Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower 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 causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral; instead,disengage overdrive or manually shift to alower gear. When descending a steep hill,avoid sudden hard braking as you couldlose control. The front wheels have to beturning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”the brakes.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, FordMotor Company strongly recommends thatyou do not make modifications such asadding or removing parts (such as loweringkits or stabilizer bars) or by usingreplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. Ford Motor Companyrecommends that caution be used withany vehicle equipped with a high load ordevice (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlymay void the warranty, increase your repaircost, reduce vehicle performance andoperational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
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Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approvedby us, the system turns off when you attacha trailer. For vehicles with an aftermarkettrailer tow module or tow bar, werecommend that you switch the system offwhen you attach a trailer.
To permanently switch the system off,contact an authorized dealer.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible, failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Note:Your vehicle is equipped with anelectric power-assisted steering system.There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
The electric power steering systemoperates by an electric motor, whichreduces the effort on the driver's steeringwheel.
The system operates progressively andduring maneuvers, the system leaves theeffort lighter. As the vehicle speedincreases, it reduces its action to improvethe control of the vehicle.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving (or if the ignition is turnedoff), you can steer the vehicle manually,but it takes more effort. Extremecontinuous steering may increase the effortit takes for you to steer. This occurs toprevent internal overheating andpermanent damage to your steeringsystem. If this should occur, you will notlose the ability to steer the vehiclemanually nor will it cause permanentdamage. Typical steering and drivingmaneuvers will allow the system to cooland steering assist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
Avoid sudden movements with the steeringwheel. The force required to change thevehicle direction is lower, compared to avehicle with mechanical steering.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire
•Uneven tire wear
•Loose or worn suspension components
•Loose or worn steering components
•Improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
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Battery Fuse Box
Protected componentsFuse amp ratingFuse
Engine compartment fuse box.250A1
Electric power assist steering.60A2
Body control module.100A3
Heating control unit.70A4
Starter.275A5
CHANGING A FUSE
Fuses
WARNING: Always replace a fusewith one that has the specifiedamperage rating. Using a fuse with ahigher amperage rating can cause severewire damage and could start a fire.
If electrical components in the vehicle arenot working, a fuse may have blown. Blownfuses are identified by a broken wire withinthe fuse. Check the appropriate fusesbefore replacing any electricalcomponents.
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5.After 25 seconds, a message appearsconfirming that the reset is complete.
6.Release the accelerator and brakepedals.
7.Switch the ignition off.
ENGINE COOLING FAN
WARNING: Keep your hands andclothing clear of the engine cooling fan.
Under certain conditions, the enginecooling fan may continue to run for severalminutes after you switch your vehicle off.This could happen in low ambienttemperatures and independent of theengine coolant temperature, for exampleshort journeys or low coolant temperature.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
WARNING: Do not add enginecoolant when the engine is hot. Steamand scalding liquids released from a hotcooling system can burn you badly. Also,spilling coolant on hot engine parts canburn you.
WARNING: Do not put enginecoolant in the windshield washer fluidcontainer. If sprayed on the windshield,engine coolant could make it difficult tosee through the windshield.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofpersonal injury, make sure the engine iscool before unscrewing the coolantpressure relief cap. The cooling systemis under pressure. Steam and hot liquidcan come out forcefully when you loosenthe cap slightly.
WARNING: Do not add coolantfurther than the MAX mark.
When the engine is cold, check theconcentration and level of the coolant atthe intervals listed in the scheduledmaintenance information. See ScheduledMaintenance (page 385).
Note:Make sure that the coolant level isbetween the MIN and MAX marks on thecoolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. Thelevel may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Maintain coolant concentration within48% to 50%, which equates to a freezepoint between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F(-37°C). Coolant concentration should bechecked using a refractometer. We do notrecommend the use of hydrometers orcoolant test strips for measuring coolantconcentration.
Adding Coolant
WARNING: Never remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine isrunning or hot.
Note:Automotive fluids are notinterchangeable. Do not use coolant orwindshield washer fluid outside of itsspecified function and vehicle location.
