PARKING AID (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, please
read and understand the limitations of
the system as contained in this section.
Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in
reverse on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Traffic control systems, inclement weather,
air brakes, and external motors and fans may
also affect the function of the sensing
system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation. To help avoid personal injury, always
use caution when in R (Reverse) and
when using the sensing system. This system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
The system is designed to provide a warning
to assist the driver in detecting large
stationary objects to avoid damaging the
vehicle. The system may not detect smaller
objects, particularly those close to the
ground. WARNINGS
Certain add-on devices such as large
trailer hitches, bike or surfboard racks
and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the system, may create
false beeps. Note:
Keep the sensors, located on the
bumper or fascia, free from snow, ice and
large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors
are covered, the system’ s accuracy can be
affected. Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects.
Note: If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper or fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of
obstacles or false alarms.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with
MyKey®, it is possible to prevent turning the
sensing system off.
See MyKey™ (page 62).
The sensing system warns the driver of
obstacles within a certain range of the
bumper area. The system turns on
automatically whenever the ignition is
switched on. When receiving a detection warning, the
radio volume is reduced to a predetermined
level. After the warning goes away, the radio
volume returns to the previous level.
The system can be switched off through the
information display menu or from the pop-up
message that appears once the transmission
is shifted into
R. See General Information
(page 112).
If a fault is present in the system, a warning
message appears in the information display
and does not allow the driver to switch the
faulted system on.
See Information
Messages (page 118).
Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when the
transmission is in
R. As the vehicle moves
closer to the obstacle, the rate of the audible
warning increases. When the obstacle is
fewer than 10 inches (25 centimeters) away,
the warning sounds continuously. If a
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DRIVER ALERT (If Equipped)
WARNING
The driver alert system is designed to
aid you. It is not intended to replace
your attention and judgment. You are still
responsible to drive with due care and
attention. Note:
The system will store the on or off
setting in the information display menu
through ignition cycles.
Note: If enabled in the menu, the system will
be active at speeds above 40 mph (64 km/h).
When below the activation speed, the
information display will inform you that the
system is unavailable.
Note: The system works as long as one lane
marking can be detected by the camera.
Note: If the camera is blocked or if the
windshield is damaged, the system may not
function.
Note: The system may not be available in
poor weather or other low visibility
conditions. The system automatically monitors your
driving behavior using various inputs
including the front camera sensor.
If the system detects that your driving
alertness is reduced below a certain
threshold, the system will alert you using a
chime and a message in the information
display.
Using Driver Alert
Switching the system on and off
You may switch the system on or off through
the information display by selecting Settings
then Driver Assist then Driver Alert in the
menu. When activated, the system will
monitor your alertness level based upon your
driving behavior in relation to the lane
markings, and other factors.
System Warnings
Note:
Note: The system will not issue
warnings below approximately 40 mph (64
km/h). The warning system is in two stages. At first
the system issues a temporary warning that
you need to take a rest. This message will
only appear for a short time. If the system
detects further reduction in driving alertness,
another warning may be issued which will
remain in the information display for a longer
time. Press OK on the steering wheel control
to clear the warning
System Display
When active the system will run automatically
in the background and only issue a warning
if required. You can view the status at any
time using the information display.
See
General Information (page 112).
The alertness level is shown by six steps in
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System Lights and Messages
The Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic
Alert systems illuminate a yellow alert
indicator in the outside mirror on the side of
your vehicle the approaching vehicle is
coming from.
Note:
The alert indicator dims when the
system detects nighttime darkness.
Cross Traffic Alert also sounds a series of
tones and a message appears in the
information display indicating a vehicle is
coming from the right or left. Cross Traffic
Alert works with the reverse sensing system
that sounds its own series of tones. See
Parking Aid (page 191). System Sensors WARNING
Just prior to the system recognizing a
blocked condition and alerting the
driver, the number of missed objects will
increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use
the Blind Spot Information System as a
replacement for using the side and rear view
mirrors or looking over your shoulder before
changing lanes. The Blind Spot Information
System is not a replacement for careful
driving. Note:
It is possible to get a blockage warning
with no blockage present; this is rare and
known as a false blockage warning. A false
blocked condition either self-corrects or
clears after a key cycle. The system uses radar sensors that are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow mud, snow
or bumper stickers to obstruct these areas,
this can cause degraded system
performance.
