When the system is active, your vehicle willremain stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows you time to move yourfoot from the brake to the acceleratorpedal. The brakes release automaticallywhen the engine has sufficient torque toprevent your vehicle from rolling down thegrade. This is an advantage when pullingaway on a slope, for example from a carpark ramp, traffic lights or when reversinguphill into a parking space.
The system will activate automatically onany slope that will cause significant vehiclerollback. For vehicles with a manualtransmission, you can switch this featureoff using the information display. SeeInformation Displays (page 92). Thesystem will remain on or off depending onhow it was last set.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AutoHold, Hill Start Assist will not be availablewhile Auto Hold is active.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Bring your vehicle to a completestandstill. Keep the brake pedalpressed and select an uphill gear (forexample, first (1) when facing uphill orreverse (R) when facing downhill).
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system will activateautomatically.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle will remainon the slope without rolling away forabout two or three seconds. This holdtime will automatically be extended ifyou are in the process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will release automatically.
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch this feature on or off if yourvehicle is equipped with a manualtransmission and an information display.See General Information (page 92). Thesystem remembers the last setting whenyou start your vehicle.
If your vehicle is not equipped with amanual transmission and an informationdisplay, you cannot turn the system on oroff. When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on.
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Brakes
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, pleaseread and understand the limitationsof the system as contained in thissection. Sensing is only an aid for some(generally large and fixed) objects whenmoving on a flat surface at parking speeds.Certain objects with surfaces that absorbultrasonic waves, surrounding vehicle'sparking aid systems, traffic controlsystems, fluorescent lamps, inclementweather, air brakes, and external motorsand fans may also affect the function ofthe sensing system; this may includereduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in reverse (R) andwhen using the sensing system.
This system is not designed toprevent contact with small or movingobjects. The system is designed toprovide a warning to assist the driver indetecting large stationary objects to avoiddamaging your vehicle. The system maynot detect smaller objects, particularlythose close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as largetrailer hitches, bike or surfboard racksand any device that may block thenormal detection zone of the system, maycreate false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. If the sensorsare covered, the system’s accuracy can beaffected. Do not clean the sensors withsharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:The sensing system cannot be turnedoff when a MyKey is present. See Principleof Operation (page 52).
Note:If you attach certain add-on devicessuch as a trailer or bike rack, the rear sensingsystem may detect that add-on device andtherefore provide warnings. It is suggestedthat you disable the rear sensing systemwhen you attach an add-on device to yourvehicle to prevent these warnings.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system turns on automaticallywhenever you switch the ignition on.
You can turn the system on oroff by pressing the parking aidbutton. If your vehicle does nothave a parking aid button, the system canbe switched off through the informationdisplay menu or from the pop-up messagethat appears once you shift thetransmission into reverse (R). See GeneralInformation (page 92).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages(page 101).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear parking aid sensors automaticallyturn on when you shift into reverse (R).
As your vehicle moves closer to theobstacle, the rate of the audible warningincreases. When the obstacle is less than12 in (30 cm) away, the warning soundscontinuously. If the system detects anobject farther than 12 in (30 cm) from thecorners of the bumper, the tone sounds foronly three seconds. If the system detectsan approaching object the warning soundsagain.
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ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
You must remain in your vehiclewhen the system turns on. At alltimes, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required. Failureto take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
The sensors may not detect objectsin heavy rain or other conditions thatcause interference.
Active park assist does not apply thebrakes under any circumstances.
Note:The driver is always responsible forcontrolling the vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening if required.
Note:The Blind Spot Information Systemdoes not detect traffic alongside or behindyour vehicle during an active park assistmaneuver.
The system detects an available parallelparking space and automatically steersthe vehicle into the space (hands-free)while you control the accelerator, gearshiftand brakes. The system visually andaudibly instructs you to park the vehicle.
The system may not correctly operate inany of the following conditions:
•You use a spare tire or a tiresignificantly worn more than the othertires.
•One or more tires are improperlyinflated.
•You try to park on a tight curve.
•Something passes between the frontbumper and the parking space (forexample, a pedestrian or cyclist).
