MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Using the Clutch
Note:Failure to fully press the clutch pedalto the floor may cause increased shiftefforts, prematurely wear transmissioncomponents or damage the transmission.
Note:Do not drive with your foot resting onthe clutch pedal or use the clutch pedal tohold your vehicle at a standstill whilewaiting on a hill. These actions will reducethe life of the clutch and could nullify aclutch warranty claim.
Manual transmission vehicles have astarter interlock that prevents cranking theengine unless the clutch pedal is fullypressed.
To start the vehicle:
1.Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2.Press the clutch pedal to the floor, thenput the gearshift lever in the neutralposition.
3.Start the engine.
4.Press the brake pedal and move thegearshift lever to the desired gear; 1(First) or R (Reverse).
5.Release the parking brake, then slowlyrelease the clutch pedal while slowlypressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal mustbe fully pressed to the floor. Make sure thefloor mat is properly positioned so itdoesn't interfere with the full extension ofthe clutch pedal.
Recommended Shift Speeds
Note:Do not downshift into 1 (First) whenyour vehicle is moving faster than 15 mph(24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.
Recommended upshifts (for best fueleconomy) when accelerating
Shift from:
15 mph (24 km/h)1 - 2
25 mph (40 km/h)2 - 3
40 mph (64 km/h)3 - 4
45 mph (72 km/h)4 - 5
50 mph (80 km/h)5 - 6
Reverse
Note:Make sure that your vehicle is at acomplete stop before you shift into R(Reverse). Failure to do so may damage thetransmission.
1.Press the clutch pedal to the floor todisengage clutch.
2.Move the gearshift lever into theneutral position and wait at least threeseconds before shifting into R(Reverse).
3.Shift into R (Reverse) by raising thecollar below the gearshift knob up, thenmoving the lever fully to the left, thenforward.
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Note:The gearshift lever can only bemoved to R (Reverse) by raising the collarbelow the gearshift knob up before shiftingto reverse. This is a lockout feature whichprotects the transmission from accidentallyengaging R (Reverse) when intending toselect 1 (First).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, pressthe clutch pedal down and return thegearshift to the neutral position. Releasethe clutch pedal for a moment, then raisethe collar and shift to R (Reverse) again.
Parking Your Vehicle
WARNING
Do not park your vehicle in Neutral,it may move unexpectedly and injuresomeone. Use 1 (First) gear and setthe parking brake fully.
To park your vehicle:
1.Apply the brake and shift into theneutral position.
2.Fully apply the parking brake, hold theclutch pedal down, then shift into 1(First).
3.Turn the ignition off.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(IF EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the gearshift islatched in P (Park). Turn the ignitionto the off position and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
Do not apply the brake pedal andaccelerator pedal simultaneously.Applying both pedals simultaneouslyfor more than three seconds will limitengine rpm, which may result in difficultymaintaining speed in traffic and could leadto serious injury.
Understanding the Positions ofYour Automatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1.Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Press and hold the button on the frontof the gearshift lever.
3.Move the gearshift lever into thedesired gear.
4.Release the button and yourtransmission will remain in the selectedgear.
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P (Park)
This position locks the transmission andprevents the front wheels from turning.Come to a complete stop before puttingyour vehicle into and out of P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), thevehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), thevehicle can be started and is free to roll.Hold the brake pedal down while in thisposition.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the bestfuel economy. Transmission operates ingears one through six.
S (Sport)
Moving the gearshift lever to S (Sport):
•Provides additional grade (engine)braking and extends lower gearoperation to enhance performance foruphill climbs, hilly terrain ormountainous areas. This will increaseengine RPM during engine braking.
•Provides additional lower gearoperation through the automatictransmission shift strategy.
•Gears are selected more quickly andat higher engine speeds.
SelectShift Automatic™Transmission (If Equipped)
Your SelectShift Automatic transmissiongives you the ability to change gearsmanually.
If equipped with the toggle on thegearshift lever:
•Press the (+) button to upshift.
•Press the (-) button to downshift.
If equipped with steering wheelpaddles:
With your vehicle in D (Drive), the paddleshifters provide temporary manual control.They allow you the ability to shift gearsquickly, without taking your hands off thesteering wheel.
You can achieve extensive manual controlby moving the gearshift lever to S (Sport)position.
•Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
•Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift.
The system determines when temporarymanual control is no longer in use andreturns to automatic control.
Upshift to the recommended shift speedsaccording to the following chart:
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Upshifts when accelerating (recom-mended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
15 mph (24 km/h)1 - 2
25 mph (40 km/h)2 - 3
40 mph (64 km/h)3 - 4
45 mph (72 km/h)4 - 5
50 mph (80 km/h)5 - 6
The instrument cluster will display yourcurrently selected gear.
The transmission will automatically upshiftif your engine speed is too high ordownshift if your engine speed is too low.
Note:The system will stay in manualcontrol until you make another shift buttonselection. For example,D (Drive).
Note:Engine damage may occur ifexcessive engine revving is held withoutshifting.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the brake lamps areworking.
When doing this procedure, you willbe taking the vehicle out of parkwhich means the vehicle can rollfreely. To avoid unwanted vehiclemovement, always fully set the parkingbrake prior to doing this procedure. Usewheel chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. See your authorizeddealer.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
Note:For some markets this feature will bedisabled.
Use the brake shift interlock lever to movethe gearshift lever from the park positionin the event of an electrical malfunction orif your vehicle has a dead battery.
Apply the parking brake and turn theignition off before performing thisprocedure.
1.Remove the side panel on the right sideof the gearshift lever.
2.Locate the access hole.
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If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicleback onto the pavement only afterreducing your speed. Do not turn thesteering wheel too sharply whilereturning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron orshoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You may lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike smallobjects, such as highway reflectors,with minor damage to your vehiclerather than attempt a sudden return tothe pavement which could cause thevehicle to slide sideways out of controlor rollover. Remember, your safety andthe safety of others should be yourprimary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the transmission is inP (Park). Turn the ignition to the lockposition or turn the vehicle off using thestart/stop button and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. See your authorizeddealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35mph (56 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow itmay be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac® with Roll StabilityControl™, it may be beneficial todisengage the AdvanceTrac® with RollStability Control™ system whileattempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid"over-driving" your vehicle (i.e., turn thesteering wheel only as rapidly and asfar as required to avoid theemergency). Excessive steering willresult in less vehicle control, not more.Additionally, smooth variations of theaccelerator and/or brake pedalpressure should be utilized if changesin vehicle speed are called for. Avoidabrupt steering, acceleration or brakingwhich could result in an increased riskof loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover and/or personal injury. Use allavailable road surface to return thevehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop,avoid skidding the tires and do notattempt any sharp steering wheelmovements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e., from concreteto gravel) there will be a change in theway the vehicle responds to amaneuver (steering, acceleration orbraking). Again, avoid these abruptinputs.
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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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