2014 FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) check engine light

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the AlloyWheels (page 260).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 82).
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission selector leverto position P, switch the engine off andapply the parking brake. Inspect theaccelerator pedal for any interference. Ifnone are found and the condition persists,have your vehicle towed to the nearestauthorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you turn theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer.
If the system is disabled, normalbraking is still effective. If thebrake warning lamp illuminateswhen you release the parking brake, havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal will pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you
•your vehicle is hydroplaning
•you take corners too fast
•the road surface is poor.
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WARNINGS
With the exception of emergencyconditions (for example, the brakepedal does not work or is blocked),do not apply the electric parking brakewhile the vehicle is moving. On bends, orpoor road surfaces or weather conditions,emergency braking can cause the vehicleto skid out of control or off the road.
If you apply the electric parking brake whenyour vehicle is moving, the brake systemwarning lamp will illuminate and a warningchime will sound. See InformationDisplays (page 87).
If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph (6km/h), the braking force is applied as longas the switch is pulled. Releasing orpressing the switch or pressing theaccelerator pedal will stop the brakingforce.
Releasing the electric parkingbrake
You can release the electric parking brakeeither manually by pressing the switch orautomatically.
Manual release
WARNING
If the brake system warning lightremains illuminated or flashes afteryou have released the parking brake,there could be a problem with you brakingsystem. Have the system checked by anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
You can manually release the electricparking brake by:
1.Turning the ignition on.
2.Pressing the brake pedal.
3.Pressing the electric parking brakeswitch.
When the electric parking brake is released,the brake system warning lamp will turnoff.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the grade and the weight ofthe trailer, your vehicle and trailer may rollbackwards slightly when you start on aslope. To prevent this from happening, dothe following:
1.Pull the switch up and hold it in thisposition.
2.Drive your vehicle, then release theswitch when you notice that the enginehas developed sufficient driving force.
Automatic release - drive away release
Your vehicle will automatically release theparking brake if:
•The driver door is closed.
•The driver safety belt is fastened.
•The vehicle is accelerated.
•There are no faults detected in theparking brake system.
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Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113km/h) during the first 500 miles (800kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P (automatictransmission) or neutral (manualtransmission) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inposition P or manual transmission in alow gear.
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 inches (15 centimeters) abovethe bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting drivability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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1.Remove the filler cap.
2.Add engine oil that meets the Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 287).
3.Replace the filler cap. Turn it until youfeel a strong resistance.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
To reset the oil monitoring system after anoil change, See General Information(page 87).
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the enginecoolant at the intervals listed in thescheduled maintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 428).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the coolantreservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -29°F(-34°C) and -35°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolantconcentration should be tested with arefractometer such as Rotunda tool300-ROB75240 available from anauthorized dealer. Ford does notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolantor antifreeze or windshield washer fluidoutside of its specified function and vehiclelocation.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Steam and scaldingliquids released from a hot coolingsystem can burn you badly. Also, you canbe burned if you spill coolant on hot engineparts.
Do not put engine coolant in thewindshield washer fluid container. Ifsprayed on the windshield, enginecoolant could make it difficult to seethrough the windshield.
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressurerelief cap. The cooling system is underpressure; steam and hot liquid can comeout forcefully when the cap is loosenedslightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the engine cooling orheating systems. This damage would notbe covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, theengine coolant may change color fromorange to pink or light red. As long as theengine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,this color change does not indicate theengine coolant has degraded nor does itrequire the engine coolant to be drained, thesystem to be flushed, or the engine coolantto be replaced.
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What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted,this feature allows the vehicle to be driventemporarily before incremental componentdamage is incurred. The fail-safe distancedepends on outside temperatures, vehicleload and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the enginecoolant temperature gauge will move tothe red (hot) area and:
A high engine temperaturemessage will appear in theinformation display.
The service engine soonindicator will light.
If the engine reaches a presetover-temperature condition, the enginewill automatically switch to alternatingcylinder operation. Each disabled cylinderacts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle will stilloperate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will bedisabled.
Continued operation will increase theengine temperature and the engine willcompletely shut down, causing steeringand braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, theengine can be re-started. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer as soon as possibleto minimize engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNINGS
Fail-safe mode is for use duringemergencies only. Operate thevehicle in fail-safe mode only as longas necessary to bring the vehicle to rest ina safe location and seek immediate repairs.When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle willhave limited power, will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
Never remove the coolant reservoircap while the engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in thefail-safe mode, so drive your vehicle withcaution. Your vehicle will not be able tomaintain high-speed operation and theengine will run rough. Remember that theengine is capable of completely shuttingdown automatically to prevent enginedamage, therefore:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and turn off the engine.
2.Arrange for the vehicle to be taken toan authorized dealer.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level and replenishif low.
5.Re-start the engine and take yourvehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairingthe engine problem increases the chance ofengine damage. Take your vehicle to anauthorized dealer as soon as possible.
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•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen your vehicle is washed.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lidhinges, and latches with a light gradeoil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should bechanged prior to storage, as usedengine oil contain contaminates thatmay cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run atfast idle until it reaches normaloperating temperature
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm there are no cooling systemleaks, and fluid is at the recommendedlevel.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery, itmay be advisable to disconnect thebattery cables to ensure battery chargeis maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, itwill be necessary to reset memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brakeare fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, leversand pins under your vehicle are coveredwith grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8meters) every 15 days to lubricateworking parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirtor grease film build-up on windowsurfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collectedduring storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tireinflation per the Tire Label.
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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.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,it is important to have the systems on yourvehicle checked regularly. This can helpidentify potential issues and prevent majorproblems. We recommend having thefollowing multi-point inspection performedat every scheduled maintenance intervalto help make sure your vehicle keepsrunning great.
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