4.Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation
in the vehicle cabin. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time
required to cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help
reduce undesired odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle.
Recirculated air will not function in
(defrost).
5.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. Engages
automatically in
(defrost).
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather,
select
(defrost) and set the fan speed dial to the 3 or 4 position
near the
(defrost) symbol. Also, set the temperature setting to
the
(defrost) symbol during cooler weather.
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle, do not drive with the
system off or with
(recirculated air) engaged and A/C off.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•To improve the time to reach comfort in hot weather, drive with the
windows slightly open for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the
vehicle has been “aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the max A/C mode, reduce blower fan speed from the highest setting and
put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) gear position to continue
to receive cool air from your A/C system.
Climate Controls
39
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
STARTING
Electric vehicles
For specific information on the Transit Connect Electric, refer to the
Azure Dynamics TC-E Owner’s GuideSupplement.
Positions of the ignition
•0 (off) — locks the steering
wheel, automatic transmission
gearshift lever and allows key
removal. This position also shuts
the engine and all electrical
accessories off.
•I (accessory) — allows the
electrical accessories such as the
radio to operate while the engine is not running.
•II (on) — all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated.
Key position when driving.
•III (start) — cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING: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.
Driving
163
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Electric vehicles
For specific information on the Transit Connect Electric, refer to the
Azure Dynamics TC-E Owner’s GuideSupplement.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift s trategy.
Adaptive Shift 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 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 front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Press the brake pedal
•Press the shifter button 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)
Driving
177
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
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 four.
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 (1–3) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: hilly terrain, heavy loads, and when engine
braking is required.
•O/D OFF lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive
mode), press the transmission
control switch. The O/D OFF lamp in the instrument cluster will not
be illuminated.
•O/D (overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
O/D
OFF
Driving
178
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING:When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or
brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with
the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in
motion, resulting in loss of control.
Note:Inspect the wheel pilot hole
prior to installation. If there is
visible corrosion in wheel pilot hole,
remove loose particles by wiping
with clean rag and apply grease.
Apply grease only to the wheel pilot
hole surface by smearing a “dime”
(1 square cm) sized glob of grease
around the wheel pilot surface (1)
with end of finger. DO NOT apply
grease to lugnut/stud holes or
wheel-to-brake surfaces.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Electric vehicles
For specific information on the Transit Connect Electric, refer to the
Azure Dynamics TC-E Owner’s GuideSupplement.
Roadside Emergencies
203
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on the bottom is used to designate
the assisting (boosting) battery.
Roadside Emergencies
204
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
7. Air filter assembly
8. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Power steering fluid reservoir
123456
98710
Maintenance and Specifications
227
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Brake fluid should not be allowed to contact the eyes and skin. If this
happens, promptly wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse reaction.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Electric vehicles
For specific information on the Transit Connect Electric, refer to the
Azure Dynamics TC-E Owner’s GuideSupplement.
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission 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
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic, or
during hot weather, the vehicle should be turned off for about
30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking. Under these
conditions, the vehicle must be restarted prior to checking the
fluid level.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Maintenance and Specifications
251
2011 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)