If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor or low visibility will
appear in the information display along with
a warning indicator. You can clear the
information display warning but the warning
indicator will remain illuminated.
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False Alerts
Note:
If your vehicle has a factory equipped
tow bar and it is towing a trailer, the sensors
will detect the trailer and turn the Blind Spot
Information and Cross Traffic Alert systems
off to avoid false alerts. For non-factory
equipped tow bars, you may want to turn
the Blind Spot Information System off
manually.
There may be certain instances when there
is a false alert by either the Blind Spot
Information or the Cross Traffic Alert systems
that illuminates the alert indicator with no
vehicle in the coverage zone. Some amount
of false alerts are normal; they are temporary
and self-correct.
System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the Blind Spot Information
System telltale will illuminate and a message
will appear in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 118).
All other system faults will display only with
a message in the information display. Switching the Systems Off and On
You can temporarily switch off one or both
systems in the information display.
See
General Information (page 112). When you
switch off the Blind Spot Information System,
you will not receive alerts and the information
display will display a system off message.
The system switches back on whenever you
switch the ignition on.
You can also have one or both systems
switched off permanently at an authorized
dealer. Once switched off, the system can
only be switched back on at an authorized
dealer.
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. WARNINGS
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. 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.
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When your vehicle rapidly approaches
another vehicle, a red warning light flashes
and a tone sounds.
The brake support system assists you in
reducing any collision speed by pre-charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision continues
to increases after the audio-visual warning,
the brake support prepares the brake system
for rapid braking. The system does not
automatically activate the brakes, but if the
brake pedal is pressed even lightly, the
brakes apply full stopping power.
Using the Collision Warning System WARNING
The collision warning system
’s brake
support reduces collision speed only
if you brake your vehicle before any collision.
As in any typical braking situation, you must
press your brake pedal. You can use your information display control
to adjust the warning system's sensitivity to
any one of three possible settings. See
General Information (page 112).
Note: When possible, the manufacturer
recommends using the highest sensitivity
setting. If warnings are too frequent, you can
reduce your system's sensitivity. Reduced
sensitivity causes fewer and later system
warnings.
See General Information (page
112). Blocked Sensors If a blocked sensor message appears in the
information display, dirt, water, or an object
is blocking the sensor. The sensor is located
behind a cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. If anything blocks the sensor,
your vehicle cannot see through the sensor,
and the collision warning system will not
work. Possible causes for the blocked sensor
message and corrective actions are listed
below.
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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 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,
such as fuses or relays, related to
towing. See the Fuses chapter.
Your vehicle's load capacity designation
is by weight, not by volume, so you
cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading a 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
proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing is located in
another chapter of this manual.
See
Load Limit (page 230). You can also find
the information in the
RV & Trailer
Towing Guide, available at an
authorized dealer.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If Equipped) WARNING
Turning off trailer sway control
increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford does
not recommend disabling this feature except
in situations where speed reduction may be
detrimental (such as hill climbing), the driver
has significant trailer towing experience, and
can control trailer sway and maintain safe
operation. 239
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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 vehicle speed is too
high, the system may activate multiple times,
gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies the vehicle brakes at
individual wheels and, if necessary, reduces
engine power. If the trailer begins to sway,
the stability control light flashes. The first
thing to do is slow the vehicle down, then
pull safely to the side of the road and check
for proper tongue load and trailer load
distribution. See Load Carrying (page 229). RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:
Do not exceed the trailer weight
for your vehicle configuration listed in
the chart below.
Note: Be sure to take into consideration
trailer frontal area. Do not exceed 20
feet 2
(1.86 meters 2
) if your vehicle is not
equipped with a towing package or 30
feet 2
(2.79 meters 2
) if your vehicle is
equipped with a towing package.
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 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.
Your vehicle may tow a trailer provided
the maximum trailer weight is less than
or equal to the maximum trailer weight
listed for your vehicle configuration on
the following chart. Maximum trailer weight
Maximum GCWR
Powertrain
3000 lb (1361 kg)
7220 lb (3275 kg)
2.0L GTDI FWD
3000 lb (1361 kg)
7400 lb (3357 kg)
2.0L GTDI AWD
2000 lb (907 kg)
6420 lb (2912 kg)
2.3L GTDI AWD
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive
your 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 230). 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 trailer’ s 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.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
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