When driving at slow speeds off road underhigh load conditions, use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation will maximizethe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Under severe operating conditions, the airconditioning may cycle on and off to preventthe engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds thatcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade slippery by loose sand, water,gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce yourvehicle speed and avoid severe braking.Once you have reduced your vehicle speed,ease your vehicle back onto the road. Donot turn the steering wheel sharply whilereturning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of theroad and slow down gradually beforereturning to the road. You may lose controlif you do not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, with minordamage to your vehicle rather than attemptan abrupt dangerous direction change.Remember, your primary concern should beyour safety and the safety of others.
Emergency Maneuvers
If you must make a sudden emergencydirection change, avoid over-driving yourvehicle. Turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as you need to avoid theemergency. Apply smooth pressure to theaccelerator pedal or brake pedal as needed.Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration andbraking changes. Abrupt changes couldincrease the risk of vehicle roll over, loss ofvehicle control and personal injury. Use allavailable road surface to bring your vehicleto under control.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding and do not attempt any sharpsteering wheel movements.
Your vehicle responds differently to steering,accelerating and braking on different roadsurfaces when changing from one type ofsurface to another.
Sand
When driving over sand, avoid driving atexcessive speeds. This will cause yourvehicle momentum to work against you. Yourvehicle could become stuck that may requireassistance from another vehicle. Remember,if you proceed with caution you may be ableto back out the way you came.
Do not drive in deep sand for an extendedperiod. This will cause the all-wheel drivesystem to overheat. You will see a warningmessage in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 114).
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Start climbing a steep slope or hill in a lowgear rather than downshifting to a low gearfrom a high gear after you have started yourclimb. This reduces strain on the engine andthe possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround. Turning could cause the vehicle toroll over. Instead, reverse back to a safelocation.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, and youcould lose control of your vehicle.
To avoid brake overheating, come down ahill in the same gear you used to go up thehill. Do not come down in neutral. Move thetransmission selector lever to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking to keep the front wheels rollingand to maintain your vehicle's steering.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. Apply thebrakes steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery conditionsthat require tire chains or cables, thenit is critical that you drive cautiously. Keepspeeds down, allow for longer stoppingdistances and avoid aggressive steering toreduce the chances of a loss of vehiclecontrol which can lead to serious injury ordeath. If the rear end of your vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
In snow and ice, all-wheel drive vehicles haveadvantages over two-wheel drive vehiclesbut can still skid. When driving on snowy oricy roads, should you start to slide, turn thesteering wheel in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control.
On snow and ice, avoid suddenly applyingpower and avoid quick change of direction.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a stop.
Avoid sudden braking. An all-wheel drivevehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice.However, an all-wheel drive vehicle will notstop any faster, as braking occurs at all fourwheels. Do not become overconfident toroad conditions.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949
When you override the system, thegreen indicator light illuminatesand the vehicle graphic does notappear in the information display.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or a lowerspeed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press SET+ or SET- to change the setspeed in small increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach the desired speed. Press SET+or SET-.
•Press and hold SET+ or SET- to changethe set speed in large increments.Release the control when you reach thedesired speed.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press CNCL or tap the brake pedal. The setspeed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Press RES. Your vehicle speed returns tothe previously set speed and gap setting. The set speed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Automatic Cancellation
Note:If the engine speed drops too low, anaudible warning sounds and a messageappears in the information display.Automatic braking releases.
The system does not operate below 12 mph(20 km/h).
Automatic cancellation can also occur if:
•The tires lose traction.
•The engine speed is too low.
•You apply the parking brake.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes for anextended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
Select a lower gear when the system isactive in situations such as prolongeddownhill driving on steep grades, forexample in mountainous areas. The systemneeds additional engine braking in thesesituations to reduce the load on the vehicle’sregular brake system to prevent it fromoverheating.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off
Note:You erase the set speed and gapsetting when you switch the system off.
Press OFF when the system is in standbymode, or switch the ignition off.
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Cruise ControlE144529
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.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. 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 system hasdiagnostic checks that continuouslymonitor the system. If a fault is detected, amessage displays in the information display.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso. Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on and watchthe information display for a steering systemwarning message. If a steering systemwarning message returns, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
If the system detects an error, you maynot feel a difference in the steering,however a serious condition may exist.Obtain immediate service from an authorizeddealer, failure to do so may result in loss ofsteering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspension components.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
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Driving Aids
From the main menu scroll to:
Action and descriptionMessage
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scroll tothe following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scroll tothe following message.
Vehicle
Press the right arrow button,then from this menu scroll tothe following message.
Oil Life
Press and hold the OK buttonuntil the instrument clusterdisplays the followingmessage.
Hold OK toReset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indicatorresets the instrument clusterdisplays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
Action and descriptionMessage
If the instrument clusterdisplays one of the followingmessages, repeat theprocess.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
WARNINGS
Do not add engine coolant when theengine is hot. Steam and scaldingliquids released from a hot cooling systemcan burn you badly. Also, you can be burnedif you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in thewindshield washer fluid container. Ifsprayed on the windshield, engine coolantcould make it difficult to see through thewindshield.
WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of personal injury,make sure the engine is cool beforeunscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.The cooling system is under pressure; steamand hot liquid can come out forcefully whenthe cap is loosened slightly.
Do not add coolant further than theMAX mark.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use engine coolantor windshield washer fluid outside of itsspecified function and vehicle location.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or additives as they cancause damage to the engine cooling orheating systems. This damage would not becovered under your vehicle’s warranty.
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Maintenance
Note:During normal vehicle operation, theengine coolant may change color fromorange to pink or light red. As long as theengine coolant is clear and uncontaminated,this color change does not indicate theengine coolant has degraded nor does itrequire the engine coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the enginecoolant to be replaced.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the engine coolantat the intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 481).
Note:Make sure that the level is betweenthe MIN and MAX marks on the coolantreservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Note:If the level is at the MIN mark, belowthe MIN mark, or empty, add coolantimmediately. See Adding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should bemaintained within 48% to 50%, whichequates to a freeze point between -30°F(-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolant concentrationshould be tested with a refractometer suchas Robinair® Coolant and BatteryRefractometer 75240. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentrations.
Adding Engine Coolant
•Do not mix different colors or types ofcoolant in your vehicle. Make sure thecorrect coolant is used. Mixing of enginecoolants may harm your engine’s coolingsystem. The use of an improper coolantmay harm engine and cooling systemcomponents and may void the warranty.Use prediluted engine coolant meetingthe Ford specification. See Capacitiesand Specifications (page 344).
•In case of emergency, a large amount ofwater without engine coolant may beadded in order to reach a vehicle servicelocation. In this instance, the coolingsystem must be drained, chemicallycleaned with Motorcraft Premium CoolingSystem Flush, and refilled with enginecoolant as soon as possible. Water alone(without engine coolant) can causeengine damage from corrosion,overheating or freezing.
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Maintenance
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine orany engine coolants mixed with alcoholor methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcoholand other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additivesto the coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure willescape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting theFord specification. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 344).
Whenever coolant has been added, thecoolant level in the coolant reservoir shouldbe checked the next few times you drive thevehicle. If necessary, add enough predilutedengine coolant to bring the coolant level tothe proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycledengine coolant since a Ford-approvedrecycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed ofin an appropriate manner. Follow yourcommunity’s regulations and standards forrecycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer increase the coolantconcentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% willprovide improved freeze point protection.Engine coolant concentrations above60% will decrease the overheatprotection characteristics of the enginecoolant and may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Fordauthorized dealer decrease the coolantconcentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% willprovide improved overheat protection.Engine coolant concentrations below40% will decrease the freeze andcorrosion protection characteristics ofthe engine coolant and may causeengine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extremeclimates should use prediluted enginecoolant for optimum cooling system andengine protection.
What You Should Know About Fail-SafeCooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, thisfeature allows the vehicle to be driventemporarily before incremental componentdamage is incurred. The “fail-safe” distancedepends on ambient temperatures, vehicleload and terrain.
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Maintenance
Your vehicle is equipped with the IntelligentOil-Life Monitor system, which displays amessage in the information display at theproper oil change interval. This interval maybe up to one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km).
When the oil change message appears inthe information display, it is time for an oilchange. Make sure you perform the oilchange within two weeks or 500 mi (800 km)of the message appearing. Make sure youreset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor aftereach oil change. See Oil Change IndicatorReset (page 290).
If your information display resets prematurelyor becomes inoperative, you should performthe oil change interval at six months or5,000 mi (8,000 km) from your last oilchange. Never exceed one year or 10,000 mi(16,000 km) between oil change intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and builtwith multiple, complex, performance systems.Every manufacturer develops these systemsusing different specifications andperformance features. That is why it isimportant to rely upon your dealership toproperly diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommendedmaintenance intervals for various parts andcomponent systems based upon engineeringtesting. Ford Motor Company relies upon thistesting to determine the most appropriatemileage for replacement of oils and fluids toprotect your vehicle at the lowest overall costto you and recommends againstmaintenance schedules that deviate fromthe scheduled maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of onlygenuine Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorizedre-manufactured replacement partsengineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford WorkshopManual list the recommended additives andchemicals for your vehicle. We do notrecommend using chemicals or additives notapproved by us as part of your vehicle’snormal maintenance. Please consult yourwarranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normaloperating characteristic and, by itself, doesnot necessarily indicate a concern or that thefluid needs to be changed. However, aqualified expert, such as the factory-trainedtechnicians at your dealership, shouldinspect discolored fluids that also show signsof overheating or foreign materialcontamination immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle’s oils andfluids at the specified intervals or inconjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viableway to change fluid for many vehiclesub-systems during scheduled maintenance.It is critical that systems are flushed only withnew fluid that is the same as that requiredto fill and operate the system or using aFord-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basicmaintenance checks and inspections everymonth or at six-month intervals.
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Scheduled Maintenance