WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
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 roll over 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 racks or pickup box cover).
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-road usage.
TERRAIN MANAGEMENT (IF EQUIPPED)
Terrain management adapts the responses of the vehicle’s engine,
transmission, 4WD system, suspension, and stability control systems to
match the demands of the terrain. The system optimizes drivability and
comfort as well as maximizing traction.
Turn the control located on the center console to choose between the
following modes:
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1. Grass/Gravel/Snow
2. Sand
3. Mud/Ruts
4. Normal
•Normal - This mode is for on-road conditions. If not already active,
Normal should be selected before driving on surfaces which are similar
to a hard road surface. This mode should be selected once the need
for a special mode has passed. Use Normal mode when towing a
trailer.
Note:Cruise control is available only in Normal and Snow modes.
•Grass/Gravel/Snow - This mode should be used where a firm surface is
covered with loose or slippery material. Surfaces covered in packed
snow, ice, water, grass, gravel, or a thin coating of sand for example.
For deep gravel, it is recommended that the Sand mode is selected. If
the vehicle is unable to gain traction in deep snow, switching traction
control off may help. Traction control should be switched on again as
soon as the difficulty is overcome. SeeSwitching Off AdvanceTrac
with RSCearlier in this chapter.
Note:The Mud/Ruts and Sand modes are for off-road use only.
Note:Curve Control is unavailable when the Mud/Ruts or Sand modes
are selected.
•Sand - This mode should be used for soft dry sand, or deep gravel
terrain. If the sand to be crossed is damp/wet, and sufficiently deep
enough to cause the wheels to sink into the surface, the Mud/Ruts
mode should be selected.
•Mud/Ruts - This mode should be used for muddy, rutted, soft, or
uneven terrain.
If the terrain management system becomes inoperable, it may not be
possible to select specific modes and a message will be displayed. If the
TMS becomes inoperable due to a system malfunction, all of the mode
indicators on the control will turn off and the message center will display
one of the following messages.1
2
3
4
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