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)
Insert the ends of the luggage cover intothe mounting features located behind therear seat on the rear trim panels to installthe cover.
To operate the cover:
1.Pull out the cover and secure it in theretaining points.
2.Release it from the retaining points andlet it roll back into the case.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING
When loading the roof racks, werecommend you evenly distribute theload, as well as maintain a lowcenter of gravity. Loaded vehicles, withhigher centers of gravity, may handledifferently than unloaded vehicles. Takeextra precautions, such as slower speedsand increased stopping distance, whendriving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Maximum recommended load, evenlydistributed on the crossbars:
WeightTiresEngine
15 lbs (6.8Kg)16"1.0 LEcoboost
44 lbs (20Kg)17"1.0 LEcoboost
55 lbs (25Kg)-2.0 L 4WD
Note: Loads should never be placeddirectly on the roof panel.
The roof panel is not designed to directlycarry a load.
For proper function of the roof rack system,loads must be placed directly on crossbarsaffixed to the roof rack side rails. Yourvehicle may be equipped withfactory-installed crossbars. Ford GenuineAccessory crossbars, designed specificallyfor your vehicle, are also recommended foruse with your roof rack system.
Make sure that the load is securelyfastened. Check the tightness of the loadbefore driving and at each fuel stop.
Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped)
Note:Wind noise can be minimized byeither removing or repositioning the crossbarwhen not is use. Position the front crossbarin the intermediate position to minimizewind noise. The crossbar can be adjustedor removed using the steps below.
164EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingLoad Carrying
be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower yourvehicle's GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weightrating can adversely affectthe performance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
1.Locate the statement "Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lb." on yourvehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combinedweight of the driver andpassengers that will be ridingin your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weightof the driver and passengersfrom XXX kg or XXX lb.
4.The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity. Forexample, if the “XXX” amountequals 1,400 lb. and there willbe five 150 lb. passengers inyour vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggageload capacity is 650 lb.(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5.Determine the combinedweight of luggage and cargobeing loaded on the vehicle.That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo andluggage load capacitycalculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing atrailer, load from your trailerwill be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual todetermine how this reduces theavailable cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
168EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingLoad Carrying
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.
171EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingTowing
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
174EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingTowing
BREAKING-IN
Tires
Note:New tires need to be run-in forapproximately 310.7 mi (500 km). Duringthis time, you may experience differentdriving characteristics.
Brakes and Clutch
Note:If possible, avoid heavy braking andclutching during the first 93.2 mi (150 km)in the city, and the first 932.1 mi (1,500 km)in highways.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way backhome).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may wantto avoid doing because they reduce yourfuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hillyterrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
178EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingDriving Hints
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idlewith the climate controls set to defrostuntil the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
235EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingVehicle Care
GENERAL INFORMATION
Use only approved wheel and tire sizes,using other sizes could damage yourvehicle. If you change the diameter of thetires from that fitted at the factory, thespeedometer may not display the correctspeed. Take your vehicle to an authorizedFord dealer to have the systemreprogrammed. If you intend to change thesize of the wheels from that fitted by themanufacturer, you can check the suitabilitywith an authorized dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found later in this chapter. SeeGeneral Information (page 237).
The Ford recommended tire inflationpressures can be found on the Tire Label,which is located on the B-pillar or the edgeof the driver's door. This information canalso be found on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label, affixed to either thedoor hinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets the door latch post;next to the driver’s seating position.
Ford strongly recommends maintainingthese tire pressures at all times. Failure tofollow the tire pressure recommendationscan cause uneven treadwear patterns,reduced fuel economy, and adverselyaffect the way your vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at leastonce per month.
Set the pressure for your spare tire to thehighest value given for your vehicle and tiresize combination, if equipped.
Notice to utility vehicle and truckowners
WARNINGS
Utility vehicles have a significantlyhigher rollover rate than other typesof vehicles.
Vehicles with a higher center ofgravity (utility and four-wheel drivevehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath.
In a rollover crash, an unbeltedperson is significantly more likely todie than a person wearing a seatbelt.
Do not become overconfident in theability of four-wheel drive vehicles.Although a four-wheel drive vehiclemay accelerate better than a two-wheeldrive vehicle in low traction situations, itwon't stop any faster than two-wheel drivevehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
237EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingWheels and Tires