
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance information areessential to the life and performance of yourvehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts formaintenance replacements or for service ofcomponents affecting emission control, suchnon-Ford parts should be equivalent togenuine Ford Motor Company parts inperformance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soonindicator, charging system warning light orthe temperature warning light, fluid leaks,strange odors, smoke or loss of enginepower could indicate that the emissioncontrol system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaustsystem may allow exhaust to enter thevehicle. Have a damaged or improperlyoperating exhaust system inspected andrepaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes toyour vehicle or engine. By law, vehicleowners and anyone who manufactures,repairs, services, sells, leases, tradesvehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles arenot permitted to intentionally remove anemission control device or prevent it fromworking. Information about your vehicle’semission system is on the Vehicle EmissionControl Information Decal located on or nearthe engine. This decal also lists enginedisplacement.
Please consult your warranty information forcomplete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as theon-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) thatmonitors the engine’s emission controlsystem. The system protects the environmentby making sure that your vehicle continuesto meet government emission standards. TheOBD-II system also assists a servicetechnician in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soonindicator illuminates, the OBD-IIsystem has detected a malfunction.Temporary malfunctions may cause theservice engine soon indicator to illuminate.Examples are:
1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
2.Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—theengine may misfire or run poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closedproperly. See Refueling (page 180).
4. Driving through deep water—theelectrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporarymalfunctions by filling the fuel tank with goodquality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inletor letting the electrical system dry out. Afterthree driving cycles without these or anyother temporary malfunctions present, theservice engine soon indicator should stay offthe next time you start the engine. A drivingcycle consists of a cold engine startupfollowed by mixed city and highway driving.No additional vehicle service is required.
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Engine Emission Control

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNINGS
Always fully apply the parking brakeand make sure you shift into park (P).Failure to follow this instruction could resultin personal injury or death.
Do not apply the brake pedal andaccelerator pedal simultaneously.Applying both pedals simultaneously formore than a few seconds will limit engineperformance, which may result in difficultymaintaining speed in traffic and could leadto serious injury.
Note:You may not be able to shift out ofpark (P) unless the intelligent access key isinside the vehicle.
Push Button Shift Transmission
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronictransmission. The shift buttons are locatednear the middle of the instrument panel. Thegears are selected by pressing and releasingthe PRNDS buttons.
Every time a gear is selected, the selectedbutton will light up. You will also see the gearselected appear in the instrument cluster.
Understanding the Positions of yourElectronic Transmission
Note:Always come to a complete stopbefore putting your vehicle into and out ofpark (P).
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2. Press and release the button on theinstrument panel of the gear you want toselect.
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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)

steering, acceleration or braking whichcould result in an increased risk of lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/orpersonal injury. Use all available roadsurface to return the vehicle to a safedirection of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (i.e., from concrete togravel) there will be a change in the waythe vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your AWD vehicle in deep sand.This will cause the AWD system to overheat.After the system has cooled down, normalAWD function will return.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you and causethe vehicle to become stuck to the point thatassistance may be required from anothervehicle. Remember, you may be able to backout the way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability may belimited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom ofthe hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even AWD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoidspinning your wheels. If the vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of the vehicle.
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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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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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