AdvanceTrac /Traction control
(if equipped): Displays when the
AdvanceTrac /Traction control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately,
refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
AdvanceTrac /Traction control
off light (if equipped): Illuminates
when AdvanceTrac /Traction control
has been disabled by the driver.
Refer to the Driving chapter for
more information.
4X2 (RTT) (if equipped):
Displays momentarily when
two-wheel drive high is selected. If
the light fails to display when the
ignition is turned on, or remains on,
have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive low (RTT and
static) (if equipped): Displays
when four-wheel drive low is
engaged. If the light fails to display
when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Four wheel drive high (RTT and
static) (if equipped): Displays
when four-wheel drive high is
engaged. If the light fails to display
when the ignition is turned on, or remains on, have the system serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Electronic locking differential
(RTT and static) (if equipped):
Displays when using the electronic
locking differential. OFF
4x2
4x4
LOW
4x4
HIGHInstrument Cluster
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TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED (if equipped) — Displayed when
the trailer sway control has detected trailer sway. For more information,
refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped) — Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
TRANSPORT MODE CONTACT DEALER (if equipped) —
Displayed when the vehicle is set to transport mode. The transport mode
is used to disable certain vehicle functions to prevent battery discharge
when the vehicle is in the transport/inventory phase and is not driven
long enough to maintain the battery’s charge. This mode can be disabled
by doing the following: Turn the ignition on, without starting the engine.
Press and release the brake pedal fully five times and press the hazard
button four times (on, off, on, off) within 10 seconds.
CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (if equipped) — Displayed
when an electronic locking differential (ELD) system fault is present. For
more information, refer to Electronic locking differential (ELD) in the
Driving chapter.
ELD ENGAGED/DISENGAGED (if equipped) — Displayed when the
electronic locking differential is engaged. See Electronic locking
differential in the Driving chapter for more information.
ELD DISENGAGED (if equipped) — Displayed when the electronic
locking differential is disengaged. See Electronic locking differential in
the Driving chapter for more information.
TO ENGAGE ELD RELEASE PEDAL (if equipped) — Displayed
when the electronic locking differential requests this condition be met in
order to engage. See Electronic locking differential in the Driving
chapter for more information.
TO ENGAGE ELD SLOW TO XX MPH/KM/H (if equipped) —
Displayed when the electronic locking differential requests that a certain
speed be met in order to engage. See Electronic locking differential in
the Driving chapter for more information.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped) — Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD)
operation in the Driving chapter.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS — Displayed when the 4X4 system is
making a shift. For further information, refer to Four-wheel drive
(4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
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FOR 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
trying to select 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected from 4X4 LOW mode. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped) — May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped) — Displayed
when the hill descent control switch is turned on.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when
a hill descent system fault is present.
HILL CNTRL OFF SYSTEM COOLING (if equipped) — Displayed
when the hill descent system is cooling due to overuse.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when
the hill descent system is deactivated.
FOR HILL CNTRL 20 MPH OR LESS (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for hill control mode entry has not
been met.
DRIVER RESUME CONTROL (if equipped) — Displayed when the
hill control and off-road mode require the driver to resume control.
FOR HILL CNTRL SELECT GEAR (if equipped) — Displayed when
the driver is requested to select a transmission gear to enable operation
of the hill mode and off-road mode.Instrument Cluster
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TRAIN SPARE TIRE (if equipped) — Displayed when training the
TPMS. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter for more information.
TRAINING COMPLETE — Displayed when training of the TPMS
system is complete. Refer to TPMS reset procedure in the Tires, Wheels
and Loading chapter for more information.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT — The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING — The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW — The power steering system
has detected a condition that requires service immediately.
BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO — Displayed when a MyKey is in
use and Belt-Minder is activated. Refer to MyKey in the Locks and
Security chapter for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when the
traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to the Driving
chapter for more information.
CHECK 4X4 (if equipped) — Displayed when a 4X4 system fault is
present. For more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD)
operation in the Driving chapter.
