2016 FORD TRANSIT suspension

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator ’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the systems
applies higher brake forces.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 143).
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SPEED LIMITER
Engine Speed Limiter
Engine speed is limited to protect the
engine.
Vehicle Speed Limiter - Fixed
The system prevents you from driving
faster than a programmed speed.
DRIVER ALERT
Principle of Operation
WARNINGS
The system does not relieve you of
your responsibility to drive with due
care and attention.
At all times you are responsible for
controlling your vehicle, supervising
the system and intervening if
required. If the sensor becomes blocked the
system may not function.
Take regular rest breaks as required
and do not wait for the system to
warn you if you feel tired.
Take rest breaks only where it is safe
to do so.
Certain driving styles and behavior
may result in the system issuing a
warning even if you are not feeling
tired. In cold and severe weather
conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow, spray and large
contrasts in lighting can all influence the
sensor. The system will not operate if the
sensor cannot track the road lane
markings. WARNINGS
The system may not operate in areas
during roadwork construction.
The system may not operate on
roads with sharp bends or narrow
lanes.
Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding
the sensor.
If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may
not function correctly.
Note:
Keep the windshield free from
obstructions such as bird droppings, insects
and snow or ice.
Note: The system assists you when driving
on fast main roads and freeways.
Note: The system calculates an alertness
level at vehicle speeds above approximately
40 mph (65 km/h).
The system automatically monitors your
driving behavior.
The system is designed to alert you if it
detects that you are becoming drowsy or
if your driving deteriorates.
Using Driver Alert
Switching the System On and Off
Note: The system will remain on or off
depending on how it was last set.
Switch the system on using the information
display. See Information Displays (page
82).
The system will calculate your alertness
level based upon your driving behavior in
relation to the lane markings and other
factors.
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WARNINGS
The sensor may incorrectly track lane
markings such as other structures or
objects. This can result in a false or
missed warning. In cold and severe weather
conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow, spray and large
contrasts in lighting can all influence the
sensor. The system will not operate if the
sensor cannot track the road lane
markings.
The system may not operate in areas
during roadwork construction.
The system may not operate on
roads with sharp bends or narrow
lanes.
Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding
the sensor.
If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may
not function correctly.
Note:
Keep the windshield free from
obstructions such as bird droppings, insects
and snow or ice.
Note: The system may assist you when
driving on fast main roads and freeways.
Note: The system may not operate during
hard braking or acceleration and when you
are intentionally steering your vehicle.
Note: The system will operate with a
minimum of one tracked lane marking.
Note: The system will only operate above
vehicle speeds of approximately 39 mph
(62 km/h).
The sensor is located behind the interior
mirror. It continuously monitors conditions
to alert you of unintentional lane drifting
at high speeds. The system will automatically detect and
track the lane markings on the road. If the
system detects that your vehicle is
unintentionally drifting toward the lane
markings, you will see a warning in the
information display. There is also a warning
given in the form of a vibration felt through
the steering wheel.
Note:
The vibration intensity from the
steering wheel may decease depending on
the quality of the road surface.
Using Lane Keeping Alert
Switching the System On and Off Turn the system on and off using the
button on the direction indicator stalk.
Press the button twice to turn the system
on. Press the button once to turn the
system off.
Note:
When you switch the system off, a
warning indicator will remain illuminated in
the information display. See
Warning
Lamps and Indicators (page 78).
Setting the Steering Wheel Vibration
Level
The system has three intensity levels which
you can set using the information display.
See
(page 82).
Setting the System Sensitivity
You can adjust how quickly the system
warns you. The system has two sensitivity
levels which you can set using the
information display. See
(page 82).
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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
If any steering components are serviced or
replaced, install new fasteners (many are
coated with thread adhesive or have
prevailing torque features which may not
be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
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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 193).
