
USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-wheel drive uses all four wheels to powerthe vehicle. This increases traction, enablingyou to drive over terrain and road conditionsthat a conventional two-wheel drive vehiclecannot. The AWD system is active all the timeand requires no input from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended foroff-road use. The AWD feature gives yourvehicle some limited off-road capabilities inwhich driving surfaces are relatively level,obstruction-free and otherwise similar tonormal on-road driving conditions. Operatingyour vehicle under other than thoseconditions could subject the vehicle toexcessive stress which might result indamage which is not covered under yourwarranty.
Note:A warning message will be displayedin the information display when an AWDsystem fault is present See InformationMessages (page 125). An AWD system faultwill cause the AWD system to default tofront-wheel drive only mode. When thiswarning message is displayed, have yourvehicle serviced at an authorized dealer
Note:A warning message will be displayedin the information display if the AWD systemhas overheated See Information Messages(page 125). This condition may occur if thevehicle was operated in extreme conditionswith excessive wheel slip, such as deepsand. To resume normal AWD function assoon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safelocation and stop the engine for at least 10minutes. After the engine has been restartedand the AWD system has adequately cooled,the warning message will turn off and normalAWD function will return.
Do not use a spare tire of a different sizeother than the tire provided. If the mini-sparetire is installed, the AWD system may disableautomatically and enter front-wheel driveonly mode to protect driveline components.This condition will be indicated by a warningin the information display See InformationMessages (page 125). If there is a warningmessage in the information display fromusing the spare tire, this indicator should turnoff after reinstalling the repaired or replacednormal road tire and cycling the ignition offand on. It is recommended to reinstall the
repaired or replaced road tire as soon aspossible. Major dissimilar tire sizes betweenthe front and rear axles could cause the AWDsystem to stop functioning and default tofront-wheel drive or damage the AWDsystem.
Driving In Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving onsand, snow, mud and rough roads and haveoperating characteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, both onand off the highway.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
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.
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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 vehicle backonto the pavement only after reducingyour speed. Do not turn the steeringwheel too sharply while returning to theroad 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, withminor damage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the pavementwhich could cause the vehicle to slidesideways out of control or rollover.Remember, your safety and the safety ofothers should be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNINGS
Always set the parking brake fully andmake sure the transmission is in P(Park). Turn the ignition to the lock positionor turn the vehicle off using the start/stopbutton and remove the key whenever youleave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not be workingproperly. See your authorized dealer.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph(56 km/h). The tires may fail and injurea 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 the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
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 Stability Control™, itmay be beneficial to disengage theAdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™system while attempting 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 the steering wheelonly as rapidly and as far as required toavoid the emergency). Excessive steeringwill result in less vehicle control, notmore. Additionally, smooth variations ofthe accelerator and/or brake pedalpressure should be utilized if changes invehicle speed are called for. Avoid abrupt
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Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” thebrakes.
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 the vehicle slideswhile cornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of the vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itwon’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Since your vehicle is equipped with a fourwheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 200).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed and testedto provide predictable performance whetherloaded or empty and durable load carryingcapability. For this reason, Ford MotorCompany strongly recommends that you donot make modifications such as adding orremoving parts (such as lowering kits orstabilizer bars) or by using replacement partsnot equivalent to the original factoryequipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise thecenter of gravity can make it more likely thevehicle will rollover as a result of a loss ofcontrol. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat caution be used with any vehicleequipped with a high load or device (suchas ladder or luggage racks).
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If ametal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
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 339).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 113).
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. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake.Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidlyby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal,and can 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 turn the ignition on. Ifthe light does not illuminate duringstart up, remains on or flashes, the systemmay be disabled. Have the system checkedby an authorized dealer. If the anti-lock brakesystem is disabled, normal braking is stilleffective.
If the brake warning lampilluminates when you release theparking brake, have the systemchecked by an authorized dealer.
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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.
•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.
ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
The electric parking brake replaces theconventional handbrake. The operatingswitch is on the instrument panel.
WARNING
Always fully apply the parking brakeand make sure you shift into park (P).Failure to follow this instruction could resultin personal injury or death.
Note:When you apply the electric parkingbrake in certain conditions, for example, ona steep hill, the electric parking brake mayreapply the brakes within three to tenminutes.
Note:You may notice various noises whenyou apply and release the electric parkingbrake. This is normal and no cause forconcern.
