
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to avoid
excessive brake application and brake
overheating. Do not descend in
neutral; instead, disengage overdrive
or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could lose
control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
therefore apply the brakes steadily.
Do not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Driving
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Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. 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.
Driving
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BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached to
allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessing the help screen .........53
Accessing the music in your
jukebox ..................................47–48
Accessing your calendar ............52
Accessory delay ........................118
Active Park Assist .....................296
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........122
AdvanceTrac ..............................278
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................202, 211, 213
and child safety seats ............204
description ..............202, 211, 213
disposal ....................................216
driver airbag ............204, 211, 214
indicator light .................210, 216
operation .................204, 211, 214
passenger airbag .....204, 211, 214
side airbag ...............................211
Air cleaner filter ...............393, 397
Air conditioning ..........................88
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................308
Ambient mood/lighting .............104
AM/FM .........................................41
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................368
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................275–276
Anti-theft system ..............164, 166
arming the system ..................167
disarming a triggered
system .....................................168
triggering .................................168
Audio system (see Radio) .........32Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............398
fluid, specification ..................398
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................286
fluid, adding ............................388
fluid, checking ........................388
Selectshift (SST) ....................288
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....59
B
Battery .......................................366
acid, treating emergencies .....366
jumping a disabled battery ....333
maintenance-free ....................366
replacement, specifications ...397
servicing ..................................366
Belt-Minder.............................197
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................302
Blind spot mirror ......................301
Booster seats .............................231
Brakes ........................................275
anti-lock ...........................275–276
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................276
fluid, checking and adding ....388
fluid, refill capacities ..............398
fluid, specifications .................398
lubricant specifications ..........398
parking ....................................277
shift interlock ..........................285
Bulbs ..........................................105
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....398
Cargo area shade ......................143
Index
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Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................88
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................134
Home screen ...............................35
Hood ..........................................356
I
Ignition ...............................269, 402
Illuminated visor mirror ...........110
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................221
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................386
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................351
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .....................................101
Intelligent Access Key ..............144
Intelligent Access with push
button start ...............................156
J
Jack ............................................325
positioning ...............................325
storage .....................................325
Jukebox features .........................47
Jump-starting your vehicle ......333
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................152
keypad .....................................162locking and unlocking doors ..164
programming entry code .......162
Keys ...........................................144
positions of the ignition .........269
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................96
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................106
daytime running light .............101
fog lamps ...................................97
headlamps .................................95
headlamps, flash to pass ........100
instrument panel, dimming ...101
interior lamps .................103, 106
replacing bulbs .......................106
LATCH anchors .........................225
Liftgate ..............................139, 158
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........276
Loading pictures .........................36
Load limits .................................257
Locks
autolock ...................................152
childproof ................................154
doors ........................................151
Lubricant specifications ...........398
Lug nuts ....................................332
M
Message center .....................18–19
english/metric button ...............24
system check button ................24
warning messages .....................24
Index
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