2020 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT warning

Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See Load Limit (page 233).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions.
Fit the protective cap when the trailer
towing connector is not in use. Failure to
do so could result in corrosion of the trailer
towing connector.
Note:
You cannot use a seven-pin trailer
wiring connector for your vehicle and the
trailer lighting equipment. Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Running lights
Brown Hitches WARNING: Towing trailers beyond
the maximum recommended gross
trailer weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so that between
10% and 15% of the total trailer weight is
on the tongue.
The hitch rating on the trailer hitch label is
the maximum possible trailer rating. To
find the maximum trailer weight allowed
for your vehicle
See Recommended
Towing Weights (page 239). Further
information is available in the RV and
Trailer Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your
vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them correctly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are
required for safe control of towed vehicles
and trailers weighing more than 1500
pounds (680 kilograms) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps WARNING:
Never connect any
trailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail
lamp wiring; this may damage the
electrical system resulting in fire. Contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible for assistance in proper trailer
tow wiring installation. Additional
electrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard warning
flashers are working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