
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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GENERAL INFORMATION
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 pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Shift the transmission to park (P)(automatic transmission) or to a low gear(manual transmission), switch the engineoff and apply the parking brake.
Check the accelerator pedal and the areaaround it for any items or debris that maybe obstructing its movement. If none arefound and the condition persists, have yourvehicle towed to the dealer for service.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System (If Equipped)
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol and vehicle stability duringemergency stops by keeping the brakesfrom locking.
It illuminates when you switchthe ignition on. If the light doesnot illuminate during start up,remains on or flashes, the system may bedisabled. Have the system checked by anauthorized 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.
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. If yourvehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, haveyour vehicle checked by an authorizeddealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 237).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, the brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis the hazard warning flashers may alsoflash when your vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 84).
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: The system may notdetect objects with surfaces that absorbreflection. Always drive with due careand attention. Failure to take care mayresult in a crash.
WARNING: To help avoid personalinjury, always use caution when inreverse (R) and when using the sensingsystem.
WARNING: The system may notdetect small or moving objects,particularly those close to the ground.
Note:Certain add-on devices installedaround the rear fascia such as large trailerhitches, bike or surfboard racks or certainadd-on devices installed around the frontfascia such as license plate brackets orframes, bumper covers, bumper guards orany other device that may block the normaldetection zone of the system, may createfalse beeps.
Note:In these cases the add-on devicesmust be removed in order to prevent thefalse beeps.
Note: Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt. Blockedsensors may affect system accuracy. Donot clean the sensors with sharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:When a trailer is connected to thevehicle, the Rear Sensing System maydetect the trailer and therefore providewarnings. It is suggested that the driverdisables the Rear Sensing System when atrailer is connected to the vehicle to preventthese warnings.
We recommend that you take some timeto get to know the system and itslimitations by reading this section.
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of yourvehicle. The system automatically turnson each time you switch the ignition on.
The system may provide display or soundwarnings when the detected obstacle is12 in (30 cm) or less from the bumper.
The system can be switched off throughthe information display menu or from thepop-up message that appears once youshift the transmission into reverse (R). Ifyour vehicle is equipped with a frontsensing system, you can switch the systemoff using the parking aid button. SeeGeneral Information (page 88).
If a fault is present in the system, a warningmessage appears in the informationdisplay and does not allow you to switchthe system on.
See Information Messages (page 91).
REAR PARKING AID
The rear parking aid sensors automaticallyturn on when you shift into reverse (R).
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As your vehicle moves closer to theobstacle, the rate of the audible warningincreases. When the obstacle is less than11.81 in (30 cm) the warning soundscontinuously. If the system detects anobject farther than 11.81 in (30 cm) fromthe corners of the bumper, the tone soundsfor only three seconds. If the systemdetects an approaching object the warningsounds again.
Coverage area of up to 6 ft (1.8 m) fromthe rear bumper. There is decreasedcoverage area at the outer corners of thebumper.
The system detects certain objects whilethe transmission is in reverse (R):
•Moving toward a stationary object ata speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
•Not moving, but a moving object isapproaching the rear of your vehicle ata speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
•Moving at a speed of less than 3 mph(5 km/h) and a moving object isapproaching the rear of your vehicle ata speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h).The system provides audio warningsonly when your vehicle is moving orwhen your vehicle is stationary and thedetected obstacle is less than 10 in
(30 cm) away from the bumper.Additionally, the system providesobstacle distance indication throughthe center stack display (if equipped).The visual indications are present whenthe transmission is in reverse (R).
•As the distance to the obstacledecreases (obstacle becomes closer),the indicator blocks illuminate andmove towards the vehicle icon.
•If there is no obstacle detected, thedistance indicator blocks show greyedout.
REAR VIEW CAMERA
WARNING: The rear view camerasystem is a reverse aid supplementdevice that still requires the driver to useit in conjunction with the interior andexterior mirrors for maximum coverage.
WARNING: Use caution when therear cargo door is ajar. If the rear cargodoor is ajar, the camera will be out ofposition and the video image may beincorrect. All guidelines disappear whenthe rear cargo door is ajar. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Objects that are closeto either corner of the bumper or underthe bumper, might not be seen on thescreen due to the limited coverage of thecamera system.
WARNING: Reverse your vehicleslowly. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
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Note:The system may not alert you if avehicle quickly passes through the detectionzone.
Blocked Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumperon both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumperstickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 91). Thealert indicators remain illuminated but thesystem does not alert you.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault, a warninglamp illuminates and a message displays.See Information Messages (page 91).
Switching the System Off and On
You can switch the system off using theinformation display. See GeneralInformation (page 88). When you switchthe system off, a warning lamp illuminatesand a message displays. When you switchthe system on or off, the alert indicatorsflash twice.
