REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather may also affect the function of the RSS;
this may include reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, always use caution when in R
(Reverse) and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
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The RSS detects obstacles up to six
feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
While receiving a warning the radio volume will be reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio will return
to the previous value.
The RSS automatically turns on when the gear selector is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is ON. A control in the message center allows
the driver to disable the system only when the ignition is ON and the
gear selector is in R (Reverse). Refer toMessage centerin theDriver
Controlschapter for more information.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
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•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It 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.
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.
If your vehicle is equipped with Traction Control™, it may be beneficial
to disengage the Traction Control™ system while attempting to rock the
vehicle.
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 authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). 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,
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Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the Right
Fuelsection.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than 1
gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•TheService engine soon
indicator may come on. For more
information on theService engine soon
indicator, refer to
Warning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
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If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
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.
Illumination of theService engine soon
indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By law,
vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services, sells,
leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not permitted to
intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent it from working.
Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the engine. This
decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
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). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle. When theService
engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II system has detected
a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause theService engine
soon
indicator to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................74
Air cleaner filter ...............284–286
Air conditioning ....................48, 50
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................135, 144, 147
and child safety seats ............137
description ..............135, 144, 147
disposal ....................................150
driver airbag ............137, 145, 148
indicator light .........144, 146, 149
operation .................137, 145, 148
passenger airbag .....137, 145, 148
side airbag ...............................144
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................206
Ambient mood/lighting ...............59
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................261
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................193–194
Anti-theft system ..............109, 112
arming the system ..................112
disarming a triggered
system .....................................113
triggering .................................113
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................17, 21, 29
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................279
fluid, checking ........................279
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................199–200
fluid, adding ....................281, 284
fluid, checking ................281, 284
fluid, refill capacities ..............288fluid, specification ..................288
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........288
B
Battery .......................................259
acid, treating emergencies .....259
jumping a disabled battery ....227
maintenance-free ....................259
replacement, specifications ...286
servicing ..................................259
Belt-Minder.............................130
Booster seats .............................151
Brakes ........................................193
anti-lock ...........................193–194
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................194
fluid, checking and adding ....279
fluid, refill capacities ..............288
fluid, specifications .................288
lubricant specifications ..........288
parking ....................................194
shift interlock ..........................197
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................59
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....288
Cassette tape player ...................21
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................221
Child safety restraints ..............151
child safety belts ....................151
Child safety seats ......................154
attaching with tether straps ..158
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starting after a collision .........214
Engine block heater .................191
Engine oil ..................................254
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................254
checking and adding ..............254
dipstick ....................................254
filter, specifications ........258, 286
recommendations ...................258
refill capacities ........................288
specifications ..........................288
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................191
F
Fail safe cooling ........................266
Fluid capacities .........................288
Foglamps .....................................55
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................206
Fuel ............................................267
calculating fuel
economy ............................84, 272
cap ...........................................269
capacity ...................................288
choosing the right fuel ...........270
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................275
detergent in fuel .....................272
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................267, 269, 272
filter, specifications ........267, 286
fuel pump shut-off switch .....214
improving fuel economy ........272
octane rating ...................271, 291
quality ......................................271
running out of fuel .................272
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................267Fuel pump shut-off switch .......214
Fuses ..........................................215
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............269
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................272
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................214
Head restraints .........................114
Headlamps ...................................54
aiming ........................................57
autolamp system .......................54
bulb specifications ....................59
daytime running lights .............55
flash to pass ..............................56
high beam .................................56
replacing bulbs .........................60
turning on and off ....................54
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................46, 48, 50
Hood ..........................................250
How to get going ........................17
I
Ignition ...............................188, 291
Illuminated visor mirror .............70
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................154
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................277
Instrument panel ........................72
cleaning ...................................245
cluster ........................................10
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lighting up panel and
interior .......................................56
J
Jack ............................................221
positioning ...............................221
storage .....................................221
Jump-starting your vehicle ......227
K
Keyless entry system ...............107
autolock .....................................96
keypad .....................................107
locking and unlocking doors ..108
programming entry code .......107
Keys .....................................93, 110
positions of the ignition .........188
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................54
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................59
daytime running light ...............55
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........56
instrument panel, dimming .....56
interior lamps ...........................58
replacing bulbs .........................60
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................58
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........194
Load limits .................................181
Locks
autolock .....................................96childproof ................................100
doors ..........................................95
Lubricant specifications ...........288
Lug nuts ....................................226
Lumbar support, seats .............115
M
Manual transmission .................202
fluid capacities ........................288
lubricant specifications ..........288
reverse .....................................203
Message center ...........................83
english/metric button ...............88
system check button ................87
warning messages .....................89
Mirrors ...................................75–76
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................75
heated ........................................76
side view mirrors (power) .......76
Moon roof ....................................81
Motorcraft parts ........247, 267, 286
N
Navigation system .......................45
O
Octane rating ............................271
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................254
P
Parking brake ............................194
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....286
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................122
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