4X4 SHIFT IN PROGRESS (if equipped) — Displayed when the 4X4
system is making a shift. For further information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
trying to select 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to Four-wheel
drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when 4X4
LOW is selected and the vehicle is stopped. For more information, refer
to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
FOR 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed when
4X4 LOW is selected while the vehicle is moving. For more information,
refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW APPLY BRAKE (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected from 4X4 LOW mode. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.Instrument Cluster
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TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SHIFT TO N (if equipped) — Displayed when
2WD is selected while the vehicle has been stopped in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
TO EXIT 4X4 LOW SLOW TO 3 MPH (if equipped) — Displayed
when 2WD is selected while the vehicle is operating in 4X4 LOW. For
more information, refer to Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the
Driving chapter.
TO ENGAGE LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL RELEASE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL (if equipped) — Displayed when the
electronic locking differential requests that the accelerator pedal be
released in order to engage. See Electronic locking differential in the
Driving chapter for more information.
TO ENGAGE LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL SLOW TO XX MPH/KM/H
(if equipped) — Displayed when the electronic locking differential
requests that a certain speed be met in order to engage. See Electronic
locking differential in the Driving chapter for more information.
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL ENGAGED/DISENGAGED (if
equipped) — Displayed when the electronic locking differential is
engaged. See Electronic locking differential in the Driving chapter for
more information.
LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL DISENGAGED (if equipped) —
Displayed when the electronic locking differential is disengaged. See
Electronic locking differential in the Driving chapter for more
information.
FOR HILL DESCENT REDUCE SPEED (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for off-road mode entry has not
been met.
FOR HILL DESCENT SELECT GEAR (if equipped) — Displayed
when the driver is able to select a transmission gear for hill descent
mode.
HILL DESCENT - DRIVER RESUME CONTROL (if equipped) —
Displayed when hill descent control mode is deactivated and the driver
must resume control.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when
a hill descent system fault is present.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF (if equipped) — Displayed when
hill descent control mode becomes inactive.
HILL DESCENT CONTROL OFF SYSTEM COOLING (if equipped)
— Displayed when the hill descent system is cooling due to overuse.Instrument Cluster
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HILL DESCENT CONTROL READY (if equipped) — Displayed
when the hill descent control switch is turned on.
REDUCE ACCELERATOR TO PREVENT WHEEL SLIP (if
equipped) — Displayed when the vehicle senses that torque to the
drive wheels has overcome the available traction.
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD (if equipped) — May display
when shifting to or from 4X4 LOW. For more information, refer to
Four-wheel drive (4WD) operation in the Driving chapter.
SLOW VEHICLE TO XX KM/H FOR ELD (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for the electronic locking
differential mode has not been met.
SLOW VEHICLE TO XX MPH FOR ELD (if equipped) — Displayed
when the vehicle speed requirement for the electronic locking
differential mode has not been met.
CHECK LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL (if equipped) — Displayed
when an electronic locking differential (ELD) system fault is present. For
more information, refer to Electronic locking differential (ELD) in the
Driving chapter.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY — Displayed when a MyKey is in
use and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer to MyKey in the Locks and Security chapter for more
information.
COULD NOT PROGRAM INTEGRATED KEY — Displayed when an
attempt is made to program a fifth integrated key to the remote keyless
entry system. For more information on integrated key, refer to the Locks
and Security chapter.
ESC ALWAYS ON - MYKEY SETTING — Displayed when a MyKey is
in use and the ESC cannot be deactivated. Refer to MyKey in the Locks
and Security chapter for more information.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY — Displayed when a MyKey is in
use. Refer to MyKey in the Locks and Security chapter for more
information.
MYKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM — Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer to
MyKey in the Locks and Security chapter for more information.
SECURITY SYSTEM FAULT (if equipped) — Displayed when the
security system has detected a fault. See your authorized dealer for
service. Instrument Cluster
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VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
Four-wheel drive (4WD) system (if equipped)
A vehicle equipped with 4WD (when selected) has the ability to use all
four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may enable you
to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in the Driving chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.
WARNING: Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD
vehicles. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate better than
two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction situations, it won’t stop any
faster than two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed. Tires, Wheels and Loading
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U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
WARNING: Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric
versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found
on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label (affixed to either
the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver’s seating position), or the Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this
information is not found on these labels then you should contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If you
have questions regarding tire replacement, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible. Tires, Wheels and Loading
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