PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip the road;this could reduce the operator’s ability tocontrol the vehicle potentially resulting ina loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If your electronicstability control system activates, SLOWDOWN.
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, youmay experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•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 andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal may move as the system applieshigher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 166).
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Stability Control
The system may not operate correctly 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.
Do not use the system if:
•You have attached a bike rack, traileror other object near the sensors on thefront or rear of your vehicle.
•You have attached an overhangingobject (surfboard) to the roof.
•The front bumper or side sensors aredamaged or obstructed (front bumpercover).
•The correct tire size is not in use on yourvehicle (for example, a mini-spare tire).
Using Active Park Assist
Press the button to turn thesystem on or off.
When driving at a speed less than 22 mph(35 km/h), the system automatically scansboth sides of your vehicle for an availableparking space. The system displays amessage and a corresponding graphic toindicate it is searching for a parking space.Use the direction indicator to selectsearching either to the left hand side orright hand side of your vehicle. If thedirection indicator is not used, the systemdefaults to the passenger side of yourvehicle.
When the system finds a suitable space itdisplays a message and a tone sounds.Stop your vehicle and follow theinstructions on the display screen. If yourvehicle is moving very slowly, you mayneed to pull forward a short distancebefore the system is ready to park.
Note:You can also activate the systemafter you have already driven partially orcompletely past the parking space. To doso, press the active park assist button andthe system will inform you if you haverecently past a suitable parking space.
Note:You must observe that the selectedspace remains clear of obstructions at alltimes in the maneuver.
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Parking AidsE146186 E130107
Special Loading Instructionsfor Owners of Pick-up Trucksand Utility-type Vehicles
WARNING
When loading the roof racks,we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well asmaintain a low center of gravity.Loaded vehicles, with highercenters of gravity, may handledifferently than unloaded vehicles.Take extra precautions, such asslower speeds and increasedstopping distance, when driving aheavily loaded vehicle.
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Load Carrying
•Use a quality wax that does not containabrasives.
•Follow the manufacturer’s instructionsto apply and remove the wax.
•Apply a small amount of wax in aback-and-forth motion, not in circles.
•Do not allow wax to come in contactwith any non-body (low-gloss black)colored trim. The wax will discolor orstain the parts over time.
•Roof racks.
•Bumpers.
•Grained door handles.
•Side moldings.
•Mirror housings.
•Windshield cowl area.
•Do not apply wax to glass areas.
•After waxing, your car's paint shouldfeel smooth, and be free of streaks andsmudges.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they areclean because grease and dirt buildup keepthe engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•Take care when using a power washerto clean the engine. The high-pressurefluid could penetrate the sealed partsand cause damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with coldwater to avoid cracking the engineblock or other engine components.
•Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo andDegreaser on all parts that requirecleaning and pressure rinse clean. InCanada, use Motorcraft EngineShampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while itis hot or running; water in the runningengine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,spark plug wire or spark plug well, orthe area in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distributionbox, and air filter assembly to preventwater damage when cleaning theengine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmentalfallout can result in windshield and wiperblade contamination. Dirty windshield andwipers will result in poor windshield wiperoperation. Keep the windshield and wiperblades clean to maintain windshield wiperperformance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•Clean the windshield with anon-abrasive glass cleaner. Whencleaning the interior of the windshield,avoid getting any glass cleaner on theinstrument panel or door panels. Wipeany glass cleaner off these surfacesimmediately.
•For windshields contaminated withtree sap, chemicals, wax or bugs, cleanthe entire windshield using steel wool(no greater than 0000 grade) in acircular motion and rinse with water.
•Clean the wiper blades with isopropylrubbing alcohol or windshield washerconcentrate.
Note: Do not use razor blades or othersharp objects to clean or remove decalsfrom the inside of the heated rear window.The vehicle warranty does not coverdamage caused to the heated rear windowgrid lines.
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Vehicle Care