•The edge of the neighboring parkingvehicle is high off the ground (forexample, a bus, tow truck or flatbedtruck).
•The weather conditions are poor (forexample, heavy rain, snow, fog and soforth).
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. Covered sensorscan affect the system's accuracy. Do notclean the sensors with sharp objects.
Note:The sensors may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb ultrasonic wavesor cause ultrasonic interference (forexample, motorcycle exhaust, truck airbrakes or horns).
Using Active Park Assist
Press the button located on the centerconsole near the transmission selector orto the right of the center stack. The touchscreen displays a message and acorresponding graphic to indicate it'ssearching for a parking space. Use the turnsignal to indicate which side of the vehicleyou want the system to search on.
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When you think the vehicle is properlyparked, or you hear a solid tone from theparking aid (accompanied by a displaymessage and a chime), bring the vehicleto a complete stop.
When automatic steering is complete, thesystem displays a message and a tonesounds, indicating that the process isfinished. You are responsible for checkingthe parking job and making any necessarycorrections before leaving your vehicle.
Deactivating the Park AssistFeature
Manually deactivate the system by:
•Pressing the active park assist buttonduring an active maneuver.
•Grabbing the steering wheel duringautomatic steering.
•Driving above approximately 22 mph(35 km/h) for 30 seconds during anactive park search.
•Driving above approximately 6 mph(10 km/h) during automatic steering.
•Turning off the traction control system.
Certain vehicle conditions can alsodeactivate the system, such as:
•Traction control has activated on aslippery or loose surface.
•There is an anti-lock brake systemactivation or failure.
•Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, awarning message is displayed, followedby a chime. Occasional system messagesmay occur in normal operation. Forrecurring or frequent system faults, contactan authorized dealer to have your vehicleserviced.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING
Your vehicle is not approvedfor trailer towing. Never towa trailer with your vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•The transmission in position N. If youcannot move the transmission into N,you may need to override it. SeeAutomatic Transmission (page 159).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 109).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
You can tow your vehicle with all fourwheels on the ground or with the frontwheels off the ground by using a tow dolly.If you are using a tow dolly follow theinstructions specified by the equipmentprovider.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Shift the transmission into N.
Vehicles with Push Button Start
1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brakepedal, and then pressing the ENGINESTART/STOP button until the vehiclestarts.
2. Press the brake pedal and shift thetransmission into position N.
3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing theENGINE START/STOP button once.(Trip Summary appears in the leftinstrument cluster screen when thevehicle is off.)
Note:You can remove the key fob from thevehicle while towing.
Vehicles with Ignition Key
1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brakepedal, and then turning the ignition keyuntil the vehicle starts.
2. Press the brake pedal and shift thetransmission into position N.
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Towing
BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 mi (480 km). Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics. The enginealso needs to break in. Avoid hardaccelerations and driving too fast for thefirst 1,000 mi (1,600 km). If possible, avoidcarrying heavy loads up steep gradesduring the break-in period.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy depends on:
•How you drive your vehicle.
•How you maintain your vehicle.
•The conditions you drive your vehiclein.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these in mind:
•Drive your vehicle at reasonablespeeds. Traveling at 65 mph(105 km/h) uses about 15% less fuelthan traveling at 75 mph (121 km/h).
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops. Slowing down yourvehicle may eliminate the need to stop.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Switch off the heater if you do not needit. When you have the heater on, keepit at the lowest blower andtemperature setting necessary to becomfortable.
•When it is cold outside, park in a sunnylocation or a climate-controlledenvironment. This may save fuel byreducing the energy needed to heat thecabin.
•Switch off the air conditioning if you donot need it. When you have the airconditioning on, keep it at the lowestblower and highest temperaturesetting necessary to be comfortable.
•When it is hot or sunny outside, parkingin a shaded or climate-controlledenvironment will save fuel by reducingthe energy needed to cool the cabin.
•For Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, usepreconditioning to improve your fueleconomy. See High Voltage Battery(page 151).
•Switch off the heated seats if you arenot using them.
•Switch off the defroster when you nolonger need it for visibility.
•For Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, plug in andrecharge the high voltage batterywhenever possible.
