Page 200 of 335

Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
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 the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
Driving
200
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 207 of 335

1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it
will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•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.
Driving
207
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 332 of 335

Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....273
Floor mats .............................73, 75
Fluid capacities .........................296
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................198
Fuel ............................................273
calculating fuel
economy ............................23, 279
cap ...........................................276
capacity ...................................296
choosing the right fuel ...........277
detergent in fuel .....................277
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................273, 276, 279
filter, specifications ........272, 295
fuel pump shut-off switch .....216
improving fuel economy ........279
octane rating ...................277, 300
quality ......................................278
running out of fuel .................278
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................273
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................273, 277
Fuses ..................................217–218
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............276
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................279
Gauges .........................................19
H
Hazard flashers .........................215
Headlamps ...................................51
aiming ........................................54bulb specifications ....................57
daytime running lights .............52
flash to pass ..............................51
high beam .................................51
replacing bulbs .........................59
turning on and off ....................51
Head restraints ...........................89
Heating
heater only system .............48, 50
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................49
Hood ..........................................258
I
Ignition ...............................184, 300
Illuminated visor mirror .............65
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................120
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................284
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................253
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................52
J
Jack ............................................225
positioning ...............................225
storage .....................................225
Jump-starting your vehicle ......235
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................75
Index
332
2012 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)