2014 FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) steering

Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you willuse. Do not drive over the crest of a hillwithout seeing what conditions are on theother side. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofthe vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of the vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
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Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,it won’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Since your vehicle isequipped with a four wheel (ABS), do not“pump” the brakes. See Hints on DrivingWith Anti-Lock Brakes (page 163). formore information on the operation of theanti-lock brake system (ABS).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, FordMotor Company strongly recommends thatyou do not make modifications such asadding or removing parts (such as loweringkits or stabilizer bars) or by usingreplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. Ford Motor Companyrecommends that caution be used withany vehicle equipped with a high load ordevice (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlymay void the warranty, increase your repaircost, reduce vehicle performance andoperational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
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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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ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces theconventional handbrake. The operatingswitch is located in the center console.
WARNING
Always set the parking brake andleave your vehicle with thetransmission in park (P) (automatictransmission) or in first gear (1) or reverse(R)(manual transmission).
Note:When you apply the electric parkingbrake in certain conditions, for example, ona steep hill, the electric parking brake mayreapply the brakes within three to tenminutes.
Note:You may notice various noises whenyou apply and release the electric parkingbrake. This is normal and no cause forconcern.
Parking on a hill (vehicles with amanual transmission)
If you park your vehicle facing uphill, movethe transmission to first gear (1) and turnthe steering wheel away from the curb. Ifyou park your vehicle facing downhill, movethe transmission to reverse (R) and turnthe steering wheel toward the curb.
Applying the electric parking brake
WARNING
If the brake system warning lampdoes not illuminate or flashes, therecould be a problem with your electricparking brake. Have the system checkedby an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
Note:The brake system warning lamp willilluminate for ten seconds, if the ignition isturned off after the electric parking brakehas been applied, or the electric parkingbrake has been applied after the ignition hasbeen turned off.
Note:The electric parking brake will notautomatically apply. You must apply theelectric parking brake using the electricparking brake switch.
Pull the switch up to apply the electricparking brake.
The brake system warning lamp willilluminate to confirm that the electricparking brake has been applied. SeeInformation Displays (page 87).
Applying the electric parking brakewhen the vehicle is moving
WARNINGS
Applying the electric parking brakewhile moving will result in use of theanti-lock braking system. Do not usethe electric parking brake system when thevehicle is moving unless the normal brakesystem is unable to stop the vehicle.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof the vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the AdvanceTracsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the AdvanceTrac system.Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeakeras far as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seats inorder to minimize the risk of interfering withthe AdvanceTrac sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the AdvanceTrac systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theAdvanceTrac system is an indication thatat least some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator’s ability to control thevehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac Control system helpsyou keep control of your vehicle when ona slippery surface. The electronic stabilitycontrol portion of the system helps avoidskids and lateral slides. The tractioncontrol system helps avoid drive wheelspin and loss of traction. See UsingTraction Control (page 168).
Vehicle without AdvanceTracskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with AdvanceTracmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac®
The system automatically activates whenyou start your vehicle. The AdvanceTracsystem cannot be completely turned off,but the electronic stability control systemis disabled when the transmission selectorlever is in position R. You can turn off thetraction control portion of the systemindependently. See Using TractionControl (page 168).
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When the system finds a suitable space,the touchscreen displays a message anda tone sounds. Slow down, continuemoving forward and stop when anothertone sounds and a message displays onthe touchscreen (at approximately positionA), then follow the instructions on thetouchscreen.
Note:You must observe that the selectedspace remains clear of obstructions at alltimes in the maneuver.
Note:Active park assist may not detectvehicles with overhanging loads (a bus or atruck), street furniture and other items. Youmust make sure the selected space issuitable for parking.
Note:You should drive your vehicle asparallel to the other vehicles as possiblewhile passing a parking space.
Note:The system always offers the lastdetected parking space (for example, if thevehicle detects multiple spaces while youare driving, it offers the last one).
