The instrument cluster will display yourcurrently selected gear.
The transmission will automatically upshift ifyour engine speed is too high or downshiftif your engine speed is too low.
Note:The system will stay in manual controluntil you make another shift button selection.For example, drive (D).
Brake-Shift Interlock Override
WARNINGS
When doing this procedure, you needto take the transmission out of park (P)which means your vehicle can roll freely. Toavoid unwanted vehicle movement, alwaysfully apply the parking brake prior to doingthis procedure. Use wheels chocks ifappropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not be workingproperly. Have your vehicle checked as soonas possible.
Do not drive your vehicle until youverify that the stoplamps are working.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soonas possible if this procedure is used.
Note:For some markets this feature isdisabled.
Note:This feature will only function if your12-volt battery has power.
Use the brake-shift interlock override tomove your transmission from the park (P)position in the event of an electricalmalfunction or if your vehicle has a deadbattery.
1. Apply the parking brake and turn yourignition off before performing thisprocedure.
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2. Locate your brake-shift interlock accessslot. The slot is located below the mediahub, in your center console storage bin.The access slot does not have a label.
Note:Make sure that you correctly identifythe access hole as not to damage the mediahub.
3. Using a tool, press and hold the brakeshift interlock switch. The shift buttonson the instrument panel will flash whenyour vehicle is in override mode.
4. With the override switch still held, pressthe neutral (N) button to shift from park.
5. Release the override button.
6.Your vehicle will remain in neutral (N) forwrecker towing purposes or can beshifted to the desired gear and driven (ifpossible).
7. Release the parking brake.
Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature increases durability and providesconsistent shift feel over the life of yourvehicle. A new vehicle or transmission mayhave firm or soft shifts. This operation willnot affect function or durability of yourtransmission and is normal. Over time, theadaptive learning process will fully updatetransmission operation. Additionally, thestrategy must be relearned whenever thebattery is disconnected or a new battery isinstalled.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if your engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to your transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute or damage to your transmissionand tires may occur, or your engine mayoverheat.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, itmay be beneficial to disengage theAdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Controlsystem while attempting to rock the vehicle.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you can help rock your vehicle out by shiftingbetween forward and reverse gears,stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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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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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excessmud stuck on tires and rotating driveshaftscauses an imbalance that could damagedrive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rearaxle serviced by an authorized dealer.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilities inour nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
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 will use.Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the other side.Do not drive in reverse over a hill withoutthe aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should always try todrive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start ina lower gear rather than downshifting to alower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaroundbecause you might roll over. It is better toback down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting inloss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating. Donot descend in neutral; instead, disengageoverdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking as you could lose control. Thefront wheels have to be turning in order tosteer the vehicle.
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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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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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Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
You cannot turn the system on or off. Whenyou switch the ignition on, the systemautomatically turns on.
AUTO HOLD
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parking brake.
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. Failure to take care mayresult in the loss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Auto Hold uses your vehicle's brakes to holdyour vehicle at a stop once your vehicle hasreached a standstill condition. For example,Auto Hold can assist you while stopping attraffic lights or while in traffic jams by holdingthe brake pressure for you once you bringyour vehicle to a stop.
Switch Auto Hold off during vehicle or trailertowing.
Note:In case of a malfunction in the systemwhile Auto Hold actively holds the vehicle(for example, low power supply), a messageappears in the information display askingyou to press the brake pedal. If you see thismessage, press the brake pedalimmediately.
Note:Auto Hold only activates if the systemrecognizes it is applying enough brakepressure. On a steep hill or incline, you mayneed to make sure the brake pedal ispressed sufficiently to activate the Auto Holdsystem.
Note:In some cases, Auto Hold might handover to the parking brake. When the parkingbrake automatically applies, the red brakelamp appears. This is normal. When youpress the accelerator pedal, the drive awayrelease feature automatically releases theparking brake.
Note:Auto Hold works on all road gradesand in reverse (R).
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Press the Auto Hold button to switch thesystem on and off. The Auto Hold indicatorlight illuminates in the Auto Hold buttonwhen the system is on.
Note:You can only switch Auto Hold on ifyou close the door and fasten your seatbelt.
Note:Auto Hold turns off every time youpower down your vehicle.
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 188).
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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