2013 FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) brakes

If it is, a red warning light illuminates and
an audible warning chime sounds.
The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light
illuminates, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking. This
may be apparent to the driver. The system
does not automatically activate the brakes
but, if the brake pedal is pressed, full force
braking is applied even if the brake pedal
is lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs if
the driver applies the vehicle ’s brakes. The
brake pedal must be pressed just like any
typical braking situation. The warning system and chime can be
turned on and off separately; the warning
system sensitivity can be adjusted to one
of three possible settings by using the
information display control. See General
Information (page 83).
Note: If the system cannot be turned off in
a vehicle equipped with MyKey®, See
Principle of Operation
(page 48). Note:
If collision warnings are perceived as
being too frequent or disturbing then the
warning sensitivity can be reduced, though
the manufacturer recommends using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer
and later system warnings. See
General
Information (page 83).
Blocked Sensors If a message regarding a blocked sensor
appears in the information display, the
radar signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensors are located behind
a fascia cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. When the sensors are
obstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot be
detected and the collision warning system
does not function. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for this
message being displayed.
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Action
Cause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc- tion
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty
or obstructed in some way
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the radar to detect that it is no longer obstructed
The surface of the radar in the grille is clean
but the message remains in the display
The collision warning system is temporarily
disabled. Collision warning should automat-ically reactivate a short time after the weather conditions improve
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is interfering
with the radar signals
The collision warning system is temporarily
disabled. Collision warning should automat-ically reactivate a short time after the weather conditions improve
Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surface
of the road may interfere with the radar signals
System Limitations WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs if
the driver applies the vehicle ’s brakes. The
brake pedal must be pressed just like any
typical braking situation. Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where
vehicles do not provide a collision warning.
These include:
•
Stationary vehicles or vehicles moving
below 6 mph (10 km/h).
• Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
• Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
• Severe weather conditions (see
blocked sensor section).
• Debris build-up on the grille near the
headlamps (see blocked sensor
section).
• Small distance to vehicle ahead. •
Steering wheel and pedal movements
are large (very active driving style).
•
Certain conditions may reduce the visibility
of the warning lamp; therefore, it is
recommended to keep the audible warning
on.
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or
damaged, the radar sensing zone may be
altered causing missed or false collision
warnings. See your authorized dealer to
have your collision warning radar checked
for proper coverage and operation.
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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. GCW (Gross Combined Weight)
- is the Gross Vehicle Weight plus
the weight of the fully loaded
trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) - is the maximum
allowable weight of the vehicle
and the loaded trailer, including
all cargo and passengers, that the
vehicle can handle without risking
damage. (Important: The towing
vehicle ’s braking system is rated
for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should
be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle.
The
Gross Combined Weight must
never exceed the Gross
Combined Weight Rating.
Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight -
is the highest possible
weight of a fully loaded trailer the
vehicle can tow. It assumes a
vehicle with mandatory options,
driver and front passenger weight
(150 pounds [68 kilograms]
each), no cargo weight (internal
or external) and a tongue load of
10– 15% (conventional trailer) or
king pin weight of 15– 25% (fifth
wheel trailer). Consult an
authorized dealer (or the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer) for more
detailed information.
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GVW

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or the
GAWR specified on the certification
label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer weight
exceeds the limit of your vehicle and
could result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural damage,
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and
personal injury. Note:
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays, related to
towing. See Fuses (page 231).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,
such as fuses or relays, related to towing.
See the Fuses chapter.
Your vehicle's load capacity designation
is by weight, not by volume, so you cannot
necessarily use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after,
any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement
affects your vehicle when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest to the
trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items centered
between the left and right side trailer
tires. •
Load the heaviest items above the
trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow
the final trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
• Select a tow bar with the correct rise
or drop. When both the loaded vehicle
and trailer are connected, the trailer
frame should be level, or slightly angled
down toward your vehicle, when
viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may be
present due to the increased payload
weight. Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing is located in the Load
Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page
205). You can also find the information in
the RV & Trailer Towing Guide, available
at an authorized dealer.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note: Do not exceed the trailer weight for
your vehicle configuration listed in the chart
below.
Note: Make sure to take into consideration
trailer frontal area. Do not exceed 20 feet 2
(1.86 meters 2
).
Note: For high altitude operation, reduce
the gross combined weight by 2% per 1000
feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot
(300 meter) elevation point.
Note: Certain states require electric trailer
brakes for trailers over a specified weight.
Be sure to check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum trailer
weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as the vehicle ’s electrical
system may not include the wiring
connector needed to activate electric trailer
brakes.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe
towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load in the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page 205).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
• Do not use a hitch that either clamps
onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle.
• Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of
the total trailer weight is on the trailer
tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the trailer ’s safety chains
to the hook retainers of your vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer
’s safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
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Fusion/Mondeo (CC7) Towing

Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position P (automatic
transmission) or neutral (manual
transmission) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling. •
Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
•Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission
in position
P or manual
transmission in a low gear.
• Place wheel chocks in front and
back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks
not included with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water.
Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
you remove the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 inches (15 centimeters) above
the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting drivability, emissions, and
reliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in water,
replace the rear axle lubricant. Water may
contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which
is not a normal maintenance inspection
item unless there is a possibility of a leak
or other axle repair is required.
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Fusion/Mondeo (CC7) Towing

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.
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.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Always make sure that the floor
mats are properly attached to the
retention posts in the carpet that are
supplied with your vehicle. Floor mats must
be properly secured to both retention posts
to ensure mats do not shift out of position. Never place floor mats or any other
covering in the vehicle foot well that
cannot be properly secured to
prevent them from moving and interfering
with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle. Never place floor mats or any other
covering on top of already installed
floor mats. Floor mats should always
rest on top of vehicle carpeting surface and
not another floor mat or other covering.
Additional floor mats or any other covering
will reduce the pedal clearance and
potentially interfere with pedal operation. Check attachment of floor mats on
a regular basis. Always properly
reinstall and secure floor mats that
have been removed for cleaning or
replacement. Always make sure that objects
cannot fall into the driver foot well
while the vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped under
the pedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
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Note:
If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory features.
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
meters) 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 feet (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. Contact your authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
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