Trailer Brake Controller Connector (If
Equipped)
The connector is located under the
instrument panel above the brake pedal. 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 your authorized dealer as
soon as possible for assistance in proper
trailer tow wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights 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) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after
you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position
P to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in 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.
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•
If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or 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.
• 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:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in position P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included
with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before
backing the trailer into the water. Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after
removing the trailer from the water.
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 inches (15 centimeters) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Any time the rear axle submerges in water,
replace the rear axle lubricant. Water may
contaminate the rear axle lubricant, which is
not a normal maintenance inspection item
unless there is a possibility of a leak or other
axle repair is required. TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
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Should your vehicle shut off after a collision,
you may restart your vehicle. For vehicles
equipped with a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch on the ignition.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to re-enable the
fuel pump.
For vehicles equipped with a push button
start system:
1. Press the START/STOP button to switch
off the ignition.
2. Press the brake pedal and press the START/STOP button to switch on the
ignition.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal and press the
START/STOP button to
switch off the ignition.
4. You can either attempt to start the engine
by pressing the brake pedal and the
START/STOP
button, or switch on the
ignition only by pressing the
START/STOP
button without pressing
the brake pedal. Both ways re-enable the
fuel system. Note:
When you try to restart your vehicle
after a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes sure
that various systems are safe to restart.
Once your vehicle determines that the
systems are safe, then the vehicle will allow
you to restart.
Note: In the event that your vehicle does not
restart after your third attempt, contact an
authorized dealer.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal injury.
Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or
lighted substances to come near the battery.
When working near the battery, always shield
your face and protect your eyes. Always
provide correct ventilation. WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield
your eyes when working near the battery to
protect against possible splashing of acid
solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately. Use only adequately sized cables with
insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic
transmission vehicle.
Note:
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 electrical system.
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Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 296).
A.
Engine oil filler cap.
See Engine Oil Check (page 294).
B.
Engine oil dipstick.
See Engine Oil Dipstick (page 294).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir.
See Brake Fluid Check (page 302).
D.
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 303).
E.
Power distribution box.
See Fuses (page 269).
F.
Air filter assembly.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 311).
G.
Automatic transmission dipstick (under air filter assembly).
See Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 300).
H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 303).
I.
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Brake fluid reservoir. See Brake Fluid Check (page 302).
D.
Battery.
See Changing the 12V Battery (page 303).
E.
Power distribution box.
See Fuses (page 269).
F.
Air filter assembly.
See Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 311).
G.
Automatic transmission dipstick (under air filter assembly).
See Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 300).
H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir.
See Washer Fluid Check (page 303).
I.
Engine Shield Some vehicles may be equipped with an
aero-shield under the engine. This shield
needs to be removed for service, including
oil and filter changes. The shield has four
quick-release fasteners to secure it in place.
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You have limited engine power when in the
fail-safe mode, so drive your vehicle with
caution. Your vehicle will not maintain
high-speed operation and the engine will
operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine.
2. Tow your vehicle 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 add if low.
5. Re-start the engine and drive your vehicle
to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Engine Fluid Temperature Management (If
Equipped) WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of 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
temperatures reduce. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle can pull a trailer, but because
of the added load, your vehicle
’s engine may
temporarily reach higher temperatures during
severe operating conditions such as
ascending a long or steep grade while
pulling a trailer in high temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO
LOWER TEMP message may appear in the
information display. You may notice a reduction in vehicle speed
caused by reduced engine power. In order
to manage the engine fluid temperatures,
your vehicle may enter this mode if certain
high-temperature and high-load conditions
take place. The amount of speed reduction
depends on many factors such as vehicle
loading, towing, grade and ambient
temperature. 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 to a
normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area, or if the
coolant temperature warning or service
engine soon messages appear in your
information display:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
P
.
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2. Leave the engine running until the
coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the red (hot) area. After
several minutes, if the temperature does
not drop, 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, restart your
engine and continue.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, and restart the engine. See Adding Engine
Coolant or How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
in this chapter for more information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 2.0L ECOBOOST™
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. Have an authorized dealer check and change
the transmission fluid at the correct service
interval. See Scheduled Maintenance (page
387
). Your transmission does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be
checked if the transmission is not working
properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of
fluid leakage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid
additives, treatments or cleaning agents. The
use of these materials may affect
transmission operation and result in damage
to internal transmission components.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK - 3.5L ECOBOOST™/
3.7L WARNING
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives, treatments or cleaning
agents. The use of these materials may affect
transmission operation and result in damage
to internal transmission components. The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly you should check the fluid level. If you
notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact an
authorized dealer.
Checking the Transmission Fluid Level
WARNING
The dipstick and surrounding
components are hot. Use gloves when
moving components and checking the
transmission fluid level. Failure to follow this
warning could result in serious personal
injury. Only check the transmission fluid level when
the engine is at normal operating
temperature
179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).
Normal operating temperature is reached
after driving approximately
20 mi (30 km).
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Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
Note: Check the fluid level with the engine
running and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise direction. See
Under Hood Overview (page 290).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace the
cap and dipstick and remove it again to
check the fluid level. 4.
Make sure that the fluid level is between
the MIN and the MAX marks. If the fluid
level is at the MIN mark, add fluid
immediately. See
Adding Transmission
Fluid.
5. Replace the automatic transmission fluid
cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise until
you feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum range
(below point A) add the correct specification
fluid to be within the hash mark area.
See
Capacities and Specifications (page 360).
Note: If the fluid level is below the minimum
range do not drive your vehicle. A low fluid
level can damage the transmission.
Correct Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the hash mark area
(between points A and B) do not add any
fluid. High Fluid Level
If the fluid level is above the maximum range
(above point B) fluid may need to be
removed. High fluid levels may be caused
by a overheating condition. If you have
operated your vehicle at high speeds, towing
a trailer or in city traffic during hot weather,
allow your vehicle to cool for a minimum of
30 minutes before rechecking the level.
Note:
An overfill condition can damage the
transmission.
Adding Transmission Fluid *
1. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise direction.
2. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Add fluid that meets the Ford specifications.
See Capacities and
Specifications (page 360). Pour the fluid
directly into the automatic transmission
fluid cap and dipstick hole.
4. Replace the cap and dipstick and remove
it again to check the fluid level.
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AB