3. The gearshift button you select willilluminate and the selected gear willappear in the instrument cluster.
4. Release the brake pedal and yourtransmission will remain in the selectedgear.
Note:If you attempt to leave your vehiclewhile it is in gear, the vehicle willautomatically shift into park (P). Safety beltand door monitors determine your intent andmake the shift for you. During this time, amessage will appear in the informationdisplay screen prompting you to make theshift.
Note:To put your vehicle in gear with thedoor open, perform steps 1-4. See theAutomatic Return to Park section in thischapter for more information on this feature.
Park (P)
With the transmission in park (P), your vehiclelocks the transmission and prevents the frontwheels from turning. Always come to acomplete stop before putting your vehicleinto and out of park (P). An audible chimesounds once you select park (P).
When the ignition is turned off, the vehiclewill automatically shift into park (P). If theignition is turned off while the vehicle ismoving, it will first shift into neutral (N) untila slow enough speed is reached. The vehiclewill then shift into park (P) automatically.
Automatic Return to Park
Note:This feature will not operate when yourvehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutraltow.
Your vehicle has a safety feature that willautomatically shift your vehicle into park (P)when any of the following conditions occur:
•You turn the ignition off
•You open the driver's door with yoursafety belt unlatched
•Your safety belt is unlatched while thedriver's door is open
If you turn the ignition off while your vehicleis moving, your vehicle will first shift intoneutral (N) until it slows down enough to shiftinto park (P) automatically.
Note:If you have waited an extended periodof time, (2-15 minutes) before starting yourvehicle, unlatching your safety belt will causethis feature to activate, even with the driver'sdoor closed.
Note:This feature may not work properly ifthe door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If yourdoor ajar indicator does not illuminate whenyou open the driver’s door or the indicatorilluminates with the driver’s door closed, seeyour authorized dealer.
Reverse (R)
With the transmission in reverse (R), yourvehicle will move backward. Always cometo a complete stop before shifting into andout of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission in neutral (N), you canstart your vehicle and it is free to roll. Holdthe brake pedal down while in this position.
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Transmission
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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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out and anauthorized dealer should check them. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, anauthorized dealer should check your vehicle.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 312).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 104).
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 pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Switchthe engine off, move the transmission to park(P) and apply the parking brake. Inspect theaccelerator pedal and the area around it forany items or debris that may be obstructingits movement.If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate at whichyou press the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal. Emergency brake assistcan reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on. Ifthe light does not illuminate duringstart up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lockbraking system may be disabled. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifthe anti-lock brake system is disabled,normal braking is still effective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates with the parking brakereleased, have your brake systemserviced immediately.
It also illuminates momentarily when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer.
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The brake system warning lamp will flash forapproximately 2 seconds then illuminate toconfirm that the electric parking brake hasbeen applied. See Instrument Cluster (page103).
Applying the electric parking brake
when the vehicle is moving
WARNINGS
Applying the electric parking brakewhile moving will result in use of theanti-lock braking system. Do not use theelectric parking brake system when thevehicle is moving unless the normal brakesystem is unable to stop the vehicle.
With the exception of emergencyconditions (for example, the brakepedal does not work or is blocked), do notapply the electric parking brake while thevehicle is moving. On bends, or poor roadsurfaces or weather conditions, emergencybraking can cause the vehicle to skid out ofcontrol or off the road.
If you apply the electric parking brake whenyour vehicle is moving, the brake systemwarning lamp will illuminate and a warningchime will sound. See Instrument Cluster(page 103).
If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph (6km/h), the braking force is applied as longas the switch is applied. Release or press theswitch or press the accelerator pedal to stopthe braking force.
Releasing the electric parking brake
You can release the electric parking brakeeither manually by pressing the bottom ofthe switch or automatically.
Manual release
WARNING
If the brake system warning lightremains illuminated or flashes after youhave released the parking brake, there couldbe a problem with you braking system. Havethe system checked by an authorized dealeras soon as possible.
You can manually release the electric parkingbrake by turning the ignition on, pressing thebrake pedal and then pressing the electricparking brake switch down.
When the electric parking brake is released,the brake system warning lamp will turn off.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the grade and the weight ofthe trailer, your vehicle and trailer may rollbackwards slightly when you start on a slope.To prevent this from happening, do thefollowing:
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Note:Auto Hold is last remembered afterignition. Auto Hold also suppresses while inReverse (R).
