for operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at Gross
Combined Weight Rating.)
Separate functional brakes should
be used for safe control of towed
vehicles and for trailers where the
Gross Combined Weight of the
towing vehicle plus the trailer
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating of the towing vehicle. The
Gross Combined Weight must
never exceed the Gross
Combined Weight Rating.
Maximum Loaded Trailer
Weight - is the highest possible
weight of a fully loaded trailer the
vehicle can tow. It assumes a
vehicle with mandatory options,
driver and front passenger weight
(150 pounds [68 kilograms]
each), no cargo weight (internal
or external) and a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer) or
king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth
wheel trailer). Consult an
authorized dealer (or the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide available at
an authorized dealer) for more
detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel
King Pin Weight - refers to the
amount of the weight that a trailer
pushes down on a trailer hitch. Examples: For a 5000 pound
(2268 kilogram) conventional
trailer, multiply 5000 by 0.10 and
0.15 to obtain a proper tongue
load range of 500 to 750 pounds
(227 to 340 kilograms). For an
11500 pound (5216 kilogram) fifth
wheel trailer, multiply by 0.15 and
0.25 to obtain a proper king pin
load range of 1725 to 2875 pounds
(782 to 1304 kilograms).
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label.
Do not use replacement tires
with lower load carrying
capacities than the original tires
because they may lower the
vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the original
tires do not increase the GVWR
and GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight
rating limitation could result
in serious damage to the vehicle
and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the
correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lb." on your
vehicle’s placard.
210Load Carrying
BREAKING-IN You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics. The engine also needs to
break in. Avoid hard accelerations and
driving too fast for the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers). If possible, avoid
carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• When running errands, go to the
furthest destination first and then
work your way back home.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds. (Traveling
at 65 mph/105 kph uses about 15%
less fuel than traveling at 75 mph/121
kph).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. There are also some things you may want
to avoid doing because they reduce your
fuel economy:
• Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
• Avoid revving the engine before turning
off the car.
• Avoid long idle periods.
• Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4
kilometers/liter] is lost for every 400
lbs [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER Note: Driving through deep water above
the recommended levels can cause vehicle
damage.
If driving through deep or standing water
is unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Never
drive through water that is higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
215Driving Hints
Note: If battery cables are disconnected, it
will be necessary to reset memory features.
Brakes • Make sure brakes and parking brake
are fully released.
Tires • Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous • Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8
meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle 15 feet (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If the battery was removed, clean the
battery cable ends and inspect. Contact your authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
266Vehicle Care
TEMPORARY MOBILITY KIT Note: The temporary mobility kit sealant
compound in the canister is to be used for
one tire only. See your Ford authorized
dealer for additional replacement sealant
canisters.
The kit is located in the spare tire well in
the trunk. The kit consists of an air
compressor to reinflate the tire and a
sealing compound in a canister that will
effectively seal most punctures caused by
nails or similar objects. This kit will provide
a temporary seal allowing you to drive your
vehicle up to 120 miles (200 kilometers)
at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80
km/h).
E144618
Air compressor (inside)A
Diverter knobB
On/off buttonC Air pressure gaugeD
Sealant bottle and canisterE
Sealant filling clear tubeF
Sealant tube - tire valve
connectorG
Yellow cap toolH
Air compressor hoseI
Air hose -tire valve connectorJ
Accessory power plugK
Casing/housingL
General Information WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note: Do not use the kit if a tire has become
severely damaged by driving the vehicle with
a tire that has insufficient air pressure. Only
punctured areas located within the tire tread
can be sealed with the kit.
Do not attempt to repair punctures larger
than 1.4 inch (6.4 millimeters) or damage
to the tire's sidewall. The tire may not
completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect
tire performance. For this reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above 50
mph (80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than 120 miles
(200 kilometers). Drive only to the closest
Ford Motor Company authorized dealer or
tire repair shop to have your tire inspected.
267Wheels and Tires
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt
steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation
pressure in the affected tire; if the tire
is losing pressure, have the vehicle
towed.
• Read the information in the Tips for
Use of the Kit section to make sure safe
operation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit Read the following list of tips to ensure
safe operation of the kit:
• Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road and
away from moving traffic. Turn on the
hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to ensure
the vehicle doesn't move unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the tire.
• When using the kit, leave the engine
running (only if the vehicle is outdoors
or in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor doesn't drain the vehicle's
battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more than 15
minutes; this will help prevent the
compressor from overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended when
it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Make sure that you use the non-latex
gloves provided to avoid an allergic
reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F (–30°C)
and 158°F (70°C). • Only use the sealing compound before
the use by date. The use by date is on
the lower right hand corner of the label
located on the sealant canister
(bottle). Check the use by date
regularly and replace the canister after
four years.
• Do not store the kit unsecured inside
the passenger compartment of the
vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or crash. Always store the
kit in its original location.
• After sealant use, the tire pressure
monitoring system sensor and valve
stem on the wheel must be replaced
by an authorized Ford dealer.