•Use ECO Cruise Control, especially inhilly terrain. See Cruise Control (page177).
•Shift into low gear (L) when enhancedengine braking is needed. Otherwise,use drive gear (D) shift position.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving. A warmed upengine works more efficiently. Whenrunning errands, go to the farthestdestination first and then work yourway back home.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Use the recommended engine oil. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page282).
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 441).
•Use the coach and brake coach displayto get feedback on your economicaldrive style. See Information Displays(page 92).
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Driving Hints
Note:When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat the electrical system is safe to restart.Once your vehicle determines that theelectrical system is safe, then the vehiclewill allow you to restart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle doesnot restart after your third attempt, contactan authorized dealer.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
The gases around the battery canexplode if exposed to flames, sparksor lit cigarettes. An explosion couldresult in injury or vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid whichcan burn skin, eyes and clothing, ifcontacted.
Do not attempt to push-start yourautomatic transmission vehicle. Automatictransmissions do not have push-startcapability. Attempting to push-start avehicle with an automatic transmissionmay cause transmission damage.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle's electrical system.
1. Park the booster vehicle close to thehood of the disabled vehicle makingsure the two vehicles do not touch. Setthe parking brake on both vehicles andstay clear of the engine cooling fan andother moving parts.
2.Check all battery terminals and removeany excessive corrosion before youattach the battery cables. Ensure thatvent caps are tight and level.
3.Turn the heater fan on in both vehiclesto protect from any electrical surges.Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
Your vehicle has a 12-volt battery that hastwo prongs accessible from under thehood. Your vehicle can be jumped thesame way conventional vehicles can byusing these prongs. The illustration belowshows the two connector prongs used forjump-starting your vehicle.
A. Positive prong (+)
B. Negative prong (-)
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on thebottom is used to designate the assisting(boosting) battery.
Note:Remove the red cap from the positiveprong (A) on your vehicle before connectingthe cables.
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Crashes
A crash or impact significant enough torequire an emergency response forconventional vehicles would also requirethe same response for an electric orhybrid-electric vehicle.
If possible
•Move your car to a safe, nearbylocation and remain on the scene.
•Roll down the windows before shuttingyour vehicle off.
•Place your vehicle in Park, set theparking brake, turn off the vehicle,activate the hazard lights, and moveyour key(s) at least 16 feet (5 meters)away from the vehicle.
Always
•Call 911 if assistance is needed andadvise that an electric or hybrid-electricvehicle is involved.
•Do not touch exposed electricalcomponents or the enginecompartment, as a shock hazard mayexist.
•Avoid contact with leaking fluids andgases, and remain out of the way ofoncoming traffic until emergencyresponders arrive.
•When emergency responders arrive,tell them that the vehicle involved is anelectric vehicle or hybrid vehicle.
Fires
As with any vehicle, call 911 immediately ifyou see sparks, smoke or flames comingfrom the vehicle.
•Exit the vehicle immediately.
•Advise 911 that an electric orhybrid-electric vehicle is involved.
•As with any vehicle fire, do not inhalesmoke, vapors or gas from the vehicle,as they may be hazardous.
•Remain a safe distance from thevehicle and try to stay clear of thesmoke.
•Stay out of the roadway and stay outof the way of any oncoming trafficwhile awaiting the arrival of emergencyresponders.
Post-Incident
•Do not store a severely damagedvehicle with a lithium-ion battery insidea structure or within 50 feet (15meters) of any structure or vehicle.
•Make sure that passenger and cargocompartments remain ventilated (i.e.open window, door or trunk).
•For vehicles in the United States, notifyFord Motor Company 1-800-392-3673(then follow the prompts on the voiceresponse menu), an authorized Forddealer or service center as soon aspossible as there may be other stepsto secure and discharge thehigh-voltage battery.
•For vehicles in Canada, notify FordMotor Company 1-800-565-3673(then follow the prompts on the voiceresponse menu), an authorized Forddealer or service center as soon aspossible as there may be other stepsto secure and discharge thehigh-voltage battery.
•Call 911 if you observe leaking fluids,sparks, smoke or flames, or heargurgling or bubbling from thehigh-voltage battery.
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