Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned
•a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then
release the key as soon as the
engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking
system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from
the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Note:Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off
position.
3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the
brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off
position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to
start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the
accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
WARNING: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 one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
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During Trailer Sway Control events, theicon in the instrument
cluster will flash momentarily. The message center will also display
TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED.In some cases when trailer sway is
detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be at or above a speed
at which trailer sway will grow continuously. This may cause the system
to activate multiple times, and you may experience a slight deceleration
of the vehicle.
Disabling Trailer Sway Control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. See Trailer
Sway Control under Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for more information. Note that even if it was disabled before
turning off the vehicle, Trailer Sway Control will be re-enabled at each
new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off Trailer Sway Control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
To help 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
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
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BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to off, then remove the key.
2. Remove the rubber pad at the
bottom of the cup holder to locate
the access cap of the floor shifter
assembly.
3. Using a screwdriver (or
equivalent), remove the access
panel and depress the shifter lever
on the shift mechanism.
4. Apply the brake and shift into N
(Neutral).
5. Return the cover plug to the console access hole. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING: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.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Driving with a 5–speed automatic transmission (if equipped)
This vehicle is equipped with an Adaptive Transmission Control Strategy.
This Adaptive Transmission Control Strategy offers the optimal
transmission operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has
been disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will
need to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to
reset your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been
disconnected. The Adaptive Transmission Control Strategy allows the
transmission to relearn these operating parameters. This learning process
could take several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this
learning process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning
process, normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Press the gearshift release button
on the front of the lever and
move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING: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.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
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N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through five.
D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever.
•This position allows for all
forward gears (1-4) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: heavy
city traffic where continuous
shifting in and out of overdrive
occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads,
trailer towing and when engine
braking is required.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive
mode), press the transmission
control switch. The O/D OFF
lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
O/D
OFF
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P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Start the engine
•Press the gearshift lever release
button (on the front of the lever)
and shift into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
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D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the shift lever.
•This position allows for all
forward gears (1-5) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: heavy
city traffic where continuous
shifting in and out of overdrive
occurs, hilly terrain, heavy loads,
trailer towing and when engine
braking is required.
•O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive
mode), press the transmission
control switch. The O/D OFF
lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Transmission operates in 2nd gear only.
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Transmission operates in 1st gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
O/D
OFF
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•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 roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING: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 arenotdesigned 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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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