
USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-wheel drive uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road conditions
that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot. The AWD system is active all the time
and requires no input from the operator.
Note:
Your AWD vehicle is not intended for
off-road use. The AWD feature gives your
vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in
which driving surfaces are relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to
normal on-road driving conditions. Operating
your vehicle under other than those conditions
could subject the vehicle to excessive stress
which might result in damage which is not
covered under your warranty.
Note: When an AWD system fault is present,
the warning Check AWD displays in the
information display. The AWD system is not
functioning correctly and defaults to
front-wheel drive. When this warning displays,
have your vehicle serviced at an authorized
dealer. Note:
The AWD OFF message may also
appear in the information display if the AWD
system overheats and defaults to front-wheel
drive. This may occur if the vehicle is operated
in extreme conditions with excessive wheel
slip, such as deep sand. To resume normal
AWD function as soon as possible, stop the
vehicle in a safe location and stop the engine
for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has
been restarted and the AWD system has
adequately cooled, the
AWD OFF message
will turn off and normal AWD function returns.
If the engine is not stopped, the
AWD OFF
message turns off when the system cools and
normal AWD function returns.
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All-Wheel Drive Messages
Action / Description
AWD Messages
Displayed when the system has been automatically disabled to protect
itself. This is caused by operating the vehicle with the compact spare
tire installed or if the system is overheating. The system will resume
normal function and clear this message after cycling the ignition on
and off and driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
AWD OFF
Displayed in conjunction with the powertrain malfunction/reduced
power light when the system is not operating properly. If the warning
stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Check AWD
Operating AWD Vehicles With Spare
Tires
A spare tire of a different size other than the
tire provided should never be used. The AWD
system may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components if a non-full sized tire
is installed. This condition may display an
AWD OFF message in the information
display. If there is an AWD OFF message in
the information display from using a non-full
sized spare tire, this indicator should turn off
after reinstalling the repaired or replaced
normal road tire and cycling the ignition off and on. It is recommended to reinstall the
repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between
the front and rear axles (for example, 17 inch
low profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch
high profile tires on the rear axle) could cause
the AWD system to stop functioning and
default to front-wheel drive or damage the
AWD system.
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Operating AWD Vehicles With
Mismatched Tires
WARNING
Only use replacement tires and wheels
that are the same size, load index,
speed rating and type (such as
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 edge that meets the door-latch
post, next to the driver ’s seating position), or
the Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar
or edge of the driver ’s door. If this information
is not found on these labels, then you should
contact your 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
your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to front-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system. However, the AWD system is capable
of tolerating any combination of new and
worn tires of the same original tire size. For
example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1 new
tread tire all of the same original tire size, can
be tolerated by the AWD system.
Driving In Special Conditions With
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on
and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Lower gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.
Basic operating principles in special
conditions
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice.
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If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement
•
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle back
onto the pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the
road surface.
• It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you do
not slow down or if you turn the steering
wheel too sharply or abruptly.
• It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement
which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover.
Remember, your safety and the safety of
others should be your primary concern. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the transmission is in P
(Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position or turn the vehicle off using the
start/stop button and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle. If the parking brake is fully released, but
the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer. Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injure
a passenger or bystander.
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is
not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than a
few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping between
shifts, in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear. If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control
™,
it may be beneficial to disengage the
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control ™
system while attempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
• In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (that is, turn the steering
wheel only as rapidly and as far as
required to avoid the emergency).
Excessive steering will result in less
vehicle control, not more. Additionally,
smooth variations of the accelerator
and/or brake pedal pressure should be
utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering,
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Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditions
that require tire chains or cables, then
it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping
distances and avoid aggressive steering to
reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle
control which can lead to serious injury or
death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of the vehicle. Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD
vehicles in snow and ice but can skid like any
other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop. Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
won
’t stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for stopping.
Drive slower than usual and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, apply the brake steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 150).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your
vehicle have been designed and tested to
provide predictable performance whether
loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lowering kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts
not equivalent to the original factory
equipment. Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as
ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may
void the warranty, increase your repair cost,
reduce vehicle performance and operational
capabilities and adversely affect driver and
passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended
if the vehicle is subjected to off-highway
usage.
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(If Equipped)

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 268).
Note: Depending on applicable laws and
regulations in the country for which your
vehicle was originally built, your brake lamps
may flash during heavy braking. Following this,
your hazard lights may also flash when your
vehicle comes to a stop. See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 85).
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 may 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.
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PARKING BRAKE
WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, then driving your vehicle
could result in reduced braking ability,
increased stopping distances and potential
loss of brakes. See your authorized dealer as
soon as possible. Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the transmission is placed
in park (P). Failure to set the parking
brake and engage park could result in vehicle
roll-away, property damage or bodily injury.
Turn the ignition to the lock position and
remove the key whenever you leave your
vehicle. To set the parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down to its fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down again. 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 151). You must remain in your vehicle when
the system turns on. At 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. 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
remains 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
system releases the brakes automatically
once the engine has developed sufficient
torque 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.
Note:
The system only functions when you
bring your vehicle to a complete standstill in
an uphill gear (for example, drive (D) when
facing uphill or reverse (R) when facing
downhill).
Note: There is no warning light to indicate the
system is either on or off.
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 activates
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
WARNING
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily if the system
detects a failure. Make sure you did not
manually disable the traction control system
using the information display controls or the
switch. If the stability control and traction
control light is still illuminating steadily, have
the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with the
traction control disabled could lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:
When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information display
showing system status.
You can switch the system off by either using
the information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display
Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See Using Traction
Control (page 153).
Using a Switch
(If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off or
on.
The switch illuminates when traction control
is off. System Indicator Lights and
Messages The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on when
you switch the traction control system off.
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