Basic operating principles in specialconditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicleback onto the pavement only afterreducing your speed. Do not turn thesteering wheel too sharply whilereturning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron orshoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You may lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike smallobjects, such as highway reflectors,with minor damage to your vehiclerather than attempt a sudden return tothe pavement which could cause thevehicle to slide sideways out of controlor rollover. Remember, your safety andthe safety of others should be yourprimary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur or theengine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow itmay be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac® with Roll StabilityControl™, it may be beneficial todisengage the AdvanceTrac® with RollStability Control™ system whileattempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid"over-driving" your vehicle (i.e., turn thesteering wheel only as rapidly and asfar as required to avoid theemergency). Excessive steering willresult in less vehicle control, not more.Additionally, smooth variations of theaccelerator and/or brake pedalpressure should be utilized if changesin vehicle speed are called for. Avoidabrupt steering, acceleration or brakingwhich could result in an increased riskof loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover and/or personal injury. Use allavailable road surface to return thevehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop,avoid skidding the tires and do notattempt any sharp steering wheelmovements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e., from concreteto gravel) there will be a change in theway the vehicle responds to amaneuver (steering, acceleration orbraking). Again, avoid these abruptinputs.
143EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowlyand avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your 4WD vehicle in deepsand. This will cause the 4WD system tooverheat. After the system has cooleddown, normal 4WD function will return.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protectoverheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance may be required fromanother vehicle. Remember, you may beable to back out the way you came if youproceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottomof the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) andproceed slowly. If the ignition system getswet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning your wheels. If the vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts causes an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged inwater, the axle lubricant and 4WD PTU(Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should bechecked and changed if necessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note: Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you willuse. Do not drive over the crest of a hillwithout seeing what conditions are on theother side. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you will use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
144EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingFour-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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.
146EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingBrakes
•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.
147EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingBrakes
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.
149EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingTraction Control (If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Electronic Stability Control
WARNING
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replaceyour attention and judgment. You arestill responsible to drive with due care andattention.
The system supports stability when yourvehicle starts to slide away from yourintended path. The system does this bybraking individual wheels and reducingengine torque.
The system also provides an enhancedtraction control function by reducingengine torque if the wheels spin when youaccelerate. This helps to pull away onslippery roads or loose surfaces, andimproves comfort by limiting wheel spin inhairpin bends.
Without ESC.A
With ESC.B
Stability Control Warning Lamp
Flashes during operation. SeeWarning Lamps andIndicators (page 81).
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically activates whenyou start your vehicle. The system cannotbe completely turned off, but theelectronic stability control system isdisabled when the transmission selectorlever is in position R. You can turn off thetraction control portion of the systemindependently. See Using TractionControl (page 149).
150EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingStability Control (If Equipped)