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, coolingsystem sealants, or non-specified additivesas they can cause damage to the enginecooling or heating systems. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
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It is very important to use predilutedcoolant approved to the correctspecification in order to avoid plugging thesmall passageways in the engine coolingsystem. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 278). Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant in yourvehicle. Mixing of engine coolants or usingan incorrect coolant may harm the engineor cooling system components and maynot be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
Note:If prediluted coolant is not available,use the approved concentrated coolantdiluting it to 50/50 with distilled water. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 278).Using water that has not been deionisedmay contribute to deposit formation,corrosion and plugging of the small coolingsystem passageways.
Note:Coolants marketed for all makes andmodels may not be approved to Fordspecifications and may cause damage tothe cooling system. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the coolant level is at or below theminimum mark, add prediluted coolantimmediately.
To top up the coolant level do thefollowing:
1.Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressureescapes as you unscrew the cap.
2.Add prediluted coolant approved tothe correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page270).
3.Add enough prediluted coolant toreach the correct level.
4.Replace the coolant reservoir cap, turnit clockwise until you feel a strongresistance.
5.Check the coolant level in the coolantreservoir the next few times you driveyour vehicle. If necessary, add enoughprediluted engine coolant to bring thecoolant level to the correct level.
If you have to add more than 1.1 qt (1 L) ofengine coolant per month, have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.Operating an engine with a low level ofcoolant can result in engine overheatingand possible engine damage.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, thecoolant may change color from orange topink or light red. As long as the coolant isclear and uncontaminated, this color changedoes not indicate the coolant has degradednor does it require the coolant to be drained,the system to be flushed, or the coolant tobe replaced.
Note:In case of emergency, you can add alarge amount of water without coolant inorder to reach a vehicle service location.Water alone, without coolant, can causeengine damage from corrosion, overheatingor freezing. When you reach a servicelocation, you must have the cooling systemdrained and refilled with prediluted coolantapproved to the correct specification. SeeCapacities and Specifications (page 278).
Do not use the following as a coolantsubstitute:
•Alcohol.
•Methanol.
•Brine.
•Any coolant mixed with alcohol ormethanol antifreeze.
Alcohol and other liquids can cause enginedamage from overheating or freezing.
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives tothe coolant. These can be harmful andcompromise the corrosion protection ofthe coolant.
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When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated
WARNING: Fail-safe mode is foruse during emergencies only. Operateyour vehicle in fail-safe mode only aslong as necessary to bring your vehicleto rest in a safe location and seekimmediate repairs. When in fail-safemode, your vehicle will have limitedpower, will not be able to maintainhigh-speed operation, and maycompletely shut down without warning,potentially losing engine power, powersteering assist, and power brake assist,which may increase the possibility of acrash resulting in serious injury.
WARNING: Never remove thecoolant reservoir cap when the engine isrunning or hot.
Your vehicle has limited engine powerwhen in the fail-safe mode, drive yourvehicle with caution. Your vehicle does notmaintain high-speed operation and theengine may operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable ofautomatically shutting down to preventengine damage. In this situation:
1.Pull off the road as soon as safelypossible and switch the engine off.
2.If you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, we recommendthat you contact your roadsideassistance service provider.
3.If this is not possible, wait a shortperiod for the engine to cool.
4.Check the coolant level. If the coolantlevel is at or below the minimum mark,add prediluted coolant immediately.
5.When the engine temperature cools,you can re-start the engine. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible tominimize engine damage.
Note:Driving your vehicle without repairincreases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant TemperatureManagement (If Equipped)
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofcrash and injury, be prepared that thevehicle speed may reduce and thevehicle may not be able to acceleratewith full power until the coolanttemperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, theengine may temporarily reach a highertemperature during severe operatingconditions, for example ascending a longor steep grade in high ambienttemperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolanttemperature gauge moves toward the redzone and a message may appear in theinformation display.
