2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT warning

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction or wheel and tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac® system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac®
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac® sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac® system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac® system is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting
in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your AdvanceTrac® system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ system helps you keep
control of your vehicle when on a slippery surface. The electronic stability
control portion of the system helps avoid skids and lateral slides and roll
stability control helps avoid a vehicle rollover. The traction control system
helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction. See theTraction Control
chapter for details on traction control system operation.
128Stability Control
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the system as contained in this
section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and fixed)
objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air brakes, and external
motors and fans may also affect the function of the sensing system; this
may include reduced performance or a false activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the system, may create false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors (located on the bumper/fascia) free from snow,
ice and large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors are covered, the
system’s accuracy can be affected. Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage to the bumper/fascia, leaving it
misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate
measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
The sensing system warns the driver of obstacles within a certain range
of the bumper area. The system turns on automatically whenever the
ignition is switched on.
When receiving a detection warning, the radio volume is reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio volume
returns to the previous level.
130Parking Aids
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

Using the Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when the transmission is inR.Asthe
vehicle moves closer to the obstacle, the rate of the audible warning
increases. When the obstacle is fewer than 12 inches (30 centimeters)
away, the warning sounds continuously. If a stationary or receding object
is detected farther than 12 inches (30 centimeters) from the side of the
vehicle, the tone sounds for only three seconds. Once the system detects
an object approaching, the warning sounds again.
A. Coverage area of up to 6 feet
(2 meters) from the rear bumper
(with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper).
The system detects certain objects while the transmission is inR:
•and moving toward a stationary object at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h)
or less.
•but not moving, and a moving object is approaching the rear of the
vehicle at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
•and moving at a speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and a moving
object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a speed of less than
3 mph (5 km/h).
A
Parking Aids131
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USA(fus)

REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The camera system is a reverse aid supplement
device that still requires the driver to use it in conjunction with
the rear view mirror and the side mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the camera system.
WARNING:Back up as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the camera system with the rear doors
open.
The rearview camera is located on
the rear doors. The camera system
provides a video image which
appears in the rear view mirror
of the area behind the vehicle.
It adds assistance to the driver
while reversing or reverse parking
the vehicle.
Using the Rear View Camera System
The rear view camera system displays what is behind your vehicle when
you place the transmission in R (Reverse). The system uses fixed
guidelines which show the actual path the vehicle is moving in while
reversing in a straight line. This can be helpful when backing into a
parking space or aligning the vehicle with another object behind the
vehicle.
Note:Do not use the camera system if the rear door is ajar.
Note:If the image comes on while the transmission is not in
R (Reverse), have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
132Parking Aids
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set speed without keeping your foot
on the accelerator pedal.
USING CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Do not use cruise control in heavy traffic or on
roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.
Note:Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up or down a
steep hill. Apply the brakes if your vehicle speed increases above the set
speed while driving downhill.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if your vehicle speed decreases more
than 10 mph (16 km/h) below your set speed while driving uphill.
The cruise controls are located on
the steering wheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and releaseON.
Setting a Speed
1. Accelerate to the desired speed.
2. Press and releaseSET+.
3. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator will appear in the instrument cluster.
OFF ON
SETRES
134Cruise Control
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

WARNING:The appropriate loading capacity of your vehicle can
be limited either by volume capacity (how much space is
available) or by payload capacity (how much weight the vehicle should
carry). Once you have reached the maximum payload of your vehicle,
do not add more cargo, even if there is space available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle can contribute to loss of vehicle control
and vehicle rollover.
Example only:
138Load Carrying
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
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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.
140Load Carrying
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a
higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
WARNING:Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could
result in serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150)
= 650 lb.). In metric units (635-340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•Suppose your vehicle has a 1400 lb. (635 kg) cargo and luggage
capacity. You decide to go golfing. Is there enough load capacity to
carry you, 4 of your friends and all the golf bags? You and four friends
average 220 lb. (99 kg) each and the golf bags weigh approximately
30 lb. (13.5 kg) each. The calculation would be: 1400 – (5 x 220) -
(5 x 30) = 1400 - 1100 - 150 = 150 lb. Yes, you have enough load
capacity in your vehicle to transport four friends and your golf bags.
In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (5 x 99 kg) -
(5 x 13.5 kg) = 635 - 495 - 67.5 = 72.5 kg.
Load Carrying141
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)