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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin
with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off through the
information display. See theInformation Displayschapter.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
through the information display. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
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AVehicle without AdvanceTrac®
with RSC® skidding off its intended
route.
BVehicle with AdvanceTrac® with
RSC® maintaining control on a
slippery surface.
USING ADVANCETRAC® WITH RSC®
The system automatically activates when you start your engine.
The AdvanceTrac® with RSC® system cannot be completely turned
off, but the electronic stability control and roll stability control portions
of the system are disabled when the transmission is in positionR.You
can turn the traction control portion of the system off independently.
See theTraction Controlchapter.
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Setting a Speed
1. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2. Press and releaseSET+.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press and holdSET+orSET-. Release the control when you reach
the desired speed.
•Press and releaseSET+orSET-. The set speed will change in
approximately 1 mph (2 km/h) increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal until you reach the desired
speed. Press and releaseSET+.
Canceling the Set Speed
PullCANtoward you and release, tap the brake pedal or press the
clutch pedal. You will not erase the set speed.
Note:When you use the clutch pedal to cancel a set speed, the engine
speed may briefly increase.
Resuming the Set Speed
PullREStoward you and release.
Switching Cruise Control Off
Note:You will erase the set speed if you switch the system off.
Press and releaseOFFor switch the ignition off.
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in the information display. If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After
at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it
takes for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you
will neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
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•Example only:
WARNING:Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label
vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage,
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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The front wheels must be on a tow dolly when towing your vehicle
from the rear using wheel lift equipment. This prevents damage to the
transmission.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed
(all wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
•
Place the transmission in positionN.SeeAutomatic transmissionin
theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the transmission intoN.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing,
such as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your transmission.
You can tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with
the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a
tow dolly, follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.
If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground, see the following
instructions.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission in positionN.
•Place the ignition in the accessory mode. See theStarting and
Stopping the Enginechapter.
•Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
•Place the transmission in positionP,start the engine and allow it to
run for one minute at the beginning of each day (you may need to
press the accelerator pedal in order to start the engine). After
allowing the engine to run, place the transmission back into position
Nand the ignition in the accessory position.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles
(480 kilometers). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual
driving characteristics. The engine also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the first 1000 miles. If possible,
avoid carrying heavy loads up steep grades during the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel
economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving. (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination first and then work your way
back home.)
•Close the windows for high-speed driving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds. (Traveling at 65 miles per
hour/105 kilometers per hour uses about 15 percent less fuel than
traveling at 75 miles per hour/121 kilometers per hour).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.
There are also some things you may want to avoid doing because they
reduce your fuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turning off the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning and heat.
•Avoid using speed control in hilly terrain.
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![FORD C MAX 2013 Owners Manual •Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mile per gallon
[0.4 kilometers per liter] is lost for every 400 pounds [180 kilograms] FORD C MAX 2013 Owners Manual •Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mile per gallon
[0.4 kilometers per liter] is lost for every 400 pounds [180 kilograms]](/manual-img/11/58725/w960_58725-251.png)
•Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mile per gallon
[0.4 kilometers per liter] is lost for every 400 pounds [180 kilograms]
of weight carried).
•Avoid adding particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g. bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out of alignment.
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.
Note:Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause internal
transmission damage.
Note: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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