
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering systemadaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering feel. It communicates with thebrake system to help operate advancedstability control and accident avoidancesystems. Additionally, whenever the batteryis disconnected or a new battery installed,you must drive your vehicle a short distancebefore the system relearns the strategy andreactivates all systems.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
Note:The adaptive steering system hasdiagnostic checks that continuously monitorthe system. If a fault is detected a messagedisplays in the information display. If a redwarning message displays, stop your vehicleas soon as it is safe to do so. The messagemay clear if the fault is no longer present. Ifan adaptive steering system warningmessage appears each time you start yourvehicle, have the system checked as soonas possible.
The adaptive steering system continuallychanges the steering ratio with changes tovehicle speed, optimizing the steeringresponse in all conditions.
The adaptive steering system is designedwith a locking device. While the lock isengaged, your vehicle returns to a fixedsteering ratio. You may also notice a soundwhen you start or turn off your vehicle as thelock is disengaged or engaged. If yourvehicle loses electrical power or detects afault while you are driving, the lock engagesand you are able to continue steering. Duringthis time it is possible that the steering wheelmay not be straight when the vehicle isdriving straight ahead. During this time youmay notice that the steering wheel anglerequired to steer the vehicle may bedifferent. Extreme operating conditions mayalso cause the lock to engage. This strategyprevents overheating and permanentdamage to the adaptive steering system.Typical steering and driving maneuvers allowthe system to cool and return to normaloperation.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervisingthe system and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
The system is designed to aid thedriver. It is not intended to replace yourattention and judgment. You are stillresponsible to drive with due care andattention.
The system does not detect vehiclesthat are driving in a different direction,pedestrians at night, cyclists or animals.Failure to take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
The system does not operate duringhard acceleration or steering. Failureto take care may lead to a crash or personalinjury.
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Driving Aids

WARNINGS
The system may fail or operate withreduced function during cold andsevere weather conditions. Snow, ice, rain,spray and fog can adversely affect thesystem. Keep the front camera and radar freeof snow and ice. Failure to take care mayresult in the loss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
In situations where the vehicle camerahas limited detection capability, thismay reduce system performance. Thesesituations include but are not limited to director low sunlight, vehicles at night without taillights, unconventional vehicle types,pedestrians with complex backgrounds,running pedestrians, partly obscuredpedestrians, or pedestrians that the systemcannot distinguish from a group. Failure totake care may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
The system cannot help prevent allcrashes. Do not rely on this system toreplace driver judgment and the need tomaintain a safe distance and speed.
Using the Pre-Collision Assist System
The system is active at speeds aboveapproximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and pedestriandetection is active at speeds up to 50 mph(80 km/h).
If your vehicle is rapidly approaching anotherstationary vehicle, a vehicle traveling in thesame direction as yours, or a pedestrianwithin your driving path, the system isdesigned to provide three levels offunctionality:
1. Alert
2. Brake Support
3. Active Braking
Alert: When activated, a red warning lightflashes, an audible warning chime soundsand a warning message shows in theinformation display.
Brake Support: Assists the driver in reducingcollision speed by preparing the brakesystem for rapid braking. Brake support doesnot automatically activate the brakes, but ifthe brake pedal is pressed even lightly bythe driver, brake support could addadditional braking up to full force.
Active Braking: Active braking may activateif the system determines that a collision isimminent. The system may help the driverreduce impact damage or avoid the crashcompletely.
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Driving AidsE156130 E156131

