2007 FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) brakes

•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
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 your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
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 wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (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
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Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
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as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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1. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the
MIN/MAX or upper and lower lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this
range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN/MAX or upper and
lower lines. Be sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking 5–speed automatic transaxle fluid (If equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
MAX
MIN
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A
Accessory delay ..........................68
Air cleaner filter ...............262–264
Air conditioning ....................43, 45
Airbag supplemental
restraint system ........121, 130, 133
and child safety seats ............123
description ..............121, 130, 133
disposal ....................................136
driver airbag ............123, 130, 134
indicator light .........129, 132, 135
operation .................123, 130, 134
passenger airbag .....123, 130, 134
side airbag ...............................130
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................183
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................239
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................174
Anti-theft system ..................96, 99
arming the system ....................99
disarming a triggered
system .....................................100
triggering .................................100
Audio system (see Radio) ...21, 27
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................257
fluid, checking ........................257
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................179–180
fluid, adding ....................259, 262
fluid, checking ................259, 262
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specification ..................266Auxiliary Input Jack ...................34
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........266
B
Battery .......................................237
acid, treating emergencies .....237
jumping a disabled battery ....205
maintenance-free ....................237
replacement, specifications ...264
servicing ..................................237
Belt-Minder.............................116
Brakes ........................................173
anti-lock ...................................174
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................174
fluid, checking and adding ....257
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .................266
lubricant specifications ..........266
parking ....................................175
shift interlock ..........................177
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................53
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cassette tape player ...................21
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................199
Child safety restraints ..............136
child safety belts ....................136
Child safety seats ......................140
attaching with tether straps ..144
in front seat ............................141
in rear seat ..............................141
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J
Jack ............................................199
positioning ...............................199
storage .....................................199
Jump-starting your vehicle ......205
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................86
Keys .......................................83, 97
positions of the ignition .........170
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................49
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................54
daytime running light ...............50
fog lamps ...................................50
headlamps .................................49
headlamps, flash to pass ..........51
instrument panel, dimming .....51
interior lamps ...........................53
replacing bulbs .........................54
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................53
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........174
Load limits .................................163
Locks
autolock .....................................86
childproof ..................................89
doors ..........................................85
Lubricant specifications ...........266
Lug nuts ....................................204
Lumbar support, seats .............102M
Manual transmission .................182
fluid capacities ........................266
lubricant specifications ..........266
reverse .....................................183
Message center ...........................75
english/metric button ...............80
system check button ................79
warning messages .....................80
Mirrors .........................................69
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................68
heated ........................................69
side view mirrors (power) .......69
Moon roof ....................................73
Motorcraft parts ........225, 245, 264
N
Navigation system .......................40
O
Octane rating ............................249
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................232
P
Parking brake ............................175
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....264
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................108
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................196
Power door locks ........................85
Power mirrors .............................69
Power point .................................66
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