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To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transmission control switch
again.
•The Grade Assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be
illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches lower speeds
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)
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.
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M (Manual)
With the gearshift lever in M
(Manual), the driver can change
gears up or down (without a clutch)
as desired. This is called SelectShift
Automatic™ transmission (SST)
mode. 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.
To return to normal D (Drive)
position, move the shift lever back
from M (Manual) to D (Drive). The transmission will operate in gears
one through six.
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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The RSS automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed in R
(Reverse) and the ignition is on. An RSS control on the instrument panel
allows the driver to turn the RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off, refer
toMessage centerin theInstrument clusterchapter for more
information.
Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free
from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the RSS.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The rearview camera is located on the trunk, under the spoiler for the
SHO, or under the Ford badge for all other models.
The camera system provides a video image which appears in the rear
view mirror or on the navigation screen (if equipped), of the area behind
the vehicle. It adds assistance to the driver while reversing or reverse
parking the vehicle.
To use the camera system, place the transmission in R (Reverse); an
image will display in the rear view mirror or on the navigation screen (if
equipped). The area displayed on the screen may vary according to the
vehicle orientation and/or road condition.
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BLIND SPOT INFORMATION SYSTEM (BLIS) WITH CROSS
TRAFFIC ALERT (CTA) (IF EQUIPPED)
The BLISis a convenience feature
that aids the driver in assessing
whether a vehicle is within an area
on either side of the vehicle
extending rearward from the outside
mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) beyond the bumper. This
area is referred to as the blind zone.
The BLISwill alert the driver to
the presence of motorized vehicles
in these areas while driving on roads
and freeways.
The system is not designed to
prevent contact with other vehicles
or objects. The system is designed
to provide a warning to assist the
driver in detecting vehicles in the blind zones. The system will not detect
infrastructure, pedestrians, or cyclists.
WARNING:To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLISas a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking
over your shoulder before changing lanes. BLISis not a replacement
for careful driving and only an assist.
The BLISand CTA has a yellow
indicator (also referred to as the
alert) located in the left and right
exterior mirrors. When the vehicle is
started, the BLISautomatically
illuminates both indicators for
several seconds indicating the
system is operating. The first time
you place the transmission in D (Drive) after starting the engine and
drive forward at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h) the BLISsystem
becomes active. Afterwards, the BLISremains active for all speeds
including zero mph. BLISis also active if the transmission is placed in N
(Neutral). If the transmission is shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral)
the system will enter the CTA mode (see CTA operation below). Once
shifted back into D (Drive) the BLISmode will activate once driven
above 3 mph (5 km/h).
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WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuelsystem. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, all of which could result in
serious personal injury.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
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.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Roadside Emergencies
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WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor
Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On FWD vehicles, if your vehicle is to be towed from the front, ensure
proper wheel lift equipment is used to raise the front wheels off the
ground. The rear wheels can be left on the ground when towed in this
fashion.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
is recommended that the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a
dolly to prevent damage to the automatic transmission.
On AWD vehicles, it isrequiredthat your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to
prevent damage to the automatic transmission, AWD system or vehicle.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
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3.5L V6 SHO engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Battery
4. Power distribution box
5. Air filter assembly
6. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (out of view)
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
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