• When inflating a tire or other objects,
use the black air hose only. Do not use
the transparent hose which is designed
for sealant application only.
• Operating the kit could cause an
electrical disturbance in radio, CD, and
DVD player operation.
What to do when a Tire Is
Punctured A tire puncture within the tire's tread area
can be repaired in two stages with the kit.
• In the first stage, the tire will be
reinflated with a sealing compound
and air. After the tire has been
reinflated, you will need to drive the
vehicle a short distance (about 4 miles
[6 kilometers]) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
• In the second stage, you will need to
check the tire pressure and adjust, if
necessary, to the vehicle's tire inflation
pressure.
268Wheels and Tires
First Stage: Reinflating the Tire
with Sealing Compound and Air WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kit
while inflating the tire. If you notice
any unusual bulges or deformations
in the tire's sidewall during inflation, stop
and call roadside assistance.
If the tire doesn't inflate to the
recommended tire pressure within
15 minutes, stop and call roadside
assistance.
Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, level
and secure area, away from moving traffic.
Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parking
brake and turn the engine off. Inspect the
flat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. To
avoid any allergic reactions, use the
non-latex gloves located in the accessory
box on the underside of the kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that has
pierced the tire. If a puncture is located in
the tire sidewall, stop and call roadside
assistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from the
compressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten the
metal connector of the tube to the tire
valve, turning clockwise. Make sure the
connection is tightly fastened. E144619
4. Plug the power cable into the 12-volt
power point in the vehicle.
5. Remove the warning sticker found on
the canister and place it on the top of
the instrument panel or the center of
the dash.
6. Start the vehicle only if the vehicle is
outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
E144924
7. Push and turn dial (A)
counterclockwise to the sealant
position. Turn on the kit by pressing the
on/off button (B).
269Wheels and Tires
E144621
8. Inflate the tire to the pressure listed on
the tire label located on the driver's
door or the door jamb area. When the
sealing compound is first added into
the tire, the air pressure gauge reading
on the compressor unit may indicate a
higher value; this is normal and should
be no reason for concern. The pressure
will drop after about 30 seconds of
operation. The tire pressure has to be
checked with the compressor in the
OFF position to get the correct tire
pressure reading.
9. When the recommended tire pressure
is reached, turn off the kit by pressing
the on button; disconnect the kit from
the tire valve and the power point.
Re-install the valve cap on the tire
valve, place the tube cap on the metal
connector, and return the kit to the
stowage area
10. Immediately and cautiously, drive the
vehicle 4 miles (6 kilometers) to
distribute the sealant evenly inside
the tire. Do not exceed 50 mph (80
km/h).
11. After 4 miles (6 kilometers), stop and
check the tire pressure. See Second
stage: Checking tire pressure. Note: If you experience any unusual
vibration, ride disturbance or noise while
driving, reduce your speed until you can
safely pull off to the side of the road to call
for roadside assistance. Note: Do not
proceed to the second stage of this
operation.
Second Stage: Checking Tire
Pressure WARNINGS
If you are proceeding from the First
stage: Re–inflating the tire with
sealing compound and air section
and have injected sealant in the tire and
the pressure is below 20 psi (1.4 bar), stop
and call roadside assistance. If tire
pressure is above 20 psi (1.4 bar), continue
to the next step.
The power plug may get hot after use
and should be handled carefully
while unplugging.
Check the air pressure of your tires as
follows:
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve.
2. Unhook the black hose from the side
of the compressor and fasten firmly on
the valve stem by turning clockwise.
3. Push and turn the dial clockwise to the
air position. Turn on the kit by pressing
the on button.
270Wheels and Tires
E144622
4. Adjust the tire to the recommended
inflation pressure from the tire label
located on the driver's door or door
jamb area. The tire pressure has to be
checked with the compressor in the
OFF position to get the correct tire
pressure reading.
5. Turn the compressor off by pressing
the on/off button.
6. Unplug the hoses, re-install the valve
cap on the tire and return the kit to the
stowage area.
What to do after the Tire has been
Sealed After using the kit to seal your tire, you will
need to replace the sealant canister and
clear tube (hose). Sealing compound and
spare parts can be obtained and replaced
at an authorized Ford Motor Company
dealership or tire dealer. Empty sealant
bottles may be disposed of at home;
however, liquid residue from the sealing
compound should be disposed by your
local Ford Motor Company dealership or
tire dealer, or in accordance with local
waste disposal regulations.
Note: After the sealing compound has been
used, the maximum vehicle speed is 50 mph
(80 km/h) and the maximum driving
distance is 120 miles (200 kilometers). The
sealed tire should be inspected immediately. Note: After sealant use, the tire pressure
monitoring system sensor and valve stem
on the wheel must be replaced by an
authorized Ford dealer.
You can check the tire pressure any time
within the 120 miles (200 kilometers) by
performing the procedure from Second
stage: Checking tire pressure listed
previously.
Removal of the sealant canister from
the kit E144623
1. Unwrap the clear tube from the
compressor housing. E144624
2. Locate the yellow cap at the end of the
clear tube.
271Wheels and Tires