TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
specified on the certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Your vehicle may have electrical
items, for example fuses or relays,
related to towing. See Fuses
(page 187).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading your vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. 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 or below 10-15% 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.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
correct trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
Owner's Manual. See Load Limit
(page 153). You can also find the
information in the RV & Trailer
Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
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•
The trailer brake controller is fitted with
a feature that reduces output at vehicle
speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so
trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
• Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brake system whether you
attach a trailer or not.
• When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.
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 lamps,
brake lamps, turn signals and hazard
warning lamps 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) until you drive your vehicle
at least 495 mi (800 km). See
Breaking-In
(page 173).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the tow hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled
50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position park (P
) to aid
engine and transmission cooling and
to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or on hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If the transmission is fitted with a
Grade Assist, Tow/Haul 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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•
If your vehicle is fitted with
AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
(RSC), this system may turn on during
typical cornering maneuvers with a
heavily loaded trailer. This is normal.
Turning the corner at a slower speed
while towing may reduce this tendency.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your vehicle's rear axle with
synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle is
not already filled with it). See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 433).
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
•Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission
in position park (
P).
• Place wheel chocks in front of and
at the back of the trailer wheels.
(trailer wheel chocks are not
included with your vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Water Craft (PWC)
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 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water. Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after the trailer is removed from the water.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE 170
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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.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing
manual for all authorized tow truck
operators. Have your tow truck operator
refer to this manual for proper hook-up
and towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your two-wheel
drive vehicle towed with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the
rear wheels off the ground.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drive
vehicle with all wheels off the ground, such
as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. However, it is acceptable to
use a wheel lift to raise the rear of your
vehicle so long as, depending on vehicle
configuration, you perform the following
before towing.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle is disabled and you have no
access to a tow dolly, car-hauling trailer or
a flatbed transport vehicle, it can only be
flat-towed with all wheels on the ground
under the following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so that
it is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission selector lever is
placed in position N. If the transmission
gear shift lever cannot be moved to
position N, it may need to be
overridden. See Automatic
Transmission (page 133).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers).
Drive off slowly and smoothly without
jerking the vehicle that is being towed.
Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be
placed on the same side. For example; right
hand rear towing point to right hand front
towing point.
You must use a tow rope or rigid towing
bar that is of the correct strength for the
weight of the towing vehicle and the
vehicle that is being towed.
Note: Using a rigid towing bar is the safest
way to tow a vehicle.
The weight of the vehicle that is being
towed must not exceed the weight of the
towing vehicle.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Follow these guidelines to prevent damage
to your vehicle ’s transmission if you have
a need for recreational vehicle towing. For
example; towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
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Your vehicle cannot be flat-towed with all
wheels on the ground beyond the limits
set out above as vehicle or transmission
damage may occur. See Emergency
Towing. You must place your vehicle on
a car-hauling trailer, or place the front
wheels of your vehicle on a tow dolly. If you
are using a tow dolly, follow the
instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
Note: Put your vehicle's climate control
system in recirculated air mode to prevent
exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
See
Climate Control (page 89).
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Note:
In the event that your vehicle does
not restart after your third attempt, contact
an authorized dealer.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNINGS
The gases around the battery can
explode if exposed to flames, sparks
or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in personal injury or vehicle damage. Batteries contain sulfuric acid which
can burn skin, eyes and clothing, if
contacted.
Use only an adequate-sized cable
with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:
Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a
vehicle with an automatic transmission may
cause transmission damage.
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch, and switch off
all accessories.
Your vehicle has a positive (+) access
terminal and a negative (-) grounding
connection point that you can access
under the hood, even though the actual
battery is under the driver seat. You can
jump your vehicle using these points. The positive (+) access terminal is next to
the fuse box, under a red cap. To access
the positive (+) terminal, lift the red cap
up.
The negative (-) terminal is a post, located
on the driver side, near the hood hinge. It
is a grounding connection point, so you will
need to remove the rubber covering first.
178
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Body Control Module
Circuits protected
Fuse rating
Fuse
Central locking system 2.
15A
F1
Central locking system 1.
15A
F2
Ignition switch.
15A
F3
Parking assist control module.
5A
F4
Brake transmission shift interlock.
Rain sensor module.
5A
F5
Windshield washer pump.
15A
F6
Not used.
-
F7
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The engine is capable of completely
shutting down automatically to prevent
engine damage, if this situation occurs:
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so and switch the ignition off.
2. Have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving the vehicle without repairing
the engine problem increases the chance of
engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Engine Fluid Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING
To reduce the risk of a crash and
injury, be prepared that the vehicle
speed may reduce and the vehicle
may not be able to accelerate with full
power until the fluid temperature reduces. When towing a trailer the vehicle
’s engine
may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in hot ambient
temperatures.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power.
The design of your vehicle allows it to enter
this mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction will depend on
the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient
temperature and other factors. If this
occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
You can continue to drive your vehicle
while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and
off during severe operating conditions to
protect overheating of the engine. When
the engine coolant temperature decreases
normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on. If you notice any
of the following:
•
The engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red area.
• The coolant temperature warning light
illuminates.
• The service engine soon indicator
illuminates.
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and place the vehicle in park
(P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the red area. After
several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart the engine and continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Note: Transmission fluid should be checked
by an authorized dealer. If required, fluid
should be added by an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have
a transmission fluid dipstick.
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