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum allowable weightthat a single axle (front or rear) can carry.These numbers are on the SafetyCompliance Certification label. The labelis located on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
The total load on each axle must neverexceed its Gross Axle Weight Rating.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
GVWR is the maximum allowable weightof the fully loaded vehicle. This includesall options, equipment, passengers andcargo. It appears on the SafetyCompliance Certification label. The labelis located on the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
The gross vehicle weight must neverexceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Safety Compliance Certification LabelExample:
WARNING
Exceeding the Safety ComplianceCertification label vehicle weightrating limits could result in substandardvehicle handling or performance, engine,transmission and/or structural damage,serious damage to the vehicle, loss ofcontrol and personal injury.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight
Maximum loaded trailer weight is thehighest possible weight of a fully loadedtrailer the vehicle can tow. Consult anauthorized dealer (or the RV and TrailerTowing Guide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailed information.
GCWR (Gross Combined WeightRating)
GCWR is the maximum allowable weightof the vehicle and the loaded trailer,including all cargo and passengers, thatthe vehicle can handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is rated foroperation at Gross Vehicle WeightRating, not at Gross Combined WeightRating.) Separate functional brakesshould be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where the GrossCombined Weight of the towing vehicleplus the trailer exceed the Gross VehicleWeight Rating of the towing vehicle.
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Load CarryingE198828

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or theGAWR specified on the certificationlabel.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommended grosstrailer weight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
Note:Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays, related
to towing. See Fuses (page 288).
Your vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so youcannot necessarily use all availablespace when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Inspectthese components periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop. When both the loadedvehicle and trailer are connected, thetrailer frame should be level, orslightly angled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder maybe present due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in theLoad Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 259).
You can also find information in the RV& Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
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Towing

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 once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multiple times,gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and, if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the stability control light flashes and themessage TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEEDappears in the information display. The firstthing to do is slow your vehicle down, thenpull safely to the side of the road and checkfor proper tongue load and trailer loaddistribution. See Load Carrying (page 257).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weightfor your vehicle configuration listed in
the chart below.
Note:Make sure to take intoconsideration trailer frontal area. Do notexceed 20 ft² (1.86 m²) for vehicleswithout towing package, or 30 ft² (2.79m²) for vehicles with towing package.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weight by2% per 1,000 ft (305 m) starting at the1,000 ft (305 m) elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electrictrailer brakes for trailers over a specifiedweight. Be sure to check stateregulations for this specified weight. The
maximum trailer weights listed may belimited to this specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connector needed toactivate electric trailer brakes.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws fortowing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towingaccessories for the proper installationand adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency gives you.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle's loadin the Load Carrying chapter. See Load Limit(page 259).
Remember to account for the trailer tongueweight as part of your vehicle load whencalculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the hookretainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to your vehicle'sbrake system. Your vehicle may not haveenough braking power and your chances ofhaving a collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems arerequired for safe control of towed vehiclesand trailers weighing more than 1500pounds (680 kilograms) when load.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical system resultingin fire. Contact your authorized dealer assoon as possible for assistance in propertrailer tow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
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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 miles (80kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position 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 automatic transmission inposition P.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back ofthe trailer wheels. (Chocks not includedwith 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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Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime yousubmerge the rear axle in water. Water maycontaminate the rear axle lubricant, which isnot a normal maintenance inspection itemunless there is a possibility of a leak or otheraxle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
You can flat-tow (all wheels on the ground,regardless of the powertrain/transmissionconfiguration) your disabled vehicle (withoutaccess to wheel dollies, car-hauling trailer,or flatbed transport vehicle) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward so you towit in a forward direction.
•You place the transmission in position N.If you cannot place the transmission inposition N, you may need to override it.See Transmission (page 188).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 145).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An example ofrecreational towing would be towing yourvehicle behind a motorhome. Theseguidelines are to make sure you do notdamage the transmission during towing.
You can tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground using the Neutral Tow feature,or with all four wheels off the ground usinga vehicle transport trailer. If you are using avehicle transport trailer, follow the instructionspecified by the equipment provider.
Neutral Tow
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheelson the ground:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
Enter Neutral Tow mode by doing thefollowing:
1. Put the ignition in accessory mode bypressing the engine START buttonwithout pressing the brake pedal.
2. Select Neutral Tow under the VehicleSettings menu in the information display.See General Information (page 118).
3.Press and hold the OK button to start theneutral tow process.
4. Press the brake pedal and select N onthe push-button transmission.
5. Turn the ignition off by pressing theengine START button without pressingthe brake pedal.
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