2018 FORD TRANSIT suspension

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: 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. WARNING:
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 helps to prevent your vehicle
skidding or laterally sliding by individually
applying the brakes to one or more wheels
and, if necessary, reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system helps to prevent rollovers by
detecting your vehicle's roll motion, and
individually applying the brakes to one or
more wheels.
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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
WARNING: 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. WARNING:
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. WARNING:
The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked. WARNING:
Take regular rest breaks
if you feel tired. Do not wait for the system
to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you even
if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all limit
sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the road
lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
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
99
).
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.
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WARNING: The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in a
false or missed warning. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all limit
sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the road
lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
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 95).
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•
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.
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2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: 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. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR specified
on the certification label.
Note: See
Recommended
Towing Weights (page 181).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 208).
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
174).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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WARNING: 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.
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2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Wheels and Tires

Rear-wheel drive and
four-wheel drive vehicles with
dual rear wheels.
USING WINTER TIRES
WARNING: 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
placard, 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. Your vehicle has all-season tires that are
optimized for use in all weather conditions.
As the seasons change you may choose to
use winter tires or snow tires. Winter tires
and snow tires are available to purchase
from an authorized dealer.
We recommend that you use winter tires
when the temperature is
45°F (7°C) or
lower, or in snow and ice conditions.
If you use winter tires or snow tires, inflate
them to the recommended tire pressures
listed on the tire information label. The
label is on the driver side B-pillar.
USING SNOW CHAINS WARNING:
Snow tires must be the
same size, load index and 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 control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended
tires and wheels can cause steering,
suspension, axle, transfer case or power
transfer unit failure. Follow the Ford
recommended tire inflation pressure found
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (on the door hinge pillar, door latch
post or the door edge that meets the door
latch post, next to the driver seat), or Tire
Label on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver door. Failure to follow the tire
pressure recommendations can cause
uneven treadwear patterns and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles.
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Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstruc-
tions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant
strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if
necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for
correct operation. Lubricate if necessary.
Parking brake for correct operation.
Seatbelts and seat latches for wear and
function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag
and seatbelt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean
or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running
correctly, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly.
This can help identify potential issues and
prevent major problems. We recommend
having the following multi-point inspection
performed at every scheduled
maintenance interval to help make sure
your vehicle keeps running correctly. Multi-point inspection
Accessory drive belt(s).
Battery performance.
Engine air filter.
Exhaust system. Multi-point inspection
Exterior lamps and hazard warning
system operation.
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary.
For oil and fluid leaks.
Horn operation.
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses.
Suspension component for leaks or
damage.
Steering and linkage.
Tires (including spare) for wear and
correct pressure **
.
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits.
Washer spray and wiper operation.
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir,
automatic transmission, power steering (if
equipped with hydraulic power assist
steering) and window washer.
** If your vehicle is equipped with a
temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the
canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
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2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Scheduled Maintenance