Note:After a determined period of time, theparking brake automatically recalibrates.This process is short and only performedwhen you switch the vehicle off.
Applying the Electric Parking Brake
WARNING
The brake system warning lamp willflash when applying the electricparking brake. If the brake system warninglamp continues to flash there could be aproblem with your electric parking brake.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Note:The brake system warning lampilluminates for ten seconds if you switch theignition off after you apply the electricparking brake, or you apply the electricparking brake after you switch the ignitionoff.
Note:The electric parking brake will notautomatically apply when you park thevehicle. You must apply the electric parkingbrake using the electric parking brakeswitch.
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Pull the switch up to apply the electricparking brake.
The brake system warning lamp flashes forabout two seconds then stays illuminated toconfirm that you have applied the electricparking brake. See Information Displays(page 118).
Apply the electric parking brake when thevehicle is moving
WARNINGS
Applying the electric parking brakewhile moving will result in theengagement of the anti-lock braking system.Do not use the electric parking brake systemwhen the vehicle is moving unless the normalbrake system is unable to stop the vehicle.
With the exception of emergencyconditions (for example, the brakepedal is broken or is blocked), do not applythe electric parking brake while the vehicleis moving. On bends, or poor road surfacesor weather conditions, emergency brakingcan cause the vehicle to skid out of controlor off the road.
If you apply the electric parking brake whenyour vehicle is moving, the brake systemwarning lamp illuminates and a warningchime sounds. See Information Displays(page 118).
If your vehicle speed is above 4 mph(6 km/h), the braking force is applied as longas you pull the switch. Releasing or pressingthe switch or pressing the accelerator pedalwill stop the braking force.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake
You can release the electric parking brakeeither manually by pressing the switch orautomatically.
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Manual release
WARNING
If the brake system warning lightremains illuminated or flashes for morethan four seconds after you have releasedthe parking brake, there could be a problemwith your braking system. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
You can manually release the electric parkingbrake by:
1. Switching the ignition on.
2. Pressing the brake pedal.
3. Pressing the electric parking brakeswitch.
When the electric parking brake is released,the brake system warning lamp turns off.
Automatic release - drive away release
Your vehicle automatically releases theparking brake if all of the following conditionsexist:
•The driver door is closed.
•The accelerator pedal is pressed.
•There are no faults detected in theparking brake system.
Note:If the electric parking brake warninglamp stays illuminated, the electric parkingbrake will not automatically release. Youmust release the electric parking brake usingthe electric parking brake switch while yourfoot is on the brake and the ignition is on.
The brake system warning lamp will go offto confirm that you have released the electricparking brake.
Note:The electric parking brake drive awayrelease makes starting on a hill easier. Thisfeature releases the parking brakeautomatically when the vehicle has sufficienttorque force to move up the hill. To assuredrive away release when starting uphill,press the accelerator pedal quickly.
Driving with a Trailer
Depending on the slope 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:
1. Pull the switch up and hold it in thisposition.
2.Accelerate your vehicle, then release theswitch when you notice that the enginehas developed sufficient driving force.
Battery With No Charge
WARNING
You will not be able to apply or releasethe electric parking brake if the batteryis low or has no charge.
If the battery is low or has no charge, usejumper cables and a booster battery.
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HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parking brake.Failure to leave your vehicle securely parkedmay lead to a crash or injury. See ElectricParking Brake (page 200).
You must remain in your vehicle whenthe system turns on. At all times, youare responsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening, ifrequired. Failure to take care may result inthe loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
The system will turn off if a malfunctionis apparent or if you rev the engineexcessively. Failure to take care may resultin the loss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal. Thesystem releases the brakes automaticallyonce the engine has developed sufficienttorque to prevent your vehicle from rollingdown the slope. This is an advantage whenpulling away on a slope, for example from acar park ramp, traffic lights or when reversinguphill into a parking space.
Note:The system only functions when youbring your vehicle to a complete standstill inan uphill gear (for example, drive (D) whenfacing uphill or reverse (R) when facingdownhill).
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1. Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keep thebrake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle ison a slope, the system activatesautomatically.
3. When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains on theslope without rolling away for about twoto three seconds. This hold timeautomatically extends if you are in theprocess of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. Thesystem releases the brakes automatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal and press the pedal again whenthe system is active, you will experiencesignificantly reduced brake pedal travel. Thisis normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in theinformation display. The system remembersthe last setting when you start your vehicle.
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