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
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.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Do not use the crosstraffic alert system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder beforereversing out of a parking space. Thecross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system is designed to alert you ofvehicles approaching from the sides whenyou shift into reverse (R).
Using the Cross Traffic AlertSystem
The system is designed to detect vehiclesthat approach with a speed up to 37 mph(60 km/h). Coverage decreases when thesensors are partially, mostly or fullyobstructed. Slowly reversing helps increasethe coverage area and effectiveness.
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Zone coverage also decreases whenparking at narrow angles. The sensor onthe left-hand side is mostly obstructed andzone coverage on that side is severelyreduced.
System Lights, Messages andAudible Alerts
When the system detects a vehicle, anindicator illuminates in the exterior mirroron the side the approaching vehicle iscoming from. A tone sounds and amessage appears in the informationdisplay.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the systemcould alert you even when there is nothingin the detection zone, for example a vehiclepassing in the distance.
Blocked Sensors
The sensors are behind the rear bumperon both sides of your vehicle.
Note:Keep the sensors free from snow, iceand large accumulations of dirt.
Note:Do not cover the sensors with bumperstickers, repair compound or other objects.
Note:Blocked sensors could affect systemperformance.
If the sensors are blocked, a message mayappear in the information display whenyou shift into reverse (R). SeeInformation Messages (page 91).
System Limitations
The system may not correctly operatewhen any of the following occur:
•The sensors are blocked.
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objectsare obstructing the sensors.
•Vehicles approach at speeds greaterthan 37 mph (60 km/h).
•The vehicle speed is greater than 7 mph(12 km/h).
•You reverse out of an angled parkingspace.
System Errors
If the system detects a fault a messagedisplays. See Information Messages(page 91).
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the system offusing the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 91). Whenyou switch system off, a message displays.See Information Messages (page 91).
Note:The system turns on each time youswitch the ignition on and you shift intoreverse (R). If you temporarily switch thesystem off, it turns on the next time youswitch the ignition on.
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1.Pull the luggage cover upward torelease it from the retaining points onboth sides.
2.Rotate the luggage cover 90° toremove.
Install in reverse order. When you hear aclick sound, the luggage cover is locked onthe retaining points.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS
WARNING: When loading the roofracks, we recommend you evenlydistribute the load, as well as maintaina low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles,with higher centers of gravity, mayhandle differently than unloadedvehicles. Take extra precautions, suchas slower speeds and increased stoppingdistance, when driving a heavily loadedvehicle.
Maximum recommended load, evenlydistributed on the crossbars:
WeightTiresEngine
15 lbs (6.8Kg)16"1.0 LEcoboost
44 lbs (20Kg)17"1.0 LEcoboost
55 lbs (25Kg)-2.0 L 4WD
Note: Loads should never be placeddirectly on the roof panel.
The roof panel is not designed to directlycarry a load.
For proper function of the roof rack system,loads must be placed directly on crossbarsaffixed to the roof rack side rails. Yourvehicle may be equipped withfactory-installed crossbars. Ford GenuineAccessory crossbars, designed specificallyfor your vehicle, are also recommended foruse with your roof rack system.
Make sure that the load is securelyfastened. Check the tightness of the loadbefore driving and at each fuel stop.
Adjusting the Crossbar (If Equipped)
Note:Wind noise can be minimized byeither removing or repositioning the crossbarwhen not is use. Position the front crossbarin the intermediate position to minimizewind noise. The crossbar can be adjustedor removed using the steps below.
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1.Remove the crossbar thumbwheels atboth sides of the crossbar by turningthem counterclockwise.
2.Remove the crossbar by rotating itclockwise and sliding the ends off ofthe shoulder bolts in the side rails.
3.Move the front crossbar to the new siderail position and slide the crossbar ontothe shoulder bolt at that position.
4.Replace and tighten the thumbwheelsat both sides of the crossbar by turningthem clockwise until tight.
Make sure to check that the thumbwheelsare tight each time load is added orremoved from the roof rack, andperiodically while traveling. Make sure thatthe load is secure before traveling.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with andwithout a Trailer
This section guides you in theproper loading of your vehicle,trailer, or both. Keep your loadedvehicle weight within its designrating capability, with or withouta trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle provides maximum returnof vehicle design performance.
Before you load your vehicle,become familiar with thefollowing terms for determiningyour vehicle’s weight rating, withor without a trailer, from thevehicle’s Tire and LoadingInformation label or SafetyCompliance Certification label.
Tire and Loading Label InformationExample:
Payload
Payload is the combined weightof cargo and passengers that yourvehicle is carrying. The maximumpayload for your vehicle appearson the Tire and Loading label. Thelabel is either on the B-pillar or the
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