
USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-wheel drive uses all four wheels to powerthe vehicle. This increases traction, enablingyou to drive over terrain and road conditionsthat a conventional two-wheel drive vehiclecannot. The AWD system is active all the timeand requires no input from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended foroff-road use. The AWD feature gives yourvehicle some limited off-road capabilities inwhich driving surfaces are relatively level,obstruction-free and otherwise similar tonormal on-road driving conditions. Operatingyour vehicle under other than thoseconditions could subject the vehicle toexcessive stress which might result indamage which is not covered under yourwarranty.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present,the warning Check AWD displays in theinformation display. The AWD system is notfunctioning correctly and defaults tofront-wheel drive. When this warningdisplays, have your vehicle serviced at anauthorized dealer.
Note: The AWD OFF message may alsoappear in the information display if the AWDsystem overheats and defaults to front-wheeldrive. This may occur if the vehicle isoperated in extreme conditions withexcessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume normal AWD function as soon aspossible, stop the vehicle in a safe locationand stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has been restarted and theAWD system has adequately cooled, theAWD OFF message will turn off and normalAWD function returns. If the engine is notstopped, the AWD OFF message turns offwhen the system cools and normal AWDfunction returns.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

All-Wheel Drive Messages
Action / DescriptionAWD Messages
Displays if the AWD system disables to protect itself. This may occurif you operate the vehicle after installing the compact spare tire, if thesystem is overheating or if there is an issue with another vehiclesystem that prevents the AWD system from operating. The AWDsystem resumes normal operation and clears this message after youinstall the road tire and you switch the ignition on and off, or after youallow the system to cool. If this message remains on, have a qualifiedtechnician service your vehicle to repair other vehicle systems.
AWD OFF
Displayed in conjunction with the powertrain malfunction/reducedpower light when the system is not operating properly. If the warningstays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer assoon as possible.
Check AWD
Operating AWD Vehicles With SpareTires
A spare tire of a different size other than thetire provided should never be used. TheAWD system may disable automatically andenter front-wheel drive only mode to protectdriveline components if a non-full sized tireis installed. This condition may display an
AWD OFF message in the informationdisplay. If there is an AWD OFF message inthe information display from using a non-fullsized spare tire, this indicator should turn offafter reinstalling the repaired or replacednormal road tire and cycling the ignition offand on. It is recommended to reinstall therepaired or replaced road tire as soon aspossible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between
the front and rear axles (for example, 17 inchlow profile tires on the front axle and 22 inchhigh profile tires on the rear axle) couldcause the AWD system to stop functioningand default to front-wheel drive or damagethe AWD system.
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Operating AWD Vehicles WithMismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacementtires and wheels that are the same size,load index, speed rating and type (such asP-metric versus LT-metric or all-seasonversus all-terrain) as those originallyprovided by Ford. The recommended tireand wheel size may be found on either theSafety Compliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or the Tire Labelwhich is located on the B-Pillar or edge ofthe driver's door. If this information is notfound on these labels, then you shouldcontact your authorized dealer as soon aspossible. 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 vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.
WARNING: The use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels couldcause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure. If youhave questions regarding tire replacement,contact your authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the frontand rear axles (for example, 17 inch lowprofile tires on the front axle and 22 inch highprofile tires on the rear axle) could cause theAWD system to stop functioning and defaultto front-wheel drive or damage the AWDsystem. However, the AWD system iscapable of tolerating any combination of newand worn tires of the same original tire size. For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1new tread tire all of the same original tiresize, can be tolerated by the AWD system.
Driving In Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving onsand, snow, mud and rough roads and haveoperating characteristics that are somewhatdifferent from conventional vehicles, both onand off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use a lowgear when possible. Lower gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
Basic operating principles in specialconditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving onpavement made slippery by loose sand,water, gravel, snow or ice.
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If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of thePavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of thepavement, slow down, but avoid severebrake application, ease the vehicle backonto the pavement only after reducingyour speed. Do not turn the steeringwheel too sharply while returning to theroad surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron orshoulder of the road and slow downgradually before returning to thepavement. You may lose control if youdo not slow down or if you turn thesteering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike smallobjects, such as highway reflectors, withminor damage to your vehicle rather thanattempt a sudden return to the pavementwhich could cause the vehicle to slidesideways out of control or rollover.Remember, your safety and the safety ofothers should be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING: Always fully apply theparking brake. Make sure you shift intopark (P) for vehicles with an automatictransmission. Switch the ignition off andremove the key whenever you leave yourvehicle.
