
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
drive 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
with the vehicle in an uphill gear (for
example, second (2) 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.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the
slope without rolling away for about two
to three seconds. This hold time
automatically extends if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The system releases the brakes automatically.
Note: When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal and press the pedal again when
the system is active, you will experience
significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This
is normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in the
information display. The system remembers
the last setting when you start your vehicle. Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off. When
you switch the ignition on, the system
automatically turns on.
191
Brakes

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
In certain situations for example, stuck in
snow or mud, turning the traction control off
may be beneficial as this allows the wheels
to spin with full engine power. Depending
on the type of system you have on your
vehicle, you can either turn the system off
using the information display or by pressing
the button.
Switching the System Off Using the
Information Display Controls (If Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this feature already
enabled. If required, you can switch this
feature off using the information display
controls. See General Information (page
109).
Switching the System Off Using a
Switch (If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrument panel.
Press the button. You will see a message in
conjunction with an illuminated icon in the
display. Press the button again to return the
system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction control system
off, stability control remains fully active.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING
If a failure has been detected within
the AdvanceTrac system, the stability
control light will illuminate steadily. Verify
that the AdvanceTrac system was not
manually disabled through the information
display. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced
by an authorized dealer immediately.
Operating your vehicle with AdvanceTrac
disabled could lead to an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
E138639
The stability control light
temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving
condition activates the stability system.
The stability control off light
temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when you
turn the traction control system off.
192
Traction Control

Enhanced Park Aids
Note:Enhanced park aids are only available
when the transmission is in reverse (R).
Note: The reverse sensing system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h)
and may not detect certain angular or
moving objects.
The system uses red, yellow and green
highlights that appear on top of the video
image when the reverse sensing system
detects an object. The alert highlights the
closest object detected. You can disable the
reverse sensing alert if you have enhanced
park aids enabled, you will still see the
displayed highlighted areas.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON
and OFF.
Manual Zoom
WARNING
When manual zoom is on, the full area
behind your vehicle is not shown. Be
aware of your surroundings when using the
manual zoom feature.
Note: Manual zoom is only available when
the transmission is in reverse (R).
Note: Only the centerline shows when you
enable manual zoom.
This allows you to get a closer view of an
object behind your vehicle. The zoomed
image keeps the bumper in the image to
provide a reference. The zoom is only active
while the transmission is in reverse (R). When
you shift the transmission out of reverse (R),
the feature automatically turns off and you
must enable it to use it again.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON
and OFF.
Rear Camera Delay
When shifting the transmission out of reverse
(R) and into any gear other than park (P), the
camera image remains in the display until
your vehicle speed reaches 5 mph (8 km/h)
or until you select a radio button.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON
and OFF. The default setting for the rear
camera delay is OFF.
205
Parking Aids (If Equipped)

System Lights and Messages
E142442
The BLIS and cross traffic alert systems
illuminate a yellow alert indicator in the
outside mirror on the side of the vehicle the
approaching vehicle is coming from.
Note:The alert indicator dims when
nighttime darkness is detected.
Cross traffic alert also sounds an audible
warning 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
which sounds its own series of tones. See
Principle of Operation (page 196). 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.
E142443
The system uses radar sensors which are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your 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 message warning
of a blocked sensor or a message warning
of low visibility 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.
223
Driving Aids

ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
• Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle 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 231).
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 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.
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.
243
Towing

Note:Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, check
the depth. Never drive through water that is
higher than the bottom of the front rocker
area of your vehicle.
E176360
When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: • Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that leave the
pedal area unobstructed. Only use floor mats
that are firmly secured to retention posts so
that they cannot slip out of position and
interfere with the pedals or impair safe
operation of your vehicle in other ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal injury.
WARNINGS
Always make sure that the floor mats
are properly attached to the retention
posts in the carpet that are supplied with
your vehicle. Floor mats must be properly
secured to both retention posts to make sure
mats do not shift out of position.
Never place floor mats or any other
covering in the vehicle foot well that
cannot be properly secured to prevent them
from moving and interfering with the pedals
or the ability to control the vehicle.
Never place floor mats or any other
covering on top of already installed
floor mats. Floor mats should always rest on
top of vehicle carpeting surface and not
another floor mat or other covering.
Additional floor mats or any other covering
will reduce the pedal clearance and
potentially interfere with pedal operation.
Check attachment of floor mats on a
regular basis. Always properly reinstall
and secure floor mats that have been
removed for cleaning or replacement.
249
Driving Hints

Do not attempt to repair punctures larger
than 0.24 in (6 mm) or damage to the tire's
sidewall. The tire may not completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect tire
performance. For this reason:
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than 120 mi
(200 km). Drive only to the closest authorized
Ford dealer or tire repair shop to have your
tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation pressure in the affected tire. If the tire is losing
pressure, have the vehicle towed.
• Read the information in the Tips for Use of the Kit section to make sure safe
operation of the kit and your vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
To ensure safe operation of the kit: • Read all instructions and cautions fully.
• Before operating the kit, make sure your
vehicle is safely off the road and away
from moving traffic. Turn on the hazard
lights.
• Always set the parking brake to ensure the vehicle does not move unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects, such as nails or screws, from the tire.
• When using the kit, leave the engine running (only if the vehicle is outdoors or
in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor does not drain the vehicle
battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to operate continuously for more than 15 minutes.
This will help prevent the compressor
from overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended when it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex. Make sure that you use the non-latex gloves
provided to avoid an allergic reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children. • Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F (-30°C) and
158°F (70°C).
• Only use the sealing compound before the use by date. The use by date is on
the lower right hand corner of the label
located on the sealant canister (bottle).
Check the use by date regularly and
replace the canister after four years.
• Do not store the kit unsecured inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle
as it may cause injury during a sudden
stop or crash. Always store the kit in its
original location.
• After sealant use, the tire pressure monitoring system sensor and valve stem
on the wheel must be replaced by an
authorized Ford dealer.
• When inflating a tire or other objects, use the black air hose only. Do not use the
transparent hose which is designed for
sealant application only.
• Operating the kit could cause an electrical disturbance in radio, CD, and
DVD player operation.
315
Wheels and Tires

What to do when a Tire Is Punctured
A tire puncture within the tire tread area can
be repaired in two stages with the kit.
• In the first stage, the tire will be reinflatedwith a sealing compound and air. After
the tire has been reinflated, you will need
to drive the vehicle a short distance 4 mi
(6 km) to distribute the sealant in the tire.
• In the second stage, you will need to check the tire pressure and adjust, if
necessary, to the vehicle tire inflation
pressure.
First Stage: Reinflating the Tire with
Sealing Compound and Air
WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kit while
inflating the tire. If you notice any
unusual bulges or deformations in the tire
sidewall during inflation, stop and call
roadside assistance.
If the tire does not inflate to the
recommended tire pressure within 15
minutes, stop and call roadside assistance.
Preparation: Park the vehicle in a safe, level
and secure area, away from moving traffic.
Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parking
brake and turn the engine off. Inspect the
flat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. To avoid
any allergic reactions, use the non-latex
gloves located in the accessory box on the
underside of the kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that has
pierced the tire. If a puncture is located in
the tire sidewall, stop and call roadside
assistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from the compressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten the metal connector of the tube to the tire
valve, turning clockwise. Make sure the
connection is tightly fastened.
E144619
4. Plug the power cable into the 12-voltpower point in the vehicle.
5. Remove the warning sticker found on the canister and place it on the top of the
instrument panel or the center of the
dash.
6. Start the vehicle only if the vehicle is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
316
Wheels and Tires