2017 FORD TRANSIT suspension

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It's always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator's ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If the stability control or traction control
system detects a fault, the following may
occur:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If the stability control or traction control
system activates, the following may occur:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• 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 and
your foot is not on the brake pedal, the
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle.
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle's ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying the brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle's ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle's roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
150
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Stability Control

SPEED LIMITER
Engine Speed Limiter
Engine speed is limited to protect the
engine.
Vehicle Speed Limiter - Fixed
The system prevents you from driving
faster than a programmed speed.
DRIVER ALERT
Principle of Operation
WARNINGS
The system is designed to aid the
driver. It is not intended to replace
your attention and judgment. You are
still responsible to drive with due care and
attention. 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 may not function if the
sensor is blocked.
Take regular rest breaks if you feel
tired. Do not wait for the system to
warn you.
Certain driving styles may result in
the system warning you even if you
are not feeling tired.
In cold and severe weather
conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can
all limit sensor performance. The system will not operate if the
sensor cannot track the road lane
markings. WARNINGS
If damage occurs in the immediate
area surrounding the sensor, have
your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. The system may not correctly
operate if your vehicle is fitted with
a suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:
Keep the windshield free from
obstructions for example bird droppings,
insects and snow or ice.
Note: The system assists you when driving
on fast main roads and freeways.
Note: The system calculates an alertness
level at vehicle speeds above approximately
40 mph (65 km/h).
The system automatically monitors your
driving behavior.
The system is designed to alert you if it
detects that you are becoming drowsy or
if your driving deteriorates.
Using Driver Alert
Switching the System On and Off
Switch the system on using the information
display. See Information Displays (page
85
).
Note: The system remains on or off
depending on how it was last set.
The system calculates your alertness level
based upon your driving behavior in relation
to the lane markings and other factors.
System Warnings
Note: The system does not warn you if the
vehicle speed falls below approximately
40 mph (65 km/h)
.
159
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Driving Aids

WARNINGS
The sensor may incorrectly track lane
markings as other structures or
objects. This can result in a false or
missed warning. In cold and severe weather
conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can
all limit sensor performance. The system will not operate if the
sensor cannot track the road lane
markings.
If damage occurs in the immediate
area surrounding the sensor, have
your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. The system may not correctly
operate if your vehicle is fitted with
a suspension kit not approved by us.
Note:
Keep the windshield free from
obstructions for example bird droppings,
insects and snow or ice.
Note: The system may assist you when
driving on fast main roads and freeways.
Note: The system may not operate on roads
with sharp bends, narrow lanes, areas under
construction, during hard braking or
acceleration and when you are intentionally
steering your vehicle.
Note: Do not carry out windshield repairs
in the immediate area surrounding the
sensor.
Note: The system operates with a minimum
of one tracked lane marking.
Note: The system only operates above
vehicle speeds of approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h).
The sensor is behind the interior mirror. It
continuously monitors conditions to alert
you of unintentional lane drifting at high
speeds. The system automatically detects and
tracks the lane markings on the road. If the
system detects that your vehicle is
unintentionally drifting toward the lane
markings, a warning is shown in the
information display. There is also a warning
given in the form of a vibration felt through
the steering wheel.
Note:
The vibration intensity from the
steering wheel may decrease depending on
the quality of the road surface.
Using Lane Keeping Alert
Switching the System On and Off Switch the system on and off using the
button on the direction indicator stalk.
Press the button once to turn the system
on. Press the button again to turn the
system off.
Note:
When you switch the system off, a
warning indicator may remain illuminated
in the information display. See
Warning
Lamps and Indicators (page 81).
Setting the Steering Wheel Vibration
Level
The system has three intensity levels which
you can set using the information display.
See
General Information (page 85).
161
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Driving AidsE132099

