2015 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT brake light

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Alloy
Wheels (page 215). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 80).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Move the transmission to park (P),
switch the engine off and apply the parking
brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for
any interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake
rapidly by measuring the rate at which you
press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal, and can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake
pedal. You may also hear a noise from the
system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully
and leave your vehicle with the
transmission selector lever in
position
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Note:
Do not press the release button while
pulling the lever up.
To apply the parking brake:
1. Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the parking brake lever up to its fullest extent.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, move the transmission selector
lever to position P and turn the steering
wheel away from the curb.
Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, move the transmission
selector lever to
P and turn the steering
wheel toward the curb.
To release the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Pull the lever up slightly.
3. Press the release button and push the lever down.
HILL START ASSIST WARNINGS
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking
brake. Failure to leave your vehicle securely
parked may lead to a crash or injury. See
Parking Brake
(page 129). You must remain in your vehicle once
the system activates. Failure to
follow this warning could result in
serious personal injury or death. During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death. WARNINGS
The system will turn off if a
malfunction is apparent or if you rev
the engine excessively. Failure to
take care may result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, serious personal injury or
death. The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The brakes are released automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient
drive to prevent your vehicle from rolling
down the slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, for example from
a car park ramp, traffic lights or when
reversing uphill into a parking space.
The system will turn on automatically on
any slope which can result in significant
vehicle rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle will remain
on the slope without rolling away for
approximately two to three seconds.
This hold time will automatically be
extended if you are in the process of
driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released automatically.
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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.
Depending on the type of system you have
on your vehicle, you can either turn the
system off using the information display
or by pressing the button.
Switching the System Off Using
the Information Display Controls
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this feature
already enabled. If required, you can switch
this feature off using the information
display controls. See (page 84).
Switching the System Off Using a
Switch
(If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrument
panel.
Press the button. You will see a message
in conjunction with an illuminated icon in
the display. Press the button again to
return the system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction control
system off, stability control remains fully
active. 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. 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.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. The electrical system on your
vehicle may have fuses or relays
related to the towing equipment.
See Fuses (page 174).
The load capacity of your vehicle
is designated by weight not
volume. You will not necessarily
be able to use all available space
when loading your vehicle or
trailer.
Towing a trailer places extra load
on the engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension.
Inspect these components before,
during and after towing. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above 15% or below 10% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a tow bar with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
Note: A slight vibration or shudder
may be present when you start to
drive away due to increased
payload weight.
Information on correct trailer
loading and preparing your vehicle
is available in the load carrying
section. See
Load Limit (page
144). Further information is
available in the RV and Trailer
Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
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Trailer Lighting
The electrical system on your
vehicle is not suitable for towing
trailers with LED lamps.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control warning lamp flashes and a
message appears in the information
display. The system applies the brakes to
the individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so. Check the vertical weight on the tow
ball and trailer load distribution. See
Capacities and Specifications (page
246). See Load Carrying (page 141).
Note: This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Your vehicle may tow a trailer. The
maximum loaded trailer weight
must be less than or equal to the
maximum loaded trailer weight
listed for your vehicle
configuration on the following
chart.
Note: Do not exceed the maximum
loaded trailer weight for your
vehicle configuration listed in the
chart below. Note:
Make sure you take the
trailer frontal area into
consideration, do not exceed 20
feet² (1.86 meters²). Towing a
trailer that exceeds this frontal area
will reduce the performance and
fuel economy of your vehicle when
towing. Select a trailer that has a
rounded front and an aerodynamic
design.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
Note: Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
loaded trailer weights listed may
be limited to this specified weight,
as the vehicle ’s electrical system
may not include the wiring
connector needed to activate
electric trailer brakes.
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Note:
Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
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 crash greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them correctly 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.
Separate functioning brake systems are
required for safe control of towed vehicles
and trailers weighing more than 1500
pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in correct trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard warning
flashers are working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the trailer hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50
miles (80 kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission selector lever in position
P to aid engine and transmission
cooling and to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• When driving down a long or steep hill,
if your vehicle is fitted with a
SelectShift Automatic® Transmission,
use a low gear, See
Automatic
Transmission (page 126). Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less
effective.
• If the transmission is fitted with Grade
Assist or a Towing feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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•
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.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury.
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•
Alcohol solutions.
• Solvents or cleaners intended
specifically for rubber, vinyl and
plastics.
Note: Do not use Motorcraft Premium
Leather and Vinyl Cleaner ZC-56 on Lincoln
Black Label, Presidential or Reserve
Leathers because it can damage those and
other semi-aniline leather seating fabrics.
It can also damage surround microfiber
accent surfaces. To clean Lincoln Black
Label, Presidential or Reserve Leathers, first
vacuum the seats to remove loose dirt. Then
wipe the leather with a clean soft cloth
dampened with lukewarm water and a mild
soap. Wiper the leather again with a slightly
damp cloth to remove soap residue, and dry
with a soft cloth. To maintain the leather's
resiliency, it should be cleaned whenever
soiled.
REPAIRING MINOR PAINT
DAMAGE
You should repair paintwork damage
caused by stones from the road or minor
scratches as soon as possible. A choice of
products are available from an authorized
dealer.
Remove particles such as bird droppings,
tree sap, insect deposits, tar spots, road
salt and industrial fallout before repairing
paint chips.
Always read and follow the manufacturer ’s
instructions before using the products.
CLEANING THE ALLOY
WHEELS
Note: Do not apply a cleaning chemical to
warm or hot wheel rims and covers.
Note: Some automatic car washes may
cause damage to the finish on your wheel
rims and covers. Note:
Industrial-strength or heavy-duty
cleaners in combination with brush agitation
to remove brake dust and dirt, could wear
away the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note: If you intend parking your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This will reduce the risk of increased
corrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coated
with a clear coat paint finish. To maintain
their condition we recommend that you:
• Clean the wheels weekly using
Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
Apply using manufacturer's
instructions.
• Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust
accumulation.
• Rinse thoroughly with a strong stream
of water when you have completed the
cleaning process.
• To remove tar and grease, use
Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, read the following
maintenance recommendations to make
sure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
We engineer and test all motor vehicles
and their components for reliable, regular
driving. Under various conditions,
long-term storage may lead to degraded
engine performance or failure unless you
use specific precautions to preserve engine
components.
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