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. 175
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:
Resume should only be used if
you are aware of the set speed and
intend to return to it.
Press and release RES. The vehicle
will return to the previously set speed.
The set speed will display
continuously in the information
display while the system is active.
Low Speed Automatic
Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle
speeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). An
audible alarm will sound and the
automatic braking will be released if
the vehicle drops below this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note: An audible alarm will sound and
the system will shut down if it is
applying brakes for an extended period
of time. This allows the brakes to cool
down. The system will function
normally again when the brakes have
cooled down.
You should select a lower gear
position when the system is active in
situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in
mountainous areas). Additional
engine braking is needed in these
situations to reduce the load on the
vehicle ’s regular brake system to
prevent them from overheating.
Switching the System Off
Note: The set speed memory is erased
when you switch off the system. Press and release
OFF or turn off the
ignition.
Detection Issues
The radar sensor has a limited field of
vision. It may not detect vehicles at all
or detect a vehicle later than expected
in some situations. The lead vehicle
graphic will not illuminate if a vehicle
is not detected in front of you. 200
Cruise ControlE71621
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
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. Note:
Your vehicle is equipped with an
electric power-assisted steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir to
check or fill.
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. 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.
Steering Tips
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 vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the
steering seem to wander or pull.
217
Driving Aids
Note:
For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool
300-ROB75240 available from your
authorized dealer. Ford does not
recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring
coolant concentrations.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine
coolant or antifreeze or windshield
washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when
the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot
cooling system can burn you badly.
Also, you can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts. Do not put engine coolant in the
windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the
windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the
windshield. To reduce the risk of personal
injury, make sure the engine is
cool before unscrewing the coolant
pressure relief cap. The cooling
system is under pressure; steam and
hot liquid can come out forcefully
when the cap is loosened slightly. Do not add coolant further than
the MAX mark. Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets,
cooling system sealants, or additives
as they can cause damage to the
engine cooling or heating systems. This
damage would not be covered under
your vehicle ’s warranty.
Note: During normal vehicle operation,
the engine coolant may change color
from orange to pink or light red. As long
as the engine coolant is clear and
uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the engine coolant
has degraded nor does it require the
engine coolant to be drained, the
system to be flushed, or the engine
coolant to be replaced.
• Do not mix different colors or types
of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used.
Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine ’s cooling system.
The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling
system components and may void
the warranty. Use prediluted
engine coolant meeting the Ford
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 325).
• In case of emergency, a large
amount of water without engine
coolant may be added in order to
reach a vehicle service location. In
this instance, the cooling system
must be drained, chemically
cleaned with Motorcraft®
Premium Cooling System Flush,
and refilled with prediluted engine
coolant as soon as possible. Water
alone (without engine coolant)
can cause engine damage from
corrosion, overheating or freezing.
269
Maintenance
•
Do not use alcohol, methanol,
brine or any engine coolants mixed
with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and
other liquids can cause engine
damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or
additives to the coolant. These can
be harmful and compromise the
corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure
will escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant
meeting the Ford specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 325).
Whenever coolant has been added,
the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next
few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted
engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not
recommend the use of recycled
engine coolant since a Ford-approved
recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community ’s regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids. Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•
It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine
damage
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have a Ford
authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40%
will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion/freeze
protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in
non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
270
Maintenance
Checking the fluid level
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN range
of the dipstick, add fluid to reach the
hash mark level.
Note:
If the fluid level is below the MIN
level, do not drive the vehicle. An
underfill condition may cause shift or
engagement concerns or possible
damage.
Correct fluid level The transmission fluid should be
checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F
(82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The
normal operating temperature can be
reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 kilometers) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should be
targeted within the cross-hatch area
if at normal operating temperature
180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C). High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.
Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level
may cause shift or engagement
concerns or possible damage. High
fluid levels can be caused by an
overheating condition. If your vehicle
has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer,
the vehicle should be turned off until
normal operating temperatures are
reached. Depending on vehicle use,
cooling times could take up to 30
minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission
Fluid Levels 275
MaintenanceE158842 E158843 E158844 E158845
General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, injury or
death. Note:
Do not use the kit if a tire has
become severely damaged by driving
the vehicle with a tire that has
insufficient air pressure. Only punctured
areas located within the tire tread can
be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures
larger than 1.4 inch (6.4 mm) or
damage to the tire's sidewall. The tire
may not completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely
affect tire performance. For this
reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than 120
miles (200 km). Drive only to the
closest Ford Motor Company
authorized dealer or tire repair shop to
have your tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt
steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation
pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the
vehicle towed.
• Read the information in the Tips
for Use of the Kit section to ensure
safe operation of the kit and your
vehicle. Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to
ensure safe operation of the kit:
•
Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road
and away from moving traffic. Turn
on the hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to
ensure the vehicle doesn't move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the
tire.
• When using the kit, leave the
engine running (only if the vehicle
is outdoors or in a well-ventilated
area) so the compressor doesn't
drain the vehicle's battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more
than 15 minutes; this will help
prevent the compressor from
overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended
when it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Make sure that you use the
non-latex gloves provided to avoid
an allergic reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F
(–30°C) and 158°F (70°C).
293
Wheels and Tires
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and,
by itself, does not necessarily indicate
a concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert,
such as the factory-trained
technicians at your dealership, should
inspect discolored fluids that also
show signs of overheating or foreign
material contamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s
oils and fluids at the specified
intervals or in conjunction with a
repair. Flushing is a viable way to
change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems
are flushed only with new fluid that is
the same as that required to fill and
operate the system or using a
Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following
basic maintenance checks and
inspections every month or at six
month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
442
Scheduled Maintenance