•
Some noise is normal during operation.
If excessive, check for low power
steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
• Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused
by low power steering fluid. Check for
low power steering pump fluid level
before seeking service by your dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump
reservoir above the MAX mark on the
reservoir, as this may result in leaks
from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down
(or if the engine is turned off), you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• an improperly inflated tire
• uneven tire wear
• loose or worn suspension components
• loose or worn steering components
• improper vehicle alignment
If any steering components are serviced or
replaced, install new fasteners (many are
coated with thread adhesive or have
prevailing torque features which may not
be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
163
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Note:
See Recommended
Towing Weights (page 170).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 196).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop and load
capacity. When both the
loaded vehicle and trailer are
connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
164).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
169
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Towing

Tire Age
WARNINGS
Tires degrade over time
depending on many factors
such as weather, storage
conditions, and conditions of use
(load, speed, inflation pressure)
the tires experience throughout
their lives. In general, tires should be
replaced after six years
regardless of tread wear.
However, heat caused by hot
climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the
aging process and may require
tires to be replaced more
frequently. You should replace your
spare tire when you replace
the road tires or after six years due
to aging even if it has not been
used. Tire Replacement
Requirements
WARNINGS
Only use replacement tires
and wheels that are the same
size, load index, speed rating and
type, (for example P-metric versus
LT-metric or all-season versus
all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. 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 WARNINGS
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. 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 an
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
261
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Wheels and Tires

Tire Safety Practices
WARNINGS
If your vehicle is stuck in
snow, mud or sand, do not
rapidly spin the tires; spinning the
tires can tear the tire and cause
an explosion. A tire can explode in
as little as three to five seconds. Do not spin the wheels at
over 34 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander. Driving habits have a great deal to
do with your tire mileage and
safety:
•
Observe posted speed limits.
• Avoid fast starts, stops and
turns.
• Avoid potholes and objects on
the road.
• Do not run over curbs or hit the
tire against a curb when
parking.
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive
there is always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire
on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic.
This may further damage the flat
tire, but your safety is more
important. If you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or
you suspect a tire or your vehicle
has been damaged, immediately
reduce your speed. Drive with
caution until you can safely pull
off the road. Stop and inspect the
tires for damage. If a tire is
under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and
replace it with the spare tire and
wheel. If you cannot detect a
cause, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest repair facility or tire
dealer to have the vehicle
inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or
pothole can cause the front end
of your vehicle to become
misaligned or cause damage to
the tires. If your vehicle seems to
pull to one side when you are
driving, the wheels may be out of
alignment. Have an authorized
dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front
or the rear can cause uneven and
rapid treadwear of the tires and
should be corrected by an
authorized dealer. Front-wheel
drive vehicles and those with an
independent rear suspension may
require alignment of all four
wheels.
The tires should also be balanced
periodically. An unbalanced tire
and wheel assembly may result in
irregular tire wear.
263
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Wheels and Tires

Rear-wheel drive and
four-wheel drive vehicles with
dual rear wheels.
USING WINTER TIRES
WARNING
When you use winter tires on your
vehicle, you must make sure that you
use the correct lug nuts.
If winter tires are used, you must make sure
that you use the correct tire pressures. USING SNOW CHAINS WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,
load index, speed rating as those
originally provided by Ford. 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. The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires or snow chains.
If you choose to install snow tires on your
vehicle, they must be the same size,
construction, and load range as the original
tires listed on the tire inflation pressure
label (located on the edge of driver door
or the B-Pillar) and they must be installed
on all four wheels. Mixing tires of different
size or construction on your vehicle can
adversely affect your vehicle
’s handling
and braking, and may lead to loss of
vehicle control.
If you use snow chains, we recommended
that steel wheels of the same size and
specifications are used, snow chains may
damage aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow
chains:
• Avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Only certain snow chains or cables
have been approved by Ford as safe
for use on vehicles with either 235/65
R16C or 195/75 R16C tires.
• Snow chains or cables must be
mounted in pairs on the rear tires only.
265
Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, HK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 04/2016, First Printing Wheels and TiresE166988