2013 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT run flat

The airbags are a supplemental restraint system and are designed to
work with the safety belts to help protect the driver and right front
passenger from certain upper body injuries. Airbags do not inflate slowly;
there is a risk of injury from a deploying airbag.
Note:You will hear a loud bang and see a cloud of harmless powdery
residue if an airbag deploys. This is normal.
The airbags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After airbag
deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell
the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder
(to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (for example, baking soda)
that result from the combustion process that inflates the airbag. Small
amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin
and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed
to help reduce serious injuries, contact with a deploying airbag may also
cause abrasions or swelling. Temporary hearing loss is also a possibility as
a result of the noise associated with a deploying airbag. Because airbags
must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death
or serious injuries, such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal
injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are
otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. Thus, it is
extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away
from the airbag module as possible while maintaining vehicle control.
Routine maintenance of the airbags is not required.
SOS POST-CRASH ALERT SYSTEM™
The system flashes the turn signal lamps and sounds the horn
(intermittently) in the event of a serious impact that deploys an airbag
equipped on your vehicle, such as front, side, side curtain or Safety
Canopy®.
The horn and lamps will turn off when:
•the hazard control button is pressed
•the panic button (if equipped) is pressed on the remote entry
transmitter, or
•your vehicle runs out of power.
Supplementary Restraints System45
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort. If the
steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
If the steering wheel vibrates check for:
•improper wheel balance
136Driving Aids
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

Safety Practices
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, or sand, do not
rapidly spin the tires. Spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause
an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road.
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking.
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive, there is always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove the wheel and replace it with your spare tire and
wheel. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your vehicle
seems to pull to one side when you are driving, the wheels may be out of
alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive vehicles and those with an independent rear suspension
may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
226Wheels and Tires
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)

T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement ....................195
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................94
Text messaging .........................281
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) .....282, 284
Tilt steering wheel ......................65
Tires ...........................212–213, 235
alignment ................................226
care ..........................................212
changing ..........................235, 237
checking the pressure ............222
inflating ...................................220
label .........................................219
replacing ..................................224
rotating ....................................227
safety practices .......................226
sidewall information ...............215
snow tires and chains ............228
spare tire .................................235
terminology .............................214
tire grades ...............................213
treadwear ........................212, 223
Towing ...............................143–144
recreational towing .................144
trailer towing ..........................143
wrecker ....................................143
Traction control ........................127
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................181
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
lubricant specifications ..........244
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....123fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................181
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
lubricant specifications ..........244
Trunk
remote release ..........................58
Turn signal ..................................72
U
USB port ......................................93
Using privacy mode ..................278
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................246
Vehicle loading ..........................137
Ventilating your vehicle ...........110
Voice commands in media
mode ..........................................290
Voice commands in phone
mode ..........................................276
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......79
Washer fluid ......................184–185
Water, Driving through .............146
Windows
power .........................................74
rear wiper/washer .....................69
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and
adding fluid
......................184–185
replacing wiper blades ...........187
Wrecker towing .........................143
320Index
2013 Transit Connect(tst)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, November 2012
USA(fus)