Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSCoperates by detecting the
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.
During an event that activates the RSCsystem, the stability control
light in the instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the RSCsystem, which
include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
Switching off traction control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off the traction Control features of the AdvanceTrac
with RSCsystem may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to
spin. This will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum
through the obstacle.
To turn off the AdvanceTrac
system, press the traction control
off button. The off switch could look
like either of the two graphics
shown. Full features of the TCS can
be restored by pressing the traction
control button again or by turning
off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the traction
control, the stability control off light
will illuminate steadily. Pressing the
traction control button again will
turn off the stability control light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare
disabled.
OFF
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AdvanceTracFeatures
Control
switch
functionsModeStability
control
off
light
Message
center dis-
playESC/
RSCTCS
Default at
start-upSystem
InitializationTurns on
during
bulb
checkNothing
displayedEnabled Enabled
Control
switch
pressed
once mo-
mentarilyTraction con-
trol OFFOnTRACTION
CONTROL
OFFEnabled Disabled
Control
switch
pressed
again after
deactiva-
tionAdvance-
Tracfully
enabledOffADVANCE-
TRAC ONEnabled Enabled
Trailer sway control (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with trailer sway control. When properly
equipped, trailer sway control will use the vehicle’s AdvanceTracwith
RSCsystem to detect and mitigate trailer sway by applying brake force
at individual wheels and, if necessary, by reducing engine power.
Note:Trailer sway control does not prevent a trailer from swaying, it
mitigates the sway from increasing once it has occurred. TSC cannot
stop all trailers from swaying. If you are experiencing trailer sway it is
likely that the trailer is improperly loaded for the correct tongue weight
or the speed of the vehicle and trailer is too high. Pull the vehicle-trailer
over to a safe location to check the trailer weight distribution and tongue
load and reduce speed to a safe level while towing. If trailer sway is
experienced, SLOW DOWN. Always use caution when towing a trailer
and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Refer toTrailer towing
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for more information on
towing a trailer with your vehicle.
During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The cluster message center
will also displayTRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases
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WARNING:The EPS system has diagnostics checks that
continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation
of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the
message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the
message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER
STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the
message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle
harder to steer.
WARNING:If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is
displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a
problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering
assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your
vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
3.7L V6 Duratecengine:Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
steering system.
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. If the power steering system
breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
•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 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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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic transmission adaptive learning
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
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. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•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). Switch the ignition off 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 six.
M (Manual) SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission with Grade
Assist
Initially, moving the lever to M (Manual) activates grade assist and
cancels overdrive.
Grade Assist:
•Provides additional grade
(engine) braking for downhill
driving and extends lower gear
operation on uphill climbs for
hilly terrain or mountainous
areas.
•Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake
pedal and vehicle speed). This will increase RPM during engine
braking.
•The grade assist indicator in the
instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade assist is designed to aid the
driver with optimal gear selection in
hilly terrain or mountainous areas
but is not intended for normal operation. It is recommended that you
return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain to provide the best fuel
economy and transmission function.
To return to normal D (Drive) position (with O/D), do one of the
following:
•Move the shift lever back from M (Manual) to D (Drive).
•Press the paddle shifters to exit grade assist and enable control of
selecting the gear you desire using the paddle shifters on the steering
wheel. This is called SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (SST)
mode.
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- The grade assist indicator in the instrument cluster will not be
illuminated.
- The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (SST)
This vehicle is equipped with a
SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) gearshift lever.
SST is an automatic transmission
with the ability for the driver to
change gears up or down (without a
clutch) as desired. By moving the
gearshift lever from drive position D
(Drive) to M (Manual) you now
have control of selecting the gear
you desire using the paddle shifters
on the steering wheel.
Press the paddle shifters to exit grade assist and enable control of
selecting the gear you desire using the paddle shifters on the steering
wheel.
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
•The current transmission gear will be displayed in the cluster.
Paddle shifters
The paddle shifters allow you to shift gears quickly, without taking your
hands off the steering wheel.
1. To manually downshift the
transmission with the gearshift lever
in M (Manual), press the paddle
shifters forward.
2. To manually upshift the
transmission with the gearshift lever
in M (Manual), pull the paddle
shifters rearward.
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Collision warning system limitations
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
where vehicles will not provide a collision warning. These include:
•Stationary or slow moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see also blocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see block sensor
section).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•Steering wheel and pedal movements are large (very active driving
style).
•High interior temperatures, which may deactivate the illumination or
the warning lamps until the interior temperature reduces (audible
warning will alert the driver).
In addition, sun load and sunglasses may reduce the visibility of the
warning lamps. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the audible
warning on.
WARNING:The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like for any typical braking situation.
Blocked sensor
If a message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed, the radar signals
from the sensor, located behind a
fascia cover near the driver side of
the lower grille, have been
obstructed. When the radar signals
are obstructed, a vehicle ahead
cannot be detected and the collision
warning system will not function.
The following table lists possible causes and actions for this message
being displayed.
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When the system has found a space, the message center will display
SPACE FOUND PULL FORWARD followed by a chime. Drive forward
until the message center displays SPACE FOUND STOP followed by a
chime. When you stop the vehicle in position to begin parking, the
message center displays REMOVE HANDS PUT IN REVERSE. The driver
should always come to a complete stop before changing gears.
Automatic steering into parking space
Automatic steering is activated when you stop the vehicle, remove your
hands from the steering wheel and select the R (Reverse) gear. Be sure
the steering wheel motion is not obstructed by any objects. The vehicle
will steer itself from this point on as you follow the instructions in the
message center to safely move the vehicle reverse and forward in the
space. You may cancel APA at anytime by grabbing the steering wheel or
by pressing the APA control switch. When the vehicle is in R (Reverse),
the message center displays BACK UP USE CAUTION.
When you determine the vehicle is back far enough or you hear a solid
tone from the reverse sensing system, bring the vehicle to a complete
stop and move the gearshift to D (Drive). The message center will now
display PULL FORWARD USE CAUTION followed by a chime.
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