2014 FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) Owners Manual

be: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.You will need to reduce the loadweight by at least 240 pounds(104 kilograms). If you removethree 100-pound (45-kilogram)cement bags, then the loadcalculation would be: 1400 - (2 x220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -900 = 60 pounds. Now you havethe load capacity to transport thecement and your friend home. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations alsoassume that the loads arepositioned in your vehicle in amanner that does not overloadthe Front or the Rear Gross AxleWeight Rating specified for yourvehicle on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label. The label shallbe affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of your vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
The electrical system on yourvehicle may have fuses or relaysrelated to the towing equipment.See Fuses (page 226).
The load capacity of your vehicleis designated by weight notvolume. You will not necessarilybe able to use all available spacewhen loading your vehicle ortrailer.
Towing a trailer places extra loadon the engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension.Inspect these components before,during and after towing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove 15% or below 10% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
Note:A slight vibration or shuddermay be present when you start todrive away due to increasedpayload weight.
Information on correct trailerloading and preparing your vehicleis available in the load carryingsection. See Load Limit (page199). Further information isavailable in the RV and TrailerTowing Guide. See an authorizeddealer.
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RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailerweight for your vehicleconfiguration listed in the chartbelow.
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area.Do not exceed 20 feet2 (1.86
meters2).
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to activate electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a Class Itrailer provided the maximumtrailer weight is less than or equalto the maximum trailer weightlisted for your vehicleconfiguration on the followingchart.
Maximum trailer weight*Powertrain
1000 lb (454 kg)1.5L GTDI
1000 lb (454 kg)1.6L GTDI
2000 lb (907 kg)2.0L GTDI
1000 lb (454 kg)2.5L TiVCT
*Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safetowing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 miles (1600kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 199).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the trailer’s safety chainsto the hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in a fire. Contact an authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
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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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TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift anddollies or flatbed equipment to tow yourvehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. FordMotor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure. Vehicledamage may occur if towed incorrectly, orby any other means.
Ford Motor Company produces a towingmanual for all authorized tow truckoperators. Have your tow truck operatorrefer to this manual for proper hook-upand towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your front-wheeldrive vehicle towed from the front if usingproper wheel lift equipment to raise thefront wheels off the ground. When towingin this manner, the rear wheels can remainon the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have thefront wheels placed on a tow dolly whentowing your vehicle from the rear usingwheel lift equipment. This preventsdamage to the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle requiresthat all wheels be off the ground, such asusing a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. This prevents damage to thetransmission, all-wheel drive system andvehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it. SeeTransmission (page 153).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
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Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 110).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Front-wheel Drive Vehicles
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withthe front wheels off the ground by using atow dolly. If you are using a tow dolly,follow the instructions specified by theequipment provider.
All-wheel Drive Vehicles
All-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 miles (480kilometers). During this time, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•When running errands, go to thefurthest destination first and thenwork your way back home.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds. (Travelingat 65 mph/105 kph uses about 15%less fuel than traveling at 75 mph/121kph).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may wantto avoid doing because they reduce yourfuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hillyterrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4kilometers/liter] is lost for every 400lbs [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:Driving through deep water abovethe recommended levels can cause vehicledamage.
If driving through deep or standing wateris unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Neverdrive through water that is higher than thebottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or thebottom of the hubs (for trucks).
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