To resume operation, switch the ignition offand allow the system to cool down for aminimum of 15 minutes. After the system hascooled down, you will see a brief messagedisplay in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 113).
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Low gear operation willmaximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Tips when driving over sand:
•Keep all four wheels on the most solidarea of the trail.
•Shift to a lower gear.
•Apply the accelerator slowly.
•Drive steadily through the terrain.
•Avoid excessive wheel spin.
•Avoid reducing the tire pressures.
Mud and Water
Mud
Avoid sudden changes in vehicle speed ordirection when you are driving in mud. Evenall-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction inmud. If your vehicle does slide, steer in thedirection of the slide until you regain controlof your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off excessmud stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
Drive slowly through high water. Traction orbrake capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the wheel rims. If the ignitionsystem gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes will not stop your vehicle asquickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressureto the brake pedal while slowly moving thevehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, have the powertransfer unit (PTU) or rear axle serviced byan authorized dealer.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, always try to drivestraight up or straight down the slopingterrain.
Note:To maintain traction and avoidpossibly rolling your vehicle, avoid turningon steep slopes or hills. When you drive ona hill, determine beforehand the route youwill use. Do not drive over a hill without firstseeing what is on the other side. Do not drivein reverse over a hill without the aid of anobserver.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM (If Equipped)
WARNING: Do not use the blind spotinformation system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder before changinglanes. The blind spot information system isnot a replacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavy rainand spray. Always drive with due care andattention. Failure to take care may result ina crash.
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Driving AidsA
A
E124788
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.
Note:The system may not correctly operatewhen towing a trailer. For vehicles with atrailer tow module and tow bar approved byus, the system turns off when you attach atrailer. 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 power steeringsystem has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system. If a fault isdetected, a message displays in theinformation display. Stop your vehicle assoon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignitionoff. After at least 10 seconds, switch theignition on and watch the information displayfor a steering system warning message. If asteering system warning message returns,have the system checked by an authorizeddealer.
WARNING: If the system detects anerror, you may not feel a difference in thesteering, however a serious condition mayexist. Obtain immediate service from anauthorized dealer, failure to do so may resultin loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steeringsystem. There is no fluid reservoir. Nomaintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving, electric power steeringassistance is lost. The steering system stilloperates and you can steer your vehiclemanually. Manually steering your vehiclerequires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort required for you to steer yourvehicle. This increased effort preventsoverheating and permanent damage to thesteering system. You do not lose the abilityto steer your vehicle manually. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers allow thesystem to cool and return to normaloperation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•Correct tire pressures.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspension components.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
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Driving Aids
Exterior Chrome Parts
•Apply a high quality-cleaning product tobumpers and other chrome parts. Followthe manufacturer’s instructions. Werecommend Motorcraft Custom BrightMetal Cleaner.
•Do not apply the cleaning product to hotsurfaces. Do not leave the cleaningproduct on chrome surfaces longer thanthe time recommended.
•Using non-recommended cleaners canresult in severe and permanent cosmeticdamage.
Note:Never use abrasive materials, forexample steel wool or plastic pads as theycan scratch the chrome surface.
Note:Do not use chrome cleaner, metalcleaner or polish on wheels or wheel covers.
Exterior Plastic Parts
For routine cleaning we recommendMotorcraft Detail Wash. If tar or grease spotsare present, we recommend Motorcraft Bugand Tar Remover.
Stripes or Graphics (If Equipped)
Hand washing your vehicle is preferredhowever, pressure washing may be usedunder the following conditions:
•Do not use water pressure higher than2,000 psi (14,000 kPa).
•Do not use water hotter than 179°F (82°C).
•Use a spray with a 40° wide spray anglepattern.
•Keep the nozzle at a 12 in (305 mm)distance and 90° angle to your vehicle'ssurface.
Note:Holding the pressure washer nozzleat an angle to the vehicle's surface maydamage graphics and cause the edges topeel away from the vehicle's surface.
Underbody
Regularly clean the underside of your vehicleusing water. Keep body and door drain holesfree of debris or foreign material.
Under Hood
For removing black rubber marks from underthe hood we recommend Motorcraft Wheeland Tire Cleaner or Motorcraft Bug and TarRemover.
WAXING
Regular waxing is necessary to protect yourcar's paint from the elements. Werecommend that you wash and wax thepainted surface once or twice a year.
When washing and waxing, park your vehiclein a shaded area out of direct sunlight.Always wash your vehicle before applyingwax.
•Use a quality wax that does not containabrasives.
•Follow the manufacturer’s instructions toapply and remove the wax.
•Apply a small amount of wax in aback-and-forth motion, not in circles.
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Vehicle Care
•Do not allow wax to come in contact withany non-body (low-gloss black) coloredtrim. The wax will discolor or stain theparts over time.
•Roof racks.
•Bumpers.
•Grained door handles.
•Side moldings.
•Mirror housings.
•Windshield cowl area.
•Do not apply wax to glass areas.