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 158). You can also find the
information in the RV & Trailer
Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
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Tire Age
WARNING
Tires degrade over time
depending on many factors,
for example weather, storage
conditions, and conditions of use,
for example load, speed and
inflation pressures the tires
experience throughout their lives.
In general, tires should be
replaced after six years regardless
of tread wear. However, heat
caused by hot climates or
frequent high loading conditions
can accelerate the aging process
and may require tires to be
replaced more frequently.
You should replace the spare tire
when you replace the road tires or
after six years due to aging even if
it has not been used. Tire Replacement
Requirements
WARNINGS
Only use replacement tires
and wheels that are the same
size, load index, speed rating and
type, (for example P-metric versus
LT-metric or all-season versus
all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The
recommended tire and wheel size
may be found on either the Safety
Compliance Certification Label
(affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door WARNINGS
edge that meets the door-latch
post, next to the driver seating
position), or the Tire Label which
is located on the B-Pillar or edge
of the driver door. If this
information is not found on these
labels, then you should contact an
authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Use of any tire or wheel
not recommended by Ford can
affect the safety and performance
of your vehicle, which could result
in an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
Additionally the use of
non-recommended tires and
wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle, transfer case or
power transfer unit failure. If you
have questions regarding tire
replacement, contact an
authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Always inflate steel carcass
tires with a remote air fill with
the person inflating standing at a
minimum of 12.1 ft (3.7 m) away
from the wheel and tire assembly. Your vehicle is fitted with tires
designed to provide a safe ride
and handling capability.
We recommend that the two front
tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
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WARNINGS
Do not spin the wheels at
over 35 mph (56 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander. Driving habits have a great deal to
do with your tire mileage and
safety:
•
Observe posted speed limits.
• Avoid fast starts, stops and
turns.
• Avoid potholes and objects on
the road.
• Do not run over curbs or hit the
tire against a curb when
parking.
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive
there is always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire
on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic.
This may further damage the flat
tire, but your safety is more
important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or
you suspect a tire or your vehicle
has been damaged, immediately
reduce your speed. Drive with
caution until you can safely pull
off the road. Stop and inspect the
tires for damage. If a tire is
under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with the spare tire and
wheel. If you cannot detect a
cause, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest repair facility or tire
dealer to have the vehicle
inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or
pothole can cause the front end
of your vehicle to become
misaligned or cause damage to
the tires. If your vehicle seems to
pull to one side when you are
driving, the wheels may be out of
alignment. Have an authorized
dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front
or the rear can cause uneven and
rapid treadwear of the tires and
should be corrected by an
authorized dealer. Front-wheel
drive vehicles and those with an
independent rear suspension may
require alignment of all four
wheels.
The tires should also be balanced
periodically. An unbalanced tire
and wheel assembly may result in
irregular tire wear.
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Rear-wheel drive and
four-wheel drive vehicles with
dual rear wheels.
USING WINTER TIRES
WARNING
When you use winter tires on your
vehicle, you must make sure that you
use the correct lug nuts.
If winter tires are used, you must make sure
that you use the correct tire pressures. USING SNOW CHAINS WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,
load index, speed rating as those
originally provided by Ford. Use of
any tire or wheel not recommended by
Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer
case or power transfer unit failure. The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires or snow chains.
If you choose to install snow tires on your
vehicle, they must be the same size,
construction, and load range as the original
tires listed on the tire inflation pressure
label (located on the edge of driver door
or the B-Pillar) and they must be installed
on all four wheels. Mixing tires of different
size or construction on your vehicle can
adversely affect your vehicle
’s handling
and braking, and may lead to loss of
vehicle control.
If you use snow chains, we recommended
that steel wheels of the same size and
specifications are used, snow chains may
damage aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow
chains:
• Avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Only certain snow chains or cables
have been approved by Ford as safe
for use on vehicles with either 235/65
R16C or 195/75 R16C tires.
• Snow chains or cables must be
mounted in pairs on the rear tires only.
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