USING YOUR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles cannot. The AWD system is active
all the time and requires no input from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended for off-road use. The AWD
feature gives your vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in which
driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free and otherwise
similar to normal on-road driving conditions. Operating your vehicle
under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive
stress which might result in damage which is not covered under your
warranty.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present, the warning Check AWD
will display in the message center. The AWD system is not functioning
correctly and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:The AWD Off message may also be displayed in the message
center if the AWD system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel
drive. This condition may occur if the vehicle was operated in extreme
conditions with excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume
normal AWD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has
been restarted and the AWD system has adequately cooled, the AWD Off
message will turn off and normal AWD function will return. The AWD Off
message will turn off when the system cools and normal AWD function
returns.
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided should never be used. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. This
condition may be indicated by an AWD Off message in the information
display. If there is an AWD Off message in the message center from using
the spare tire, this indicator should turn off after reinstalling the repaired
or replaced normal road tire and cycling the ignition off and on. It is
recommended to reinstall the repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front and rear axles
could cause the AWD system to stop functioning and default to
front-wheel drive or damage the AWD system.
DRIVING IN SPECIAL CONDITIONS WITH AWD
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different
from conventional vehicles, both on and off the highway.
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Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A
danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you will use.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are
on the other side. Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of
an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power
will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
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
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.
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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.
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
off-highway usage.
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released,
have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down to its
fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down again.
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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 tongue.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the vehicle’s hook retainers. To
connect the safety chains, cross them under the trailer tongue and allow
slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the rental agency’s instructions.
Note:Never attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer Brakes
Note:The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Be sure the trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal
regulations regarding trailer braking. If the trailer is equipped with
electronically-controlled brakes, the brakes need to have an electronic
brake controller with associated wiring installed to the vehicle by an
authorized dealer.
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.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
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When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) and 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).
•Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) to aid in engine/transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. 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 the grade assist 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, place
wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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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 N (Neutral).
•Place the ignition in the accessory mode. Refer toIgnitionin the
Starting and Stopping the Enginechapter.
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h).
•Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
of each day and every six hours thereafter. With the engine running
and your foot on the brake, shift into D (Drive) and then into R
(Reverse) before shifting back into N (Neutral).
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Should your vehicle shut off after a collision, you may restart your
vehicle by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-enable fuel pump.
Note:If your vehicle has the push button start system, press the
stop/start button twice to reactivate the fuel system.
JUMP-STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if exposed
to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have push-start capability. Attempting to
push-start a vehicle with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Preparing Your Vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm soft shifts, firm shifts or both. This operation
is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1. Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehicles do not touch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
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