Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, FordMotor Company strongly recommends thatyou do not make modifications such asadding or removing parts (such as loweringkits or stabilizer bars) or by usingreplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. Ford Motor Companyrecommends that caution be used withany vehicle equipped with a high load ordevice (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlymay void the warranty, increase your repaircost, reduce vehicle performance andoperational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
145EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Shift the transmission to park (P)(automatic transmission) or to a low gear(manual transmission), switch the engineoff and apply the parking brake.
Inspect the accelerator pedal and the areaaround it for any items or debris that maybe obstructing its movement. If none arefound and the condition persists, have yourvehicle towed to the dealer for service.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System (If Equipped)
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol and vehicle stability duringemergency stops by keeping the brakesfrom locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you switch theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. If yourvehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, haveyour vehicle checked by an authorizeddealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 234).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, the brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis the hazard warning flashers may alsoflash when your vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 81).
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
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•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
PARKING BRAKE
Vehicles With AutomaticTransmission
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand leave your vehicle with thetransmission selector lever inposition P.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing uphill move the transmission selectorlever to position P and turn the steeringwheel away from the curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing downhill move the transmissionselector lever to position P and turn thesteering wheel toward the curb.
Vehicles With ManualTransmission
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fully.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing uphill select first gear and turn thesteering wheel away from the curb.
Note:If you park your vehicle on a hill andfacing downhill select reverse gear and turnthe steering wheel toward the curb.
All Vehicles
Note:Do not press the release button whilepulling the lever up.
To apply the parking brake:
1.Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
2.Pull the parking brake lever up to itsfullest extent.
To release the parking brake:
1.Press the brake pedal firmly.
2.Pull the lever up slightly.
3.Press the release button and push thelever down.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parkingbrake and shift the transmission into park(P) for automatic transmission or first gearfor manual transmission.
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 system turns off if there is amalfunction or if you excessively revthe engine.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
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When the system activates, your vehicleremains stationary on a slope for a fewseconds after you release the brake pedal.This allows you time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The brakes release when the engine hasdeveloped sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning lamp to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intofirst gear when facing uphill or reverse(R) when facing downhill.
2.The system activates if the sensorsdetect that your vehicle is on a slope.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains onthe slope without rolling away for a fewseconds. This hold time increases if youare in the process of driving off.
4.Pull away in the normal manner.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in theinformation display. The systemremembers the last setting when you startyour vehicle.
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when you switch theignition on and you cannot switch thesystem off.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations for example, stuck insnow or mud, turning the traction controloff may be beneficial as this allows thewheels to spin with full engine power.Depending on the type of system you haveon your vehicle, you can either turn thesystem off using the information displayor by pressing the button.
Switching the System Off Usingthe Information Display Controls
(If Equipped)
Your vehicle comes with this featurealready enabled. If required, you can switchthis feature off using the informationdisplay controls. See Principle ofOperation (page 149).
Switching the System Off Using aSwitch (If Equipped)
The button is located in the instrumentpanel.
Press the button. You will see a messagein conjunction with an illuminated icon inthe display. Press the button again toreturn the system to normal mode.
When you switch the traction controlsystem off, stability control remains fullyactive.
System Indicator Lights andMessages
WARNING
If a failure has been detected withinthe AdvanceTrac system, thestability control light will illuminatesteadily. Verify that the AdvanceTracsystem was not manually disabled throughthe information display. If the stabilitycontrol light still illuminates steadily, havethe system serviced by an authorizeddealer immediately. Operating your vehiclewith AdvanceTrac disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control lighttemporarily illuminates onengine start-up and flasheswhen a driving condition activates thestability system.
The stability control off lighttemporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays onwhen you turn the traction control systemoff.
When you turn the traction control systemoff or on, a message appears in theinformation display showing system status.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control allows you to control yourspeed using the switches on the steeringwheel. You can use cruise control whenyou exceed 20 mph or 30 km/h.
Note:The system cancels if your vehiclespeed drops below 10 mph / 16km/h underthe set speed when driving uphill.
Changing the Set Speed
Press and release SET + or SET -. Whenyou select km/h as the displaymeasurement in the information displaythe set speed changes in 1km/hincrements. When you select mph as thedisplay measurement in the informationdisplay the set speed changes in 1 mphincrements.
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control on windingroads, in heavy traffic or when theroad surface is slippery. This couldresult in loss of vehicle control, seriousinjury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed could increase abovethe set speed. The system does notapply the brakes.
To help the system to maintain the setspeed when going downhill, downshift toa lower gear.
Note:The system cancels if your vehiclespeed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) underthe set speed when driving uphill.
The cruise controls are on the steeringwheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release the cruise control button.
The indicator appears in theinformation display.
Setting the Cruise Speed
1.Drive to desired speed.
2.Press and release SET+ or SET-.
3.Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
4.The indicator changes color in theinformation display.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press and release SET+ or SET-. Whenyou select km/h as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay the set speed changes inapproximately 1 km/h increments.When you select mph as the displaymeasurement in the informationdisplay the set speed changes inapproximately 1 mph increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedaluntil you reach the desired speed. Pressand release SET+ or SET-.
•Press and hold SET+ or SET-. Releasethe control when you reach the desiredspeed.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing theaccelerator pedal, the set speed will notchange. When you release the acceleratorpedal, your vehicle returns to the speed thatyou previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release CAN or tap the brakepedal. The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release RES.
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The total load on each axle mustnever exceed its Gross AxleWeight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle WeightRating)
GVWR is the maximum allowableweight of the fully loaded vehicle.This includes all options,equipment, passengers and cargo.It appears on the SafetyCompliance Certification label.The label is located on the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driverseating position.
The gross vehicle weight mustnever exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING
Exceeding the SafetyCompliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight limits canadversely affect the performanceand handling of your vehicle,cause vehicle damage and canresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailedinformation.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross VehicleWeight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes should
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Towing trailers beyond the maximumrecommended gross trailer weightexceeds the limit of your vehicle andcould result in engine damage,transmission damage, structural damage,loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover andpersonal injury.
Do not exceed the GVWR or theGAWR specified on the certificationlabel.
Note: See Towing a Trailer (page 171).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,such as fuses or relays, related to towing.See Fuses (page 193).
Your vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so you cannotnecessarily use all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during, and after,any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to thetrailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do not allowthe final trailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of the loadedtrailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop and load capacity. Whenboth the loaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frame should belevel, or slightly angled down towardyour vehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may bepresent due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in anotherchapter of this manual. See Load Limit(page 165).
You can also find information in the RV &Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
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