditions do not function
normally, see your dealer or a qualified service technician as soon
as possible.
Understanding gearshift positions
To put your vehicle in gear, start the engine, depress the brake pedal,
then move gearshift lever out of P (Park).
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.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into P (Park). Make
sure the gearshift lever is securely
latched in P (Park). This position
locks the transmission and prevents
the rear wheels from turning.
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. P
R
N
D
2
1
O
D
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CONTROL TRAC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see Preparing to drive your vehicle in this chapter.
If equipped with the Control Trac 4x4 System, and 4L (4x4 LOW)
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
Before 4L (4x4 LOW) can be engaged, the vehicle must be
brought to a complete stop, the brake pedal depressed and the
transmission placed in N (Neutral).
The vehicle should not be operated in 4H (4x4 HIGH) or 4L (4x4 LOW)
on dry pavement. Doing so could result in difficult disengagement of the
transfer case, increased tire wear, decreased fuel economy and may
damage driveline components.
Your 4x4 features the heavy-duty Control Trac system which includes a
computer-operated transfer case. This unique system is interactive with
the road, continually monitoring and adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize vehicle control.
System indicator lights
The Control Trac system indicator lights illuminate only under the
following conditions. If these lights illuminate when driving in 2H or
A4WD, contact your Ford dealer as soon as possible.
• 4X4 HIGH - momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4H is
selected.
• 4X4 LOW – momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L is
selected. 4x4
HIGH
4x4
LOW
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Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Trac system functions
in four modes:
• 2H (2WD HIGH) delivers power
to the rear wheels only. This is
appropriate for normal on-road
driving on dry pavement.
• A4WD (4X4 AUTO) provides
electronic control four-wheel
drive with power delivered to all
four wheels, as required, for
increased traction. This is appropriate for all on-road driving
conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet pavement, snow or gravel.
• 4H (4X4 HIGH) provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive power
to front and rear wheels. The “ 4X4 ” light will illuminate in the
instrument cluster when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. This position is only intended
for severe winter or off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or
shallow sand.
• 4L (4X4 LOW) provides mechanically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. The “ 4X4 LOW ” light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster when this position is selected.
This position is not recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this
position for off-road low-speed operation or when extra power is
required, such as climbing steep grades, going through deep sand or
pulling a boat out of the water.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac , the
AdvanceTrac system will automatically turn off the stability
enhancement feature when you shift the Control Trac A4WD system into
4L (4X4 LOW). The brake traction enhancement feature will still be
enabled.
The AdvanceTrac stability enhancement system can be turned off
manually by pressing the AdvanceTrac button (refer to AdvanceTrac
Stability Enhancement System in this chapter) while operating in 2H,
A4WD or 4H while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more
strenuous off-road maneuvers. This will disable the engine management
feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced
momentum through the obstacle.
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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 are not
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.
Emergency maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “ over-driving ” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
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