Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner. See theCleaning
chapter for more information.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)
ABS
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Brake over accelerator
This vehicle is equipped with a brake over accelerator feature. In the
event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, applying steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal will both slow the vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
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 as soon as possible.
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If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition key to the off position and
remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the passenger side console cover to
expose the inside of the shifter
assembly.
3. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever on the passenger side of the
shifter assembly.
4. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the brake shift interlock
lever forward below the metal blade
while pulling the gearshift lever out
of the P (Park) position and into
the N (Neutral) position.
5. Install the console cover.
6. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
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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 (IF EQUIPPED)
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission (if equipped)
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). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Note:The automatic transmission performs a series of automated checks
when the ignition is turned to the off position. A slight clicking sound
may be heard and is considered a normal part of operation.
WARNING:Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more
than three seconds will limit engine rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury.
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the
floor, then put the gearshift lever in
the neutral position.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press the brake pedal and move
the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully pressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.
Failure to fully press the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will severely reduce the life of the clutch and
could nullify a clutch warranty claim.
Recommended shift speeds
The engine is designed to operate at a minimum of 1250 RPM for
optimal power, fuel economy, and durability. When driving a vehicle
equipped with a manual transmission, do not operate the engine below
1250 RPM while driving with the transmission in any gear (also known as
lugging). This does not apply while starting or idling the engine while
the transmission is in neutral and/or the clutch pedal is pressed. Lugging
the engine below 1250 RPM may result in damage to the vehicle
powertrain, poor fuel economy, poor acceleration, and undesirable noise,
vibration, and harshness. Choose the next lowest gear until a proper
engine RPM is reached.
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.
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Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshifts (for best fuel economy) when
accelerating
5-speed manual transmission
Shift from:
1 - 2 14 mph (23 km/h)
2 - 3 24 mph (39 km/h)
3 - 4 32 mph (51 km/h)
4 - 5 44 mph (71 km/h)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
Hold the clutch pedal down and move the gearshift lever into the neutral
position. Wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
Note:The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, hold the clutch pedal down, then shift
into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
WARNING:Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
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HILL START ASSIST (HSA) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The hill start assist (HSA) system makes it easier to pull away when the
vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When
HSA is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake pedal. During this time, you
have time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal and
pull away. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the
slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope, (for example,
from a car park ramp, traffic lights or while in reverse traveling uphill
into a parking space).
WARNING:HSA does not replace the parking brake. When you
leave the vehicle, always apply the parking brake and select P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or neutral (manual transmission).
Using HSA
The HSA system is activated automatically when the vehicle is stopped
on a slope greater than four degrees. HSA operates with the vehicle
facing downhill if reverse gear is selected.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated HSA.
WARNING:During all times you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the HSA system and intervening, if
required.
Activating HSA
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the HSA system
will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two to three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
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4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
Note:If the engine is revved excessively, HSA will be deactivated.
Deactivating hill start assist
To deactivate HSA, perform one of the following:
•Apply the parking brake.
•Drive off uphill without re-applying the brake.
•Wait for two to three seconds until the HSA system deactivates
automatically.
•For automatic transmissions: If hill start assist is active in D (Drive),
select R (Reverse). If hill start assist is active in R (Reverse), select N
(Neutral).
•For manual transmissions: If a forward gear was selected when the
system became active, select reverse gear. If reverse gear was selected
when the system became active, select a forward gear.
Note:The HSA warning lamp (if
equipped) in the instrument cluster
momentarily illuminates when the
ignition is turned on. If a
malfunction is detected in the HSA system, HSA will be deactivated and
this warning lamp will appear on the instrument cluster.
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