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Once blockage is removed, the system will require some driving time and
detection of at least two vehicle object prior to realizing it is unblocked,
or the driver can cycle the ignition key. If blocked and the ignition key is
cycled, the system resets to unblocked. If however blockage is still
present after the key cycle, the system will sense again that it is blocked
after driving in traffic.
The following table lists possible causes and actions for this message
being displayed:
The surface of the left or right
radar is dirty or obstructed in
some wayClean the fascia area in front of
the radar, either left or right side,
or remove obstruction.
The surface of the left or right
radar is not dirty or obstructedDrive normally in traffic for a few
minutes to allow the radar to
detect that it is no longer blocked.
Note, the vehicle must be in D
(Drive) and a few vehicles must
pass so that the BLIS™ can clear a
blocked state.
Heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall is
interfering with the radar signalsNo action required by the driver.
The system will automatically go
unblocked once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or
stops. Do not use BLIS™-CTA in
heavy rainfall or heavy snowfall.
Trailer tow false alerts
When towing a trailer the left and right sensor may detect the trailer
thus causing a false alert. It may be desirable to turn the BLIS™ system
off if the false alerts become annoying.
Day and night brightness
The BLIS™-CTA amber alert will automatically dim when the headlamp
switch is in PARK, ON, or AUTO ON and night time darkness has been
detected by the sun sensor.
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When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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 transmission 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
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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
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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ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle. Fuel
delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences within a
12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to an
authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement
location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in
excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
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The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
1 30A Driver smart window motor
2 15A Brake on/off switch, Center
high-mounted stop lamp
3 15A Not used (Spare)
4 30A Passenger front smart window
motor
5 10A Keypad illumination, Brake shift
interlock
6 20A Turn signal lamps
7 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
8 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
9 15A Courtesy lights/Illuminated scuff
plate
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
10 15A Backlighting, Puddle lamps
11 10A AWD module
12 7.5A Memory modules, Memory
seat/mirrors switches
13 5A SYNC module
14 10A Electronic Finish Panel (EFP)
radio and climate control buttons
module, Navigation display, Center
information display, GPS module,
Ambient lighting
15 10A Climate control
16 15A Not used (Spare)
17 20A Door locks, Trunk release
18 20A Not used (Spare)
19 25A Not used (Spare)
20 15A On-Board Diagnostic connector
21 15A Fog lamps
22 15A Front sidemarker lamps, Park
lamps, License plate lamp
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn
25 10A Demand lamps/power saver relay
26 10A Instrument cluster battery power
27 20A Ignition switch
28 5A Radio crank sense circuit
29 5A Instrument cluster ignition power
30 5A Not used (Spare)
31 10A Not used (Spare)
32 10A Restraint control module
33 10A Not used (Spare)
34 5A Not used (Spare)
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WARNING:To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace
the cover to the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, refer to the
Batterysection of theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
1 — Not used
2 — Not used
3 40A* Powertrain control module (PCM)
(relay 57 power)
4 — Not used
5 30A* Starter motor (relay 55 power)
6 40A* Rear defrost (relay 53 power)
7 — Not used
8 40A* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
pump
9 20A* Wipers washer
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Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate the hazard
flashers.
2. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) and turn the engine off.
Removing the spare tire and jack
1. Remove the carpeted load floor
panel located in the rear of the
vehicle and remove the lug wrench
and long bolt from the tool bag.
2. Remove the bolt securing the
spare tire using the lug wrench,
then lift and remove the spare tire
from the trunk.
3. Remove the jack retention bolt by
turning it counterclockwise and
remove the jack from the vehicle.
Tire change procedure
WARNING:To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in
both directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and
end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING:If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
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