
Under severe operating conditions,
the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because
vehicle momentum can work against
you and cause the vehicle to become
stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle.
Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed
with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water,
drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water,
determine the depth; avoid water
higher than the bottom of the wheel
rims (for cars) or the bottom of the
hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and
proceed slowly. If the ignition system
gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
E142667
Once through water, always try the
brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes.
Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying
light pressure on the brake pedal.Be cautious of sudden changes in
vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles
can lose traction in slick mud. As when
you are driving over sand, apply the
accelerator slowly and avoid spinning
your wheels. If the vehicle does slide,
steer in the direction of the slide until
you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off
residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires
and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive
components.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged
in water, the axle lubricant and AWD
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
E143950
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service
and the Bureau of Land Management
in encouraging you to help preserve
our national forest and other public
and private lands by “treading lightly.”
176
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps
avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the
system applies the brakes to
individual wheels and, when needed,
reduces engine power at the same
time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose
surfaces, the system reduces engine
power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION
CONTROL
In certain situations (for example,
stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial
as this allows the wheels to spin with
full engine power. Turn off the traction
control system through the
information display. See General
Information (page 101).
System Indicator Lights and
Messages
WARNING
If a failure has been detected
within the AdvanceTrac system,
the stability control light will
illuminate steadily. Verify that the
AdvanceTrac system was not
manually disabled through the
information display. If the stability
control light still illuminates steadily,
have the system serviced by an
authorized dealer immediately.
Operating your vehicle with
AdvanceTrac disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
E138639
The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on
when you turn the traction control
system off.
When you turn the traction control
system off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing
system status.
184
Traction Control

When automatic steering is finished,
the touch screen displays a message
and a chime sounds, indicating that
the active park assist process is done.
The driver is responsible for checking
the parking job and making any
necessary corrections before putting
the transmission in P (Park).
Deactivating the Park Assist
Feature
The system can be deactivated
manually by:
• pressing the active park assistbutton
• grabbing the steering wheel
• driving above approximately 50 mph (80 km/h) for 30 seconds
during an active park search • driving above 6 mph (10 km/h)
during automatic steering
• turning off the traction control system.
Certain vehicle conditions can also
deactivate the system, such as:
• Traction control has activated on a slippery or loose surface.
• There is an anti-lock brake system activation or failure.
• Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system,
a warning message is displayed,
followed by a chime. Occasional
system messages may occur in
normal operation. For recurring or
frequent system faults, contact an
authorized dealer to have your vehicle
serviced.
Troubleshooting the System
The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off
The transmission is in R (Reverse); the vehicle must be moving forward to
detect a parking 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 the vehicle in order to park
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite side of
the parking space
192
Parking Aids

If the front end of the vehicle is hit or
damaged, the radar sensing zone may
be altered causing missed or false
collision warnings. See your
authorized dealer to have your
collision warning radar checked for
proper coverage and operation.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering
system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system
to ensure proper operation. When a
system error is detected a steering
message will appear in the
information display.
The electric power steering
system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system
to ensure proper operation of the
electronic system. When an electronic
error is detected, a message will be
displayed in the information display.
If this happens, stop the vehicle in a
safe place, and turn off the engine.
After at least 10 seconds, reset the
system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer
to have it checked.
WARNINGS
Obtain immediate service if a
system error is detected. You
may not notice any difference in the
feel of your steering, but a serious
condition may exist. Failure to do so
may result in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an
electric power-assisted steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir to
check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power
while you are driving (or if the ignition
is turned off), you can steer the
vehicle manually, but it takes more
effort. Extreme continuous steering
may increase the effort it takes for you
to steer. This occurs to prevent
internal overheating and permanent
damage to your steering system. If this
should occur, you will neither lose the
ability to steer the vehicle manually
nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to
cool and steering assist will return to
normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check
for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
221
Driving Aids

