
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. Disengage
overdrive or move the transmission
selector lever 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
your vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brake pedal.
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
your vehicle slides while cornering, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive 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. Although a
four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in
snow and ice, it will not stop any faster as
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. As your vehicle has a four
wheel anti-lock brake system, do not pump
the brake pedal. See Hints on Driving
With Anti-Lock Brakes (page 145).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature,
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty. For this reason,
we strongly recommend that you do not
make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (i.e. lift kits or stabilizer
bars) or by using replacement parts not
equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
143
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

WARNINGS
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.
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.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
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.
165
Driving Aids

Protected components Fuse amp rating Fuse or relay number
Rain sensor module, Auto-dimming mirror 5A F62
Not used (spare) 10A F63
Not used — F64
Liftgate release 10A F65
Driver door unlock supply 20A F66
SYNC, Multifunction display, Global posi-
tioning system module 7.5A F67
Not used — F68
Instrument cluster 5A F69
Central lock and unlock supply 20A F70
Heating control head (manual air condi-
tioner), Dual electronic automatic
temperature control 10A F71
Steering wheel module 7.5A F72
Data link connector 7.5A F73
High beam headlamp supply 15A F74
Fog lamp supply 15A F75
Reversing lamp supply 10A F76
Washer pump 20A F77
Ignition switch, Start button 5A F78
Radio, Navigation DVD player, Touch
screen, Hazard light switch, Door lock
switch 15A F79
Moonroof supply 20A F80
Radio frequency receiver 5A F81
Washer pump ground 20A F82
Central locking ground 20A F83
Drive door unlock ground 20A F84
Electronic 15 feed 7.5A F85
202
Fuses

WARNINGS
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 261).
• 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.
• 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 261).
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.
213
Maintenance

When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the
information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 miles
(800 kilometers) of the ENGINE OIL
CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE
REQUIRED message appearing. Make
sure you reset the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor after each oil change. See Engine
Oil Check (page 211).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or 5000 miles (8000
kilometers) from your last oil change.
Never exceed one year or 10000 miles
(16000 kilometers) between oil change
intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information.
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.
401
Scheduled Maintenance

Ford Credit..........................................................11(U.S. Only).................................................................11Ford Extended Service Plan (ESP).......397SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)............399
SERVICE PLANS (U.S. Only).........................397
Four-Wheel Drive.........................................140Principle of Operation......................................140Front Fog Lamps.............................................75
Front Passenger Sensing System.............37
Fuel and Refueling.......................................128
Fuel Consumption........................................134
Calculating Fuel Economy..............................134
Filling the Tank.....................................................134
Fuel Filter.........................................................216
Fuel Quality.....................................................129
Choosing the Right Fuel...................................129
Octane Recommendations............................129
Fuel Shutoff....................................................187
Fuses.................................................................196
Fuse Specification Chart............................197
Luggage Compartment Fuse Panel...........203
Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel.................................................................200
Power Distribution Box.....................................197
Pre-Fuse Box........................................................197
G
Garage Door OpenerSee: Universal Garage Door Opener............116Gauges...............................................................83Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge............84
Fuel Gauge.............................................................84
Information Display.............................................83
General Information on Radio
Frequencies...................................................44
Intelligent Access.................................................44General Maintenance Information.......400Multi-Point Inspection.....................................402
Owner Checks and Services..........................401
Protecting Your Investment..........................400
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?........................400
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your
Dealership?....................................................400
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and
Canada..........................................................193
Getting the Services You Need...............190
Away From Home..............................................190
H
HandbrakeSee: Parking Brake.............................................146Hazard Warning Flashers...........................187
Headlamp Exit Delay.....................................74
Head Restraints............................................109
Adjusting the Head Restraint..........................110Heated Seats...................................................115
Heated Windows and Mirrors..................107
Heated Exterior Mirror.......................................107
Heated Rear Window........................................107
HeatingSee: Climate Control..........................................101Hill Start Assist..............................................138Using Hill Start Assist.......................................138Hints on Controlling the Interior
Climate..........................................................104
Cooling the Interior Quickly............................105
General Hints.......................................................104
Heating the Interior Quickly............................104
Maximum Cooling Performance in
Instrument Panel or Instrument Panel
and Footwell Positions................................107
Recommended Settings for Cooling .........105
Recommended Settings for Heating..........105
Side Window Defogging in Cold
Weather............................................................106
Vehicle Stationary for Extended Periods
during Extreme High Ambient
Temperatures.................................................106
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes............................................................145
Hood Lock
See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........206
I
Ignition Switch...............................................123
In California (U.S. Only)..............................191
Information Display Control......................68
Multimedia Controls...........................................69Information Displays....................................88General Information...........................................88
418
Index