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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 BLIS® as a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS® 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
which are located behind the
bumper fascia on each side of the
vehicle. Do not allow these areas to
become obstructed by mud, snow or
bumper stickers, as this can cause
degraded system performance.
If the system detects a degraded performance condition, a blocked
sensor warning or low visibility warning will appear in the information
display and the alert indicator illuminates in the appropriate mirror(s).
The information display warning can be cleared but the alert indicator
remains illuminated.
When the blockage is removed, the system can be reset in two ways: 1)
when at least two objects are detected while driving, or 2) turn the
ignition key from on to off, then back on. If the blockage is still present
after the key cycle, the system senses again that it is blocked after
driving in traffic.
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Reasons for messages being displayed
The radar surface is
dirty or obstructed Clean the fascia area in front of the radar or
remove the obstruction.
The radar surface is
not dirty or obstructed Drive normally in traffic for a few minutes to
allow the radar to detect passing vehicles so it
can clear the blocked state.
Heavy rainfall/snowfall
interferes with the
radar signals No action required. The system automatically
resets to an unblocked state once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or stops. Do
not use BLIS® and/or CTA in these conditions.
System Limitations
The BLIS® and CTA systems do have their limitations; situations such as
severe weather conditions or debris build-up on the sensor area may
limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may limit the BLIS®:
• Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone.
• Vehicles passing through the blind zone at very fast rates.
• When several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may limit the CTA system:
• Adjacently parked vehicles or objects obstructing the sensors.
• Approaching vehicles passing at speeds greater than 15 mph
(24 km/h).
• Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
• Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note: If you connected a trailer to your vehicle the BLIS® system may
detect the trailer causing a false alert. To avoid false alerts you may want
to turn the BLIS off manually.
There may be certain instances when either the BLIS® or CTA systems
illuminate the alert indicator with no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
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System Errors
If either system senses a problem with the left or right sensor, the
BLIS® indicator in the information display will illuminate and remain on.
Also,BLIND SPOT SYSTEM FAULT orCROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM
FAULT message will appear. When problems that may cause the left or
right indicator not to illuminate, only the information display message
faults appear.
Switching the Systems Off and On
One or both systems can be switched off temporarily by using the
information display control; refer to the Information Displaychapter.
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 yellow alert indicator in the outside mirror will also flash
twice. 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
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: 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.
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WARNING: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.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
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
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
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AUTO LEVELING SUSPENSION SYSTEM (if equipped)
The automatic leveling suspension system is designed to improve ride,
handling and general vehicle performance during:
•Certain road conditions
• Steering maneuvers
• Braking
• Acceleration
• Towing
This system keeps the rear of your vehicle at a constant level through a
hydraulic pump inside each rear shock. Depending on the payload or
road surface conditions it will take approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) for
the leveling to complete.
If the loaded vehicle is not moved for approximately 12 hours, the
leveling system may bleed down to a lower height. This can be especially
apparent if a trailer is left attached to the parked vehicle for long periods
of time. You must drive your vehicle in order to re-level the suspension.
If a self-equalizing hitch is being used, your vehicle should be drive
approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) with the trailer prior to adjusting
(leveling) the hitch.
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ROOF RACKS AND LOAD CARRIERS
WARNING:When loading the roof rail crossbars, it is
recommended to evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a
low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Note: The maximum recommended load is 200 pounds (90 kilograms),
evenly distributed on the crossbars.
Note: Loads should never be placed directly on the roof panel. The roof
panel is not designed to directly carry a load.
For proper function of the roof rack system, loads must be placed
directly on crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your vehicle may
be equipped with factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine Accessory
crossbars, designed specifically for your vehicle, are also recommended
for use with your roof rack system.
Make sure that the load is securely fastened. Check the tightness of the
load before driving and at each fuel stop.
Adjusting the Crossbars (If Equipped)
1. Loosen the thumbwheels at both ends of the
crossbar by turning them counterclockwise (both
crossbars are adjustable).
2. Slide the crossbar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheels at both ends of the
crossbar by turning them clockwise.
Make sure to check that the thumbwheels are tight each time a load is
added or removed from the roof rack, and periodically while traveling.
Make sure that the load is secure before traveling.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading – With and Without a Trailer
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
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capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight – is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket
equipment.
Payload – is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that the
vehicle is carrying. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found
on the Tire Label on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door
(vehicles exported outside the US and Canada may not have a Tire
Label). Look for “THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND
CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX kg OR XXX lb.” for
maximum payload. The payload listed on the Tire Label is the maximum
payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any aftermarket
or authorized-dealer installed equipment has been installed on the
vehicle, the weight of the equipment must be subtracted from the
payload listed on the Tire Label in order to determine the new payload.
WARNING: The appropriate loading capacity of your vehicle can
be limited either by volume capacity (how much space is
available) or by payload capacity (how much weight the vehicle should
carry). Once you have reached the maximum payload of your vehicle,
do not add more cargo, even if there is space available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle can contribute to loss of vehicle control
and vehicle rollover.
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Example only:
Cargo Weight– includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
or king pin weight is also part of cargo weight.
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