When Auto Hold is off, your vehicle behavesthe same as a vehicle without Auto Hold.
There is an Auto Hold indicator lamp in theinstrument cluster that has two modes, activeand unavailable:
The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicatorlight illuminates in the informationdisplay when the system holdsyour vehicle stationary. When in active mode,press the brake pedal and the Auto Holdbutton to switch Auto Hold off.
The Auto Hold (UNAVAILABLE)indicator light illuminates in theinformation display when thesystem is on but unavailable to hold yourvehicle (for example, during Active ParkAssist, Stay in Neutral Mode, or when youdo not fasten your seatbelt or close thedoor).
Note:Make sure you switch off Auto Holdor use the Stay in Neutral mode before youenter a car wash. See AutomaticTransmission (page 175).
Using Auto Hold
1. Bring your vehicle to a stop by pressingthe brake pedal. After coming to a stop,the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicatorlamp illuminates in the informationdisplay.
2.Release the brake pedal. The Auto Hold(ACTIVE) indicator light remainsilluminated in the information display andAuto Hold will hold your vehicle at a stop.
3. When you press the accelerator pedal,Auto Hold releases the brakes and youwill be able to drive off. Once you driveoff, the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE)indicator no longer illuminates in theinformation display.
Note:The Stop/Start system (if equipped)may stop the engine when you press thebrake pedal. If this occurs, it will restart onceyou press the accelerator pedal. Auto Holdstill holds your vehicle at a standstill with theengine off.
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If Equipped)
WARNING
Turning off trailer sway controlincreases the risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, serious injury or death. Ford doesnot recommend disabling this feature exceptin situations where speed reduction may bedetrimental (such as hill climbing), the driverhas significant trailer towing experience, andcan control trailer sway and maintain safeoperation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it when 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.
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces engine torqueto aid vehicle stability. If the trailer beginsto sway, the stability control warning lampflashes and a message appears in theinformation display. See InformationMessages (page 114). Slow your vehicledown, pull safely to the side of the road andcheck for correct load distribution.
You can switch this feature off in theinformation display. When you switch theignition on, the system automatically turnson.
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weightfor your vehicle configuration listed inthe chart below.
Note:Be sure to take into considerationtrailer frontal area. Do not exceed 20feet2 (1.86 meters2) if your vehicle is not
equipped with a towing package or 30feet2 (2.79 meters2) if your vehicle is
equipped with a towing package.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weight by2% per 1,000 ft (300 m) starting at the1,000 ft (300 m) elevation point.
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Towing
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up toget the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip. Whenturning, make wider turns so the trailerwheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
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 thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off automatically when you aretowing on long, steep grades.
•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 and transmissioncooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer 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 transmission in park (P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back ofthe trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your 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 to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
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Towing
Note:When you try to restart your vehicleafter a fuel shutoff, the vehicle makes surethat various systems are safe to restart.Once the vehicle determines the systemsare safe, then the vehicle allows you torestart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle does notrestart after your third attempt, contact aqualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow of fuelto the engine in the event of a moderate tosevere crash. Not every impact causes ashutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch to start position.
3. Switch off the ignition.
4. Switch on the ignition to re-enable thefuel pump.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps1 through 4.
If your vehicle has a push button startsystem:
1. Press START/STOP to switch off yourvehicle.
2.Press the brake pedal and START/STOPto switch on your vehicle.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedaland press START/STOP to switch offyour vehicle.
4. You can attempt to start the vehicle bypressing the brake pedal andSTART/STOP, or press START/STOPwithout pressing the brake pedal.
5.If the vehicle does not start, repeat steps1 through 4.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
Keep batteries out of reach of children.Batteries contain sulfuric acid. Avoidcontact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shieldyour eyes when working near the battery toprotect against possible splashing of acidsolution. In case of acid contact with skin oreyes, flush immediately with water for aminimum of 15 minutes and get promptmedical attention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personal injury.Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks orlighted substances to come near the battery.When working near the battery, always shieldyour face and protect your eyes. Alwaysprovide correct ventilation.
Use only the specified jacking points.If you use other positions, you maydamage the body, steering, suspension,engine, braking system or the fuel lines.
Use only adequately sized cables withinsulated clamps.
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Roadside Emergencies