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)
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
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.
148EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingBrakes
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
The system may not detect objectswith surfaces that absorb reflection.Always drive with due care andattention. Failure to take care may resultin a crash.
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in reverse (R) andwhen using the sensing system.
The system may not detect small ormoving objects, particularly thoseclose to the ground.
Note:Certain add-on devices installedaround the rear fascia such as large trailerhitches, bike or surfboard racks or certainadd-on devices installed around the frontfascia such as license plate brackets orframes, bumper covers, bumper guards orany other device that may block the normaldetection zone of the system, may createfalse beeps.
Note:In these cases the add-on devicesmust be removed in order to prevent thefalse beeps.
Note: Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt. Blockedsensors may affect system accuracy. Donot clean the sensors with sharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:When a trailer is connected to thevehicle, the Rear Sensing System maydetect the trailer and therefore providewarnings. It is suggested that the driverdisables the Rear Sensing System when atrailer is connected to the vehicle to preventthese warnings.
We recommend that you take some timeto get to know the system and itslimitations by reading this section.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system automatically turnson each time you switch the ignition on.
The system may provide display or soundwarnings when the detected obstacle is12 in (30 cm) or less from the bumper.
The system can be switched off throughthe information display menu or from thepop-up message that appears once youshift the transmission into reverse (R). Ifyour vehicle is equipped with a frontsensing system, you can switch the systemoff using the parking aid button. SeeGeneral Information (page 85).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay and does not allow you to switchthe system on.
See Information Messages (page 88).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear parking aid sensors automaticallyturn on when you shift into reverse (R).
As your vehicle moves closer to theobstacle, the rate of the audible warningincreases. When the obstacle is less than11.81 in (30 cm) the warning soundscontinuously. If the system detects anobject farther than 11.81 in (30 cm) fromthe corners of the bumper, the tone soundsfor only three seconds. If the systemdetects an approaching object the warningsounds again.
151EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingParking Aids (If Equipped)
Switching Cruise Control Off
Press and release the OFF button, whenthe system is in standby mode or switchthe ignition off.
Note:You erase the set speed when youswitch the system off.
157EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingCruise Control (If Equipped)
Zone coverage also decreases whenparking at narrow angles. The sensor onthe left-hand side is mostly obstructed andzone coverage on that side is severelyreduced.
System Lights, Messages andAudible Alerts
When the system detects a vehicle, anindicator illuminates in the exterior mirroron the side the approaching vehicle iscoming from. A tone sounds and amessage appears in the informationdisplay.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the systemcould alert you even when there is nothingin the detection zone, for example a vehiclepassing in the distance.
Blocked Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumperon both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumperstickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display whenyou shift into reverse (R). SeeInformation Messages (page 88).
System Limitations
The system may not correctly operatewhen any of the following occur:
•The sensors are blocked.
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objectsare obstructing the sensors.
•Vehicles approach at speeds greaterthan 37 mph (60 km/h).
•The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph(12 km/h).
•You reverse out of an angled parkingspace.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault a messagedisplays. See Information Messages(page 88).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the system offusing the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 88). Whenyou switch system off, a message displays.See Information Messages (page 88).
Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
161EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingDriving Aids
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approvedby us, the system turns off when you attacha trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering systemhas diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displays inthe information display. Stop your vehicleas soon as it is safe to do so. Switch theignition off. After at least 10 seconds,switch the ignition on and watch theinformation display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked as soon as possible.
If the system detects an error, youmay not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible, failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Note:Your vehicle is equipped with anelectric power-assisted steering system.There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
The electric power steering systemoperates by an electric motor, whichreduces the effort on the driver's steeringwheel.
The system operates progressively andduring maneuvers, the system leaves theeffort lighter. As the vehicle speedincreases, it reduces its action to improvethe control of the vehicle.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving (or if the ignition is turnedoff), you can steer the vehicle manually,but it takes more effort. Extremecontinuous steering may increase the effortit takes for you to steer. This occurs toprevent internal overheating andpermanent damage to your steeringsystem. If this should occur, you will notlose the ability to steer the vehiclemanually nor will it cause permanentdamage. Typical steering and drivingmaneuvers will allow the system to cooland steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
Avoid sudden movements with the steeringwheel. The force required to change thevehicle direction is lower, compared to avehicle with mechanical steering.
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
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
162EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingDriving Aids
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend towing your vehicle witha wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt.Ford Motor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure.
It is acceptable to tow a front-wheel drivevehicle from the front if using proper wheellift equipment to raise the front wheels offthe ground. When towing in this manner,the rear wheels can remain on the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have thefront wheels placed on a two-wheel towdolly when towing your vehicle from therear using wheel lift equipment. Thisprevents damage to the transmission.
Towing a four-wheel drive vehicle requiresthat all wheels be off the ground, such asusing a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. This prevents damage to thetransmission, four-wheel drive system andvehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it. SeeTransmission (page 138).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 98).
176EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 14-08-2017, GN15-19G219-ZFB enUSA, First PrintingTowing