2019 FORD ECOSPORT Owners Manual

Suppose your vehicle has a1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargoand luggage capacity. You andone of your friends decide to pickup cement from the local homeimprovement store to finish thatpatio you have been planning forthe past two years. Measuring theinside of the vehicle with the rearseat folded down, you have roomfor twelve 100-pound(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Doyou have enough load capacity totransport the cement to yourhome? If you and your friend eachweigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),the calculation would be: 1400 -(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you donot have enough cargo capacityto carry that much weight. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.You will need to reduce the loadweight by at least 240 pounds(104 kilograms). If you removethree 100-pound (45-kilogram)cement bags, then the loadcalculation would be:1400 - (2 x220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -900 = 60 pounds. Now you havethe load capacity to transport thecement and your friend home. Inmetric units, the calculation wouldbe: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations alsoassume that the loads arepositioned in your vehicle in amanner that does not overloadthe front or the rear gross axleweight rating specified for yourvehicle on the Safety ComplianceCertification label.
Special Loading Instructionsfor Owners of Pick-up Trucksand Utility-type Vehicles
WARNING: When loadingthe roof racks, we recommendyou evenly distribute the load,as well as maintain a low centerof gravity. Loaded vehicles, withhigher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions,such as slower speeds andincreased stopping distance,when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
173
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingLoad Carrying

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers beyondthe maximum recommended grosstrailer weight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Note: See Towing a Trailer (page 174).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,such as fuses or relays, related to towing.See Fuses (page 196).
Your vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so you cannotnecessarily use all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during, and after,any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to thetrailer 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 not allowthe final trailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of the loadedtrailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop and load capacity. Whenboth the loaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frame should belevel, or slightly angled down towardyour vehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may bepresent due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in anotherchapter of this manual. See Load Limit(page 169).
You can also find information in the RV &Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
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 your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
174
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing

This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the traction control warning lamp flashesand a message will appear in theinformation display. Slow your vehicledown, pull safely to the side of the roadand check for correct load distribution.See Load Carrying (page 167).
RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailerweight for your vehicleconfiguration listed in the chartbelow.
Note:For high altitude operation,reduce the gross combined weightby 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
Note:Certain states requireelectric trailer brakes for trailersover a specified weight. Be sure tocheck state regulations for thisspecified weight. The maximumtrailer weights listed may be limitedto this specified weight, as thevehicle’s electrical system may notinclude the wiring connectorneeded to activate electric trailerbrakes.
Your vehicle may tow a trailerprovided the maximum trailerweight is less than or equal to themaximum trailer weight listed foryour vehicle configuration on thefollowing chart.
Maximum
tongue weight1Maximum
trailer weight1MaximumGCWRPowertrain
143 lb (65 kg)1,400 lb(635 kg)4,960 lb(2,250 kg)1.0 L Ecoboost
198 lb (90 kg)2,000 lb(907 kg)5,754 lb(2,610 kg)2.0 L 4WD
1Calculated with SAE J2807 method.
175
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing

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 lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
You can find information on loadspecification terms found on the tire labeland Safety Compliance label as well asinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload in the Load Carrying chapter. SeeLoad Limit (page 169).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector (If Equipped)
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions.
Note:Install the water proof protection capback onto the trailer towing connectorwhenever it is not in use. This helps toprevent water damage and trailer towingconnector malfunction.
Note:You cannot use a seven-pin trailerwiring connector for your vehicle and thetrailer lighting equipment.
FunctionColor
Left direction indicatorand stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Right direction indicatorand stop lampGreen
Running lightsBrown
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 thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the trailer’s safety chains, crossthem under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
176
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing

Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes 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 systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
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 upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
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 thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engineand transmission cooling and to helpA/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•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 andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer 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.
177
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing

2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. Chocks are notincluded with your 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 torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING POINTS
Front Towing Point
1.Push the cover.
2.Release the cover.
3.Install the recovery hook.
178
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing

Rear Towing Point (If Equipped)
1.Push the cover.
2.Release the cover.
3.Install the recovery hook.
The recovery hook may be in the followinglocations:
•Inside temporary mobility kit.
•Inside Jack and tools storage tray.
You must carry the recovery hook in yourvehicle at all times.
Note:The recovery hook has a left-handthread. Turn it counterclockwise to install itand make sure that it is fully tightened.Failure to do so could result in the recoveryhook becoming loose.
Note:If your vehicle has a tow bar, use thisto tow other vehicles.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider.
We recommend towing your vehicle witha wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt.Ford Motor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure.
It is acceptable to tow a front-wheel drivevehicle from the front if using proper wheellift equipment to raise the front wheels offthe ground. When towing in this manner,the rear wheels can remain on the ground.
179
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing

Front-wheel drive vehicles must have thefront wheels placed on a two-wheel towdolly when towing your vehicle from therear using wheel lift equipment. Thisprevents damage to the transmission.
Towing a four-wheel drive vehicle requiresthat all wheels be off the ground, such asusing a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. This prevents damage to thetransmission, four-wheel drive system andvehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it. SeeTransmission (page 142).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING: If your vehicle has asteering wheel lock make sure theignition is in the accessory or on positionwhen being towed.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering the vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 101).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational (RV) towing. An exampleof recreational towing would be towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground) asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.You must place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT beflat-towed (all wheels on the ground), asvehicle or transmission damage may occur.It is recommended to tow your vehicle withall four (4) wheels off the ground such aswhen using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
180
EcoSport (CBW) Canada/United States of America, Vehicles Built From: 20-08-2018, KN1J-19A321-ZFA enUSA, Edition date: 201806, First-PrintingTowing