ESSENTIAL TOWING
CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe
towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you driveyour vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
your scheduled maintenance
information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label as
well as instructions on calculating
your vehicle's load in the Load
Carrying chapter. See Load Limit
(page 224).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle
load when calculating the total
vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps
onto the bumper or attaches to the
axle. Distribute the trailer load so 10-15%
of the total trailer weight is on the
tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:
Never attach safety chains to
the bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to
the hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross
them under the trailer tongue and
allow enough slack for turning tight
corners. Do not allow the chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's
hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your
vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual,
automatic or surge-type trailer brakes
are safe if you install them properly
and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and
federal regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's
braking system operation is at the
gross vehicle weight rating, not the
gross combined weight rating.
234
Towing

Note:Reconnect the wiring to the
trailer after removing the trailer from
the water.
When backing down a ramp during
boat launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 inches (15 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow
water to enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and reliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in
water, replace the rear axle lubricant.
Water may contaminate the rear axle
lubricant, which is not a normal
maintenance inspection item unless
there is a possibility of a leak or other
axle repair is required.TRANSPORTING THE
VEHICLE
E143886
If you need to have your vehicle
towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a
roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift
and dollies or flatbed equipment to
tow your vehicle. Do not tow with a
slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has
not approved a slingbelt towing
procedure. Vehicle damage may occur
if towed incorrectly, or by any other
means.
236
Towing

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold In The U.S.:
Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. The service is
available:
• 24-hours, seven days a week.
• for the coverage period listed onthe Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner's Manual
portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
• a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit).
• battery jump start.
• lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer's
responsibility).
• fuel delivery — Independent Service Contractors, if not
prohibited by state, local or
municipal law shall deliver up to
2.0 gallons (7.5L) of gasoline or
5.0 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel
to a disabled vehicle. Fuel delivery
service is limited to two no-charge
occurrences within a 12-month
period. • winch out — available within 100
feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no
recoveries.
• towing — Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicles towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56 km) of
the disablement location or to the
nearest authorized dealer. If a
member requests to be towed to
an authorized dealer more than 35
miles (56 km) from the
disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any
mileage costs in excess of 35 miles
(56 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200
if the disabled eligible vehicle requires
service at the nearest authorized
dealer. If the trailer is disabled, but the
towing vehicle is operational, the
trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Vehicles Sold In The U.S. :
Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card
is found in the owner's information
portfolio in the glove compartment.
U.S. Lincoln vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-521-4140.
243
Roadside Emergencies

If you need to arrange roadside
assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable
amount for towing to the nearest
dealership within 35 miles (56 km).
To obtain reimbursement information,
U.S. Lincoln vehicle customers call
1-800-521-4140. Customers will be
asked to submit their original receipts.
Vehicles Sold In Canada :
Getting Roadside Assistance
Canadian customers who require
roadside assistance, call
1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold In Canada : Using
Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In Canada,
the card is found in the Warranty
Guide in the glove box.
Canadian Roadside coverage and
benefits may differ from the U.S.
coverage. Please refer to your
Warranty Guide or visit our website at
www.ford.ca for information on
Canadian services and benefits.
Canadian customers who need to
obtain roadside information, call
1-800-665-2006 or visit our website
at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD WARNING
FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is not
running, the battery will lose charge.
There may be insufficient power to
restart your vehicle.
The hazard warning button
is located on the instrument
panel. Use it when your
vehicle is creating a safety hazard for
other motorists.
• Press the button to turn on the hazard warning function, and the
front and rear direction indicators
will flash.
• Press the button again to turn them off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if
necessary, repair fuel leaks after
a collision may increase the risk of fire
and serious injury. Ford Motor
Company recommends that the fuel
system be inspected by an authorized
dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severe
collision, this vehicle is equipped with
a fuel pump shut-off feature that
stops the flow of fuel to the engine.
Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after a
collision, you may restart your vehicle
by doing the following:
244
Roadside Emergencies