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warning lampremains illuminated, the brakes may notbe working properly. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow itmay be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is equipped withAdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, itmay be beneficial to disengage theAdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™system while attempting to rock the vehicle.
Emergency Maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must bemade, remember to avoid "over-driving"your vehicle (that is, turn the steeringwheel only as rapidly and as far asrequired to avoid the emergency).Excessive steering will result in lessvehicle control, not more. Additionally,smooth variations of the acceleratorand/or brake pedal pressure should beutilized if changes in vehicle speed arecalled for. Avoid abrupt steering,
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Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating. Donot descend in neutral; instead, disengageoverdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.When descending a steep hill, avoid suddenhard braking as you could lose control. Thefront wheels have to be turning in order tosteer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, thereforeapply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tire chainsor cables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear endof your vehicle slides while cornering, steerin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causedriveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WDvehicles in snow and ice but can skid likeany other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow and ice.Apply the accelerator slowly and steadilywhen starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better than atwo-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, itwon’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles for stopping.Drive slower than usual and consider usingone of the lower gears. In emergencystopping situations, apply the brake steadily.Since your vehicle is equipped with a fourwheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. SeeHints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes(page 188).
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels(page 310).
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country for which yourvehicle was originally built, your brake lampsmay flash during heavy braking. Followingthis, your hazard lights may also flash whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 101).
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 pedal becomesstuck or entrapped, apply steady and firmpressure to the brake pedal to slow thevehicle and reduce engine power. If youexperience this condition, apply the brakesand bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Movethe transmission to park (P), switch theengine off and apply the parking brake.Inspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you rapidly brakeby measuring the rate at which you press thebrake pedal. It provides maximum brakingefficiency as long as you press the pedal. Itcan also reduce stopping distances in criticalsituations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If it illuminates when you aredriving, this indicates amalfunction. Your vehiclecontinues to have normal braking withoutthe anti-lock brake system function. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer.
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It illuminates when you engage theparking brake and the ignition ison.
If it illuminates when your vehicleis moving, make sure the parkingbrake is disengaged. If the parking brake isdisengaged, this indicates low brake fluidlevel or a brake system fault. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
It also momentarily illuminates when youswitch the ignition on to confirm the lamp isfunctional. If it does not illuminate when youswitch the ignition on, or begins to flash atany time, have the system checked by anauthorized dealer.
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.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always set the parkingbrake fully and make sure the transmissionis locked in park (P). Failure to set theparking brake and engage park couldresult in vehicle roll-away, propertydamage or bodily injury.
To set the parking brake, press the parkingbrake pedal down to its fullest extent. Thebrake warning lamp in the instrument clusterwill illuminate and remains illuminated untilthe parking brake is released.
To release the parking brake, press theparking brake pedal down again.
If you are parking your vehicle on a grade orwith a trailer, press and hold the brake pedaldown, then set the parking brake. There maybe a little vehicle movement as the parkingbrake sets to hold the vehicle's weight. Thisis normal and should be no reason forconcern. If needed, press and hold theservice brake pedal down, then tryreapplying the parking brake. Chock thewheels if required. If the parking brakecannot hold the weight of the vehicle, theparking brake may need to be serviced orthe vehicle may be overloaded.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drivewheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheels and,when needed, reduces engine power at thesame time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The stability and tractioncontrol light illuminates steadily if thesystem detects a failure. Make sure youdid not manually disable the tractioncontrol system using the informationdisplay controls or the switch. If the stabilitycontrol and traction control light is still
illuminating steadily, have the systemserviced by an authorized dealerimmediately. Operating your vehicle withthe traction control disabled could lead toan increased risk of loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Note:When you switch traction control off,stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, amessage appears in the information displayshowing system status.
You can switch the system off by either usingthe information display controls or the switch.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in theinformation display. See General Information(page 105).
Using a Switch (If Equipped)
Use the traction control switch on theinstrument panel to switch the system off oron.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
The stability and traction controllight:
•Temporarily illuminates on enginestart-up.
•Flashes when a driving conditionactivates either of the systems.
•Illuminates if a problem occurs in eitherof the systems.
The stability and traction controloff light temporarily illuminates onengine start-up and stays on whenyou switch the traction control system off.
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