You may notice a reduction in vehiclespeed caused by reduced engine power.In order to manage the engine coolanttemperature. Your vehicle may enter thismode if certain high-temperature andhigh-load conditions take place. Theamount of speed reduction depends onvehicle loading, grade and ambienttemperature. If this occurs, there is no needto pull off the road. You can continue todrive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automaticallyturn on and off during severe operatingconditions to protect the engine fromoverheating. When the coolanttemperature decreases to the normaloperating temperature, the air conditioningturns on.
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Punctures larger than 0.24 in (6 mm) maynot be sealable. Tire sidewall damagecannot be temporarily repaired.
Note:Do note use the kit if you haveseverely damaged a tire. Only sealpunctures located within the tire tread withthe kit.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affecttire performance. For this reason:
•Drive carefully and avoid abruptsteering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflationpressure in the affected tire; if the tireis losing pressure, have the vehicletowed.
•Read the information in the Tips forUse of the Kit section to make sure safeoperation of the kit and your vehicle.
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:Do not drive further than 124 mi(200 km). Drive only to the closestauthorized Ford dealer or tire repair shop tohave your tire inspected.
Tips for use of the kit
To ensure safe operation of the kit:
•Read all instructions and cautions fully.
•Before operating the kit, make sureyour vehicle is safely off the road andaway from moving traffic. Switch onthe hazard lights.
•Always set the parking brake to ensurethe vehicle doesn't move unexpectedly.
•Do not remove any foreign objects,such as nails or screws, from the tire.
•When using the kit, if the vehicle isoutdoors or in a well-ventilated area,leave the engine running so thecompressor does not drain thevehicle's battery.
•Do not allow the compressor tooperate continuously for more than 15minutes. This will help prevent thecompressor from overheating.
•Never leave the kit unattended whenit is operating.
•Keep the kit away from children.
•Only use the kit when the ambienttemperature is between -22.0°F(-30°C) and 157.9°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound beforethe use-by date which is printed on thetop of sealant bottle.
•After sealant use, an authorized Forddealer must replace the tire pressuremonitoring system sensor and valvestem on the wheel.
•Operating the kit could cause anelectrical disturbance in radio, CD, andDVD player operation.
What to do when a tire is punctured
A tire puncture within the tire's tread areacan be sealed in two stages with the kit.
•In the first stage, the tire will bereinflated with a sealing compoundand air. After the tire has been inflated,you will need to drive the vehicleapproximately 4 mi (6 km) to distributethe sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need tocheck the tire pressure and adjust, ifnecessary, to the vehicle's specifiedtire inflation pressure.
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Sometimes irregular tire wear canbe corrected by rotating the tires.
USING SUMMER TIRES
Summer tires provide superiorperformance on wet and dry roads.Summer tires do not have the Mud andSnow (M+S or M/S) tire traction rating onthe tire side wall. Since summer tires donot have the same traction performanceas All-season or Snow tires, we do notrecommend using summer tires whentemperatures drop to about 45°F (7°C) orbelow (depending on tire wear andenvironmental conditions) or in snow andice conditions. Like any tire, summer tireperformance is affected by tire wear andenvironmental conditions. If you must drivein those conditions, we recommend usingMud and Snow (M+S, M/S), All-season orSnow tires.
Always store your summer tires indoors attemperatures above 19°F (-7°C). Therubber compounds used in these tires loseflexibility and may develop surface cracksin the tread area at temperatures below19°F (-7°C). If the tires have beensubjected to 19°F (-7°C) or less, warmthem in a heated space to at least 41°F(5°C) for at least 24 hours before installingthem on a vehicle, or moving the vehiclewith the tires installed, or checking tire
inflation. Do not place tires near heatersor heating devices used to warm the roomwhere the tires are stored. Do not applyheat or blow heated air directly on the tires.Always inspect the tires after storageperiods and before use.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Snow tires must bethe same size, load index and speedrating as those originally provided byFord. Use of any tire or wheel notrecommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of your vehicle,which could result in an increased risk ofloss of control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels cancause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.Follow the Ford recommended tireinflation pressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (on thedoor hinge pillar, door latch post or thedoor edge that meets the door latchpost, next to the driver seat), or TireLabel on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way your vehiclehandles.
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