Note:If driven above approximately 20mph (35 km/h), the touchscreen shows amessage to alert you to reduce your vehiclespeed.
Automatic Steering into ParkingSpace
Note:If your vehicle speed exceeds 6 mph(10 km/h), the system switches off and youneed to take full control of your vehicle.
Note:If a maneuver is interrupted beforecompletion, the system switches off. Thesteering wheel position will not indicate theactual position of the steering and you haveto full take control of your vehicle.
When you shift the transmission intoReverse (R), with your hands off the wheel(and nothing obstructing its movement),your vehicle steers itself into the space.Indicated by tones, instructions to moveyour vehicle back and forth in the space,display on the touchscreen.
When you think your vehicle has enoughspace in front and behind it, or you hear achime followed by a solid tone from theparking aid, bring your vehicle to acomplete stop.
When automatic steering is finished, thetouch screen displays a message and atone sounds, indicating that the active parkassist process is done. The driver isresponsible for checking the parking joband making any necessary correctionsbefore putting the transmission in Park (P).
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Deactivating the Park AssistFeature
Manually deactivate the system by::
•Pressing the active park assist button.
•Grabbing the steering wheel.
•Driving above approximately 50 mph(80 km/h) for 10 seconds during anactive park search.
•Driving above 6 mph (10 km/h) duringautomatic steering.
•Turning off the traction control system.
Certain vehicle conditions can alsodeactivate the system, such as:
•Traction control has activated on aslippery or loose surface.
•There is an anti-lock brake systemactivation or failure.
•Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, awarning message is displayed, followedby a tone. Occasional system messagesmay occur in normal operation. Forrecurring or frequent system faults, contactan authorized dealer to have your vehicleserviced.
Troubleshooting the System
The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off
The transmission is in Reverse (R); your vehicle must be moving forward to detect aparking space
The system does not offer a particular space
Something may be contacting the front bumper or side sensors
There is not enough room on both sides of your vehicle in order to park
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite side of the parkingspace
Your vehicle is farther than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the parking space
Your vehicle is closer than 16 in. (40 cm) from neighboring parked vehicles
The transmission is in Reverse (R); your vehicle must be moving forward to detect aparking space
Your vehicle is going faster than 20 mph (35 km/h)
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Active guidelinesA
CenterlineB
Fixed guideline: Green zoneC
Fixed guideline: Yellow zoneD
Fixed guideline: Red zoneE
Rear bumperF
Active guidelines are only shown with fixedguidelines. To use active guidelines, turnthe steering wheel to point the guidelinestoward an intended path. If the steeringwheel position is changed while reversing,the vehicle might deviate from the originalintended path.
The fixed and active guidelines fade in andout depending on the steering wheelposition. The active guidelines are notshown when the steering wheel positionis straight.
Always use caution while reversing.Objects in the red zone are closest to yourvehicle and objects in the green zone arefarther away. Objects are getting closer toyour vehicle as they move from the greenzone to the yellow or red zones. Use theside view mirrors and rear view mirror toget better coverage on both sides and rearof the vehicle.
Selectable settings for this feature areACTIVE + FIXED, FIXED and OFF.
Visual Park Aid Alert
Note:Visual park alert is only availablewhen the transmission is in R (Reverse).
Note:The reverse sensing system is noteffective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h)and may not detect certain angular ormoving objects.
The system uses red, yellow and greenhighlights which appear on top of the videoimage when an object is detected by thereverse sensing system. The alert highlightsthe closest object detected. The reversesensing alert can be disabled and if visualpark aid alert is enabled, highlighted areasare still displayed.
Selectable settings for this feature are ONand OFF.
Manual Zoom
WARNING
When manual zoom is on, the fullarea behind the vehicle is not shown.Be aware of your surroundings whenusing the manual zoom feature.
Note:Manual zoom is only available whenthe transmission is in R (Reverse).
Note:When manual zoom is enabled, onlythe centerline is shown.
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