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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Driving with a 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.
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy. The
adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. When the engine is turned off, the shift data
which includes the adaptive information will be stored automatically in
the powertrain control module (PCM). If the battery is disconnected for
any reason, the stored information from the last time the key was turned
to off will be read. This way, no information will be lost with any battery
removal or battery disconnect.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine.
2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
1. Come to a complete stop.
2. 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.
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) standard mode
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
D (Drive) with grade assist
Press the transmission control
switch on the side of the shift
handle to activate grade assist.
•This position allows for gears 1–5
and provides increased engine
braking.
•Grade assist lamp is illuminated.
•Use with driving conditions such
as hilly terrain, heavy loads,
trailer towing and when engine
braking is required.
•To return to standard mode, press the transmission control switch.
The grade assist lamp will not be illuminated.
•Standard mode is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
This position allows for third gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•To return to D (Drive), move the transmission shift lever into the D
(Drive) position.
•Selecting 3 (Third) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to third gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
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2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to D (Drive) without overdrive or 3 (Third), move the
transmission shift lever into the D (Drive) or 3 (Third) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
This position allows for first gear only.
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Will not downshift into first gear at high speeds; will cause the
transmission to downshift to a lower gear, then allows for first gear
when the vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive).
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
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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
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This may damage the clutch and/or
transmission.
Upshift according to the following charts.
For the 3.7L V6 with 2.73 axle ratio, shift according to the following
chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 15 mph (24 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 - 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
135
24R
6
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For the 3.7L V6 with 3.31 axle ratio, shift according to the following
chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 13 mph (21 km/h)
2 - 3 26 mph (42 km/h)
3 - 4 37 mph (59 km/h)
4 - 5 43 mph (69 km/h)
5 - 6 59 mph (95 km/h)
For the 5.0L V8, shift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from (When not in skip shift mode):
1 - 2 17 mph (27 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 - 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
Shift from (When skip shift mode active):
1-4 17 mph (27 km/h)
4-5 25 mph (40 km/h)
5-6 40 mph (64 km/h)
Skip Shift (if equipped) (V8 engines only)
This feature locks out 2 (Second) and 3 (Third) gears for improved fuel
economy. If the message center displays 1–> 4 SHIFT, shift the
transmission directly from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth), otherwise you can
shift normally. Refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Cluster
chapter.
Reverse
1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into
R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor to disengage clutch.
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WARNING:Objects in the blind spot mirror are closer than they
appear.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF
In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped
with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the
engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after a collision due to this feature, you may
restart your vehicle by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the off position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the on position.
In some instances the vehicle may not restart the first time you try to
restart and may take one additional attempt.
WARNING:Failure to inspect and if necessary repair fuel leaks
after a collision may increase the risk of fire and serious injury.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the fuel system be inspected
by an authorized dealer after any collision.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
Roadside Emergencies
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
39 20A Radio/Navigation
40 20A Not used (spare)
41 15A Accessory delay (windows,
automatic dimming rear view
mirror [including microphone and
compass] and door switch III)
42 10A Not used (spare)
43 10A Heated seat relay coils
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Wiper relay and module, Blower
relay
46 7.5A Passenger airbag deactivation
indicator (PADI), Occupant
classification sensor (OCS)
47 30A Circuit
BreakerNot used (spare)
48 Relay Accessory delay relay (windows,
automatic dimming rear view
mirror [including microphone and
compass] and door switch III)
Power distribution box
The power distribution box is located in the engine compartment. The
power distribution box contains high-current fuses that protect your
vehicle’s main electrical systems from overloads.
Do not probe the contacts for the fuses and relays in the power
distribution box as damage will occur, causing improper, or loss
of, electrical functionality.
WARNING:Always disconnect the battery before servicing high
current fuses.
WARNING:To reduce risk of electrical shock, always replace
the cover to the Power Distribution Box before reconnecting the
battery or refilling fluid reservoirs.
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