Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even AWD vehicles can lose tractionin slick mud. As when you are driving oversand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoidspinning your wheels. If the vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excessmud stuck on tires and rotating driveshaftscauses an imbalance that could damagedrive components.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rearaxle serviced by an authorized dealer.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilities inour nations wilderness areas. Ford MotorCompany joins the U.S. Forest Service andthe Bureau of Land Management inencouraging you to help preserve ournational forest and other public and privatelands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning onsteep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losingtraction, slipping sideways and possiblyrolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,determine beforehand the route you will use.Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the other side.Do not drive in reverse over a hill withoutthe aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should always try todrive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start ina lower gear rather than downshifting to alower 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 cause thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting inloss of vehicle control.
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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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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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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system, tireconstruction and wheel and tire size maychange the handling characteristics of yourvehicle and may adversely affect theperformance of the electronic stabilitycontrol system. In addition, installing anystereo loudspeakers may interfere withand adversely affect the electronic stabilitycontrol system. Install any aftermarketstereo loudspeaker as far as possible fromthe front center console, the tunnel, andthe front seats in order to minimize the riskof interfering with the electronic stabilitycontrol sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the electronic stabilitycontrol system could lead to an increasedrisk of loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy the lawsof physics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theelectronic stability control system is anindication that at least some of the tireshave exceeded their ability to grip theroad; this could reduce the operator’sability to control the vehicle potentiallyresulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control system activates,SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each timeyou switch the ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stability controlor the traction control system, you mayexperience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminates steadily.
•The stability control and traction controlsystems do not enhance your vehicle'sability to maintain traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction control systemyou may experience the following conditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
•A vibration in the brake pedal.
•The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
•If the driving condition is severe and yourfoot is not on the brake, the brake pedalmay move as the system applies higherbrake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
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Stability Control
WARNING: Adaptive cruise controlis not a crash warning or avoidancesystem.
Note:It is your responsibility to stay alert,drive safely and be in control of the vehicleat all times.
The system adjusts your vehicle speed tomaintain the set gap between you and thevehicle in front of you in the same lane. Youcan select four gap settings.
The system uses a radar sensor that projectsa beam directly in front of your vehicle.
The adaptive cruise controls are on thesteering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On
Press and release the button.
The indicator, current gap settingand set speed appear in theinformation display.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Drive to your preferred speed.
Press the toggle button upward ordownward to set the currentspeed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator, current gap setting and setspeed appear in the information display.
Note:When adaptive cruise control is active,the speedometer may vary slightly from theset speed displayed in the informationdisplay.
Following a Vehicle
WARNING: When following a vehicle,your vehicle does not always deceleratequickly enough to avoid a crash withoutdriver intervention. Always apply thebrakes when necessary. Failing to do somay result in a crash, serious injury ordeath.
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Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings
DynamicbehaviorDistance GapGraphicdisplay,bars indic-atedbetweenvehicles
Sport.Closest.1
Normal.Close.2
Normal.Medium.3
Comfort.Far.4
Each time you switch the system on, itselects the last chosen gap setting.
Overriding the Set Speed
WARNING: If you override thesystem by pressing the accelerator pedal,it does not automatically apply the brakesto maintain a gap from any vehicle ahead.
When you press the accelerator pedal, youoverride the set speed and gap distance.
When you override the system, thegreen indicator light illuminatesand the vehicle image does notappear in the information display.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or a lowerspeed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
Press the toggle button upward ordownward to increase or decreasethe set speed in small increments.
Press and hold either direction to changethe set speed in large increments. Releasethe button when you reach your preferredspeed.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal untilyou reach your preferred speed. Press thetoggle button either direction.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release the button, ortap the brake pedal to cancel theset speed.
Note:The set speed is stored.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release to resume theset speed.
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehiclespeeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). Theinformation display indicates low enginespeed, an audible alarm sounds and theautomatic braking releases if the vehicledrops below this speed.
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Detection issues can occur:
With vehicles that edge into yourlane that can only be detectedonce they have moved fully intoyour lane.
A
With motorcyclists that may bedetected late, or not at all.B
With vehicles in front of you whengoing into and coming out of abend. The detection beam doesnot follow sharp curves in the road.
C
In these cases, the system may brake late orunexpectedly. You should stay alert and takeaction when necessary.
If something hits the front end of your vehicleor damage occurs, the radar-sensing zonemay change. This could cause missed orfalse vehicle detection.
System Not Available
Conditions that can cause the system todeactivate or prevent the system fromactivating when requested include:
•A blocked sensor.
•High brake temperature.
•A failure in the system or a relatedsystem.
Blocked Sensor
A message displays if something obstructsthe radar signals from the sensor. Thesensor is in the lower grille. The systemcannot detect a vehicle ahead and does notfunction when something blocks the sensor.
Note:You cannot see the sensor. It is behinda fascia panel.
Keep the front of your vehicle free of dirt,metal badges or objects. Vehicle frontprotectors and aftermarket lights may alsoblock the sensor.
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Switching to Normal Cruise Control
WARNING: Normal cruise control willnot brake when your vehicle isapproaching slower vehicles. Always beaware of which mode you have selectedand apply the brakes when necessary.
The cruise control indicator lightreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator light if you selectnormal cruise control. The gap setting doesnot display, and the system does not respondto lead vehicles. Automatic braking remainsactive to maintain set speed.
You can change from adaptive cruise controlto normal cruise control through theinformation display.
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