If the service engine soon indicator remainson, have your vehicle serviced at the firstavailable opportunity. Although somemalfunctions detected by the OBD-II may nothave symptoms that are apparent, continueddriving with the service engine soon indicatoron can result in increased emissions, lowerfuel economy, reduced engine andtransmission smoothness and lead to morecostly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection andMaintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and localgovernments may haveInspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs toinspect the emission control equipment onyour vehicle. Failure to pass this inspectioncould prevent you from getting a vehicleregistration.
If the service engine soon indicatoris on or the bulb does not work,your vehicle may need service.See On-Board Diagnostics.
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if theservice engine soon indicator is on or notworking properly (bulb is burned out), or ifthe OBD-II system has determined that someof the emission control systems have notbeen properly checked. In this case, thevehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission hasjust been serviced, or the battery hasrecently run down or been replaced, theOBD-II system may indicate that the vehicleis not ready for I/M testing. To determine ifthe vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn theignition key to the on position for 15 secondswithout cranking the engine. If the serviceengine soon indicator blinks eight times, itmeans that the vehicle is not ready for I/Mtesting; if the service engine soon indicatorstays on solid, it means that your vehicle isready for I/M testing.
The OBD-II system checks the emissioncontrol system during normal driving. Acomplete check may take several days.
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, youcan perform the following driving cycleconsisting of mixed city and highway driving:
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on anexpressway or highway followed by 20minutes of stop-and-go driving with atleast four 30-second idle periods.
2.Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eighthours with the ignition off. Then, start thevehicle and complete the above drivingcycle. The vehicle must warm up to itsnormal operating temperature. Oncestarted, do not turn off the vehicle untilthe above driving cycle is complete.
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,you need to repeat the above driving cycle.
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Engine Emission Control
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Always apply the parkingbrake fully and make sure you shift intopark (P). Switch the ignition off and removethe key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING: Do not apply the brakepedal and accelerator pedalsimultaneously. Applying both pedalssimultaneously for more than a fewseconds will limit engine performance,which may result in difficulty maintainingspeed in traffic and could lead to seriousinjury.
Understanding the Positions of YourAutomatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in gear:
1. Fully press down the brake pedal.
2.Move the gearshift lever into the desiredgear.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in park (P).
Park (P)
With the transmission in park (P), your vehiclelocks the transmission and prevents thewheels from turning. Always come to acomplete stop before putting your vehicleinto and out of park (P).
Reverse (R)
With the selector in reverse (R), your vehiclemoves backward. Always come to acomplete stop before shifting into and outof reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the selector in neutral (N), your vehiclecan be started and is free to roll. Hold thebrake pedal down while in this position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position forthe best fuel economy. The overdrivefunction allows automatic upshifts anddownshifts through all gears.
Sport (S)
Putting the vehicle in sport (S):
•Provides additional engine braking andextends lower gear operation to enhanceperformance for uphill climbs, hilly terrainor mountainous areas. This will increaseengine RPM during engine braking.
•Provides additional lower gear operationthrough the automatic transmission shiftstrategy.
•Provides gear selection more quickly andat higher engine speeds.
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TransmissionPRNDS
E142628
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out ofpark (P) position with the ignition in the onposition and the brake pedal pressed, amalfunction may have occurred. It is possiblethat a fuse has blown or your vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. See FuseSpecification Chart (page 262).
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lampsare working properly, the followingprocedure will allow you to move thegearshift lever from park (P):
1.Apply the parking brake, turn the ignitionoff and remove the key.
2. Remove the access plug on the side ofthe center console.
3. Apply the brake pedal. Using a suitabletool (for example, a screwdriver), pushthe brake-shift interlock override leverforward while pulling the gearshift leverout of park (P) and into neutral (N).
4. Install the access plug on side of thecenter console.
5. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle,and release the parking brake.
Automatic Transmission AdaptiveLearning
This feature may increase durability andprovide consistent shift feel over the life ofyour vehicle. A new vehicle or transmissionmay have firm shifts, soft shifts or both. Thisoperation is considered normal and does notaffect function or durability of thetransmission. Over time, the adaptivelearning process fully updates transmissionoperation.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
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 minute or damage to the transmission andtires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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TransmissionE224615
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)
acceleration or braking which could resultin an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and/or personalinjury. Use all available road surface toreturn the vehicle to a safe direction oftravel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another (that is, from concreteto gravel) there will be a change in theway the vehicle responds to a maneuver(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
Most of the time traction control improvestire traction by managing wheel slip throughBrake, Engine, and AWD calibrations.However, during low speed driving, disablingtraction control in deep sand can help keepthe wheels moving to maintain vehiclemomentum.
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shiftto a lower gear and drive steadily throughthe terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This couldcause the AWD system to overheat anddefault to front-wheel drive. If this occurs,an AWD OFF message displays in theinformation display. To resume normal AWDfunction as soon as possible, stop the vehiclein a safe location and stop the engine for atleast 10 minutes. After the engine has beenrestarted and the AWD system hasadequately cooled, the AWD OFF messageturns off and normal AWD function returns. In the event the engine is not stopped, theAWD OFF message turns off when thesystem cools and normal AWD functionreturns.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high outside temperatures, use L (Low)gear when possible. L (Low) gear operationwill maximize the engine and transmissioncooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/Cmay cycle on and off to protect overheatingof the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you and causethe vehicle to become stuck to the point thatassistance may be required from anothervehicle. Remember, you may be able to backout the way you came if you proceed withcaution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability may belimited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth; avoid water higher than the bottomof the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom ofthe hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceedslowly. If the ignition system gets wet, thevehicle may stall.
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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)
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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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143950
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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All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949
If the system detects a degradedperformance condition, a message warningof a blocked sensor will appear in theinformation display. Also the system alertindicators will remain ON and the system willno longer provide any vehicle warnings. Youcan clear the information display warning butthe alert indicators will remain illuminated.
A "blocked" condition can be cleared in twoways:
•After the blockage in front of the sensorsis removed or the rainfall/snowfall ratedecreases or stops, drive for a fewminutes in traffic to allow the sensors todetect passing vehicles.
•By cycling the ignition from ON to OFFand then back ON.
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensors maydetect the trailer thus causing a false alert.It may be desirable to turn the Blind SpotInformation System off if the false alertsbecome annoying.
System Errors
If the system senses a problem with the leftor right sensor, the telltale will illuminate anda message will appear in the informationdisplay. See Information Messages (page112).
System Limitations
The system does have its limitations;situations such as severe weather conditionsor debris build-up on the sensor may limitvehicle detection.
The following are other situations that maylimit the system:
•Certain maneuvering of vehicles enteringand exiting the blind zone.
•Vehicles passing through the blind zoneat very fast rates.
•When several vehicles forming a convoypass through the blind zone.
Switching the System Off and On
You can temporarily switch the Blind SpotInformation System off in the informationdisplay. See General Information (page 105).When the Blind Spot Information Systemswitches off, you will not receive alerts andthe information display shows a system offmessage. The telltale in the cluster alsoilluminates. When you switch the Blind SpotInformation System on or off, the alertindicators flash twice.
Note:The system switches back on everytime you start your vehicle.
You can also have the Blind Spot InformationSystem switched off permanently at anauthorized dealer. Once switched offpermanently, the system can only beswitched back on at an authorized dealer.
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Driving Aids