Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test ifthe service engine soon indicator is on ornot working properly (bulb is burned out),or if the OBD-II system has determinedthat some of the emission control systemshave not been properly checked. In thiscase, your vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing. Todetermine if the vehicle is ready for I/Mtesting, turn the ignition key to the onposition for 15 seconds without crankingthe engine. If the service engine soonindicator blinks eight times, it means thatthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; ifthe service engine soon indicator stays onsolid, it means that the vehicle is ready forI/M testing.
The OBD-II system monitors the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days. Ifthe vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, youmay need to perform the following drivingcycle consisting of mixed city and highwaydriving:
Drive on an expressway or highway for asteady 15 minutes, followed by 20 minutesof stop-and-go driving with at least four30-second idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eighthours without starting the engine. Then,start the engine and complete the abovedriving cycle. The engine must warm up toits normal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the engine until theabove driving cycle is complete. If thevehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, youwill have to repeat the above driving cycle.
152Fusion (CC7) , enUSAFuel and Refueling
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your AWD vehicle in deepsand. This will cause the AWD system tooverheat. After the system has cooleddown, normal AWD function will return.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protectoverheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance may be required fromanother vehicle. Remember, you may beable to back out the way you came if youproceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottomof the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) andproceed slowly. If the ignition system getswet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even AWD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts causes an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged inwater, the axle lubricant and AWD PTU(Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should bechecked and changed if necessary.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
160Fusion (CC7) , enUSAAll-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E142667 E143950
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.
163Fusion (CC7) , enUSABrakesE144522 E144522
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.
165Fusion (CC7) , enUSABrakesE147231
•Driving in reverse faster than 5 mph(8 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:If your vehicle has a factory equippedtow bar and it is towing a trailer, the sensorswill detect the trailer and turn the Blind SpotInformation and Cross Traffic Alert systemsoff to avoid false alerts. For non-factoryequipped tow bars, you may want to turnthe Blind Spot Information System offmanually.
There may be certain instances when thereis a false alert by either the Blind SpotInformation or the Cross Traffic Alertsystems that illuminates the alert indicatorwith no vehicle in the coverage zone. Someamount of false alerts are normal; they aretemporary and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with theleft or right sensor, the Blind SpotInformation System telltale will illuminateand a message will appear in theinformation display.
All other system faults will display onlywith a message in the information display.See Information Messages (page 95).
Switching the Systems Off and On
You can temporarily switch off one or bothsystems in the information display. SeeGeneral Information (page 87). Whenyou switch off the Blind Spot InformationSystem, you will not receive alerts and theinformation display will display a systemoff message. The system switches backon whenever you switch the ignition on.
Note:The Cross Traffic Alert system alwaysswitches on whenever the ignition isswitched on. However, the Blind SpotInformation System will remember the lastselected on or off setting.
One or both systems cannot be switchedoff when MyKey is used. See Principle ofOperation (page 50).
You can also have one or both systemsswitched off permanently at an authorizeddealer. Once switched off, the system canonly be switched back on at an authorizeddealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering systemhas diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system toensure proper operation. When a systemerror is detected a steering message willappear in the information display.
The electric power steering systemhas diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system toensure proper operation of the electronicsystem. When an electronic error isdetected, a message will be displayed inthe information display. If this happens,stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turnoff the engine. After at least 10 seconds,reset the system by restarting the engine,and watch the information display for asteering message. If a steering messagereturns, or returns while driving, take thevehicle to your dealer to have it checked.
Obtain immediate service if a systemerror is detected. You may not noticeany difference in the feel of yoursteering, but a serious condition may exist.Failure to do so may result in loss ofsteering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electricpower-assisted steering system. There isno fluid reservoir to check or fill.
195Fusion (CC7) , enUSADriving Aids
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.
210Fusion (CC7) , enUSATowing
GENERAL INFORMATION
Have your vehicle serviced regularly to helpmaintain its roadworthiness and resalevalue. There is a large network of Fordauthorized dealers that are there to helpyou with their professional servicingexpertise. We believe that their speciallytrained technicians are best qualified toservice your vehicle properly and expertly.They are supported by a wide range ofhighly specialized tools developedspecifically for servicing your vehicle.
To help you service your vehicle, weprovide scheduled maintenanceinformation which makes tracking routineservice easy. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 428).
If your vehicle requires professional service,your authorized dealer can provide thenecessary parts and service. Check yourwarranty information to find out whichparts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants,fluids and service parts conforming tospecifications. Motorcraft® parts aredesigned and built to provide the bestperformance in your vehicle.
Precautions
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught inmoving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with theengine running in an enclosed space,unless you are sure you have enoughventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burningmaterial (such as cigarettes) awayfrom the battery and all fuel relatedparts.
Working with the Engine Off
1.Set the parking brake and shift to P(Park).
2.Turn off the engine and remove the key(if equipped).
3.Block the wheels.
Working with the Engine On
WARNING
To reduce the risk of vehicle damageand/or personal burn injuries, do notstart your engine with the air cleanerremoved and do not remove it while theengine is running.
1.Set the parking brake and shift to P(Park).
2.Block the wheels
OPENING AND CLOSING THE
HOOD
1.To open the hood, go inside the vehicleand pull the hood release handlelocated under the left-hand side of theinstrument panel.
236Fusion (CC7) , enUSAMaintenanceE142457
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 1.5L
ECOBOOST™/1.6L
ECOBOOST™
MINA
MAXB
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK - 2.0L
ECOBOOST™/2.5L
MINA
MAXB
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note:Check the level before starting theengine.
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and the MAX marks.
1.Make sure that your vehicle is on levelground.
2.Turn the engine off and wait 10 minutesfor the oil to drain into the oil pan.
3.Remove the dipstick and wipe it witha clean, lint-free cloth. Replace thedipstick and remove it again to checkthe oil level.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add oilimmediately.
Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the filler cap whenthe engine is running.
Note:Do not add oil further than the MAXmark. Oil levels above the MAX mark maycause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline enginesby the American Petroleum Institute (API).An oil with this trademark symbolconforms to the current engine andemission system protection standards andfuel economy requirements of theInternational Lubricants SpecificationAdvisory Council (ILSAC), comprised ofU.S. and Japanese automobilemanufacturers.
241Fusion (CC7) , enUSAMaintenanceE146020 ABE169062 E142732