•After waxing, your car's paint should feelsmooth, and be free of streaks andsmudges.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they areclean because grease and dirt buildup keepthe engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
•Take care when using a power washerto clean the engine. The high-pressurefluid could penetrate the sealed partsand cause damage.
•Do not spray a hot engine with cold waterto avoid cracking the engine block orother engine components.
•Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo andDegreaser on all parts that requirecleaning and pressure rinse clean. InCanada, use Motorcraft Engine Shampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while itis hot or running; water in the runningengine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,spark plug wire or spark plug well, or thearea in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distribution box,and air filter assembly to prevent waterdamage when cleaning the engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmentalfallout can result in windshield and wiperblade contamination. Dirty windshield andwipers will result in poor windshield wiperoperation. Keep the windshield and wiperblades clean to maintain windshield wiperperformance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
•Clean the windshield with a non-abrasiveglass cleaner. When cleaning the interiorof the windshield, avoid getting any glasscleaner on the instrument panel or doorpanels. Wipe any glass cleaner off thesesurfaces immediately.
•For windshields contaminated with treesap, chemicals, wax or bugs, clean theentire windshield using steel wool (nogreater than 0000 grade) in a circularmotion and rinse with water.
•Clean the wiper blades with isopropylrubbing alcohol or windshield washerconcentrate.
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Vehicle Care
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no cooling systemleaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery, werecommend that you disconnect thebattery cables to maintain battery chargefor quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers andpins under your vehicle are covered withgrease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m) every15 days to lubricate working parts andprevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out ofstorage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt orgrease film build-up on window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for anydeterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreignmaterial that may have collected duringstorage such as mice or squirrel nests.
•Check the exhaust for any foreignmaterial that may have collected duringstorage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflationper the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive yourvehicle 15 ft (4.5 m) back and forth toremove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oiland gas) to make sure there are no leaks,and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If you remove the battery, clean thebattery cable ends and check fordamage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have anyconcerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS
The distance between the underside of yourvehicle and the ground is less than that ofother models. Drive with extreme care toavoid damage to your vehicle.
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Vehicle Care
GENERAL INFORMATION
The recommended tire inflation pressuresare found on the Tire Label which is locatedon the B-pillar or the edge of the driver door.This information can also be found on theSafety Compliance Certification Label, affixedto either the door hinge pillar, door-latchpost, or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post; next to the driver’s seatingposition.
We strongly recommend maintaining thesetire pressures at all times. Failure to followthe tire pressure recommendations cancause uneven treadwear patterns, reducedfuel economy, and adversely affect the wayyour vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at least onceper month.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, set thepressure to the highest value given for yourvehicle and tire size combination.
Use only approved wheels and tire sizes,using other sizes could damage your vehicle.
If you change the diameter of the factoryinstalled tires, the speedometer may notdisplay the correct speed. Take your vehicleto an authorized dealer and have the enginemanagement system reprogrammed.
If you intend to change the size of the factoryinstalled tires, check the suitability with anauthorized dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found in the Wheels and Tire section.See Tire Care (page 318).
Notice to utility vehicle and truckowners
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheel drivevehicles) handle differently than vehicles witha lower center of gravity (passenger cars).Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed andabrupt steering in these vehicles. Failure todrive cautiously increases the risk of losingcontrol of your vehicle, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, anunbelted person is significantly more likelyto die than a person wearing a seatbelt.
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Wheels and Tires
The traction grades, from highest tolowest are AA, A, B, and C. The gradesrepresent the tire’s ability to stop on wetpavement as measured under controlledconditions on specified government testsurfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING: The temperature gradefor this tire is established for a tire thatis properly inflated and not overloaded.Excessive speed, underinflation, orexcessive loading, either separately orin combination, can cause heat buildupand possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A (thehighest), B and C, representing the tire’sresistance to the generation of heat andits ability to dissipate heat when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel.Sustained high temperature can causethe material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to sudden tirefailure. The grade C corresponds to alevel of performance which allpassenger car tires must meet under theFederal Motor Vehicle Safety StandardNo. 139. Grades B and A representhigher levels of performance on thelaboratory test wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
*Tire label: A label showing the originalequipment tire sizes, recommendedinflation pressure and the maximumweight the vehicle can carry.
*Tire Identification Number (TIN): Anumber on the sidewall of each tire
providing information about the tirebrand and manufacturing plant, tire sizeand date of manufacture. Also referredto as DOT code.
*Inflation pressure: A measure of theamount of air in a tire.
*Standard load: A class of P-metric orMetric tires designed to carry amaximum load at set pressure. Forexample: For P-metric tires 35 psi(2.4 bar) and for Metric tires 36 psi(2.5 bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure will notincrease the tire’s load carryingcapability.
*Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metrictires designed to carry a heaviermaximum load at 42 psi (2.9 bar).Increasing the inflation pressure beyondthis pressure will not increase the tire’sload carrying capability.
*kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of airpressure.
*PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard
unit of air pressure.
*Cold tire pressure: The tire pressurewhen the vehicle has been stationaryand out of direct sunlight for an hour ormore and prior to the vehicle beingdriven for 1 mi (1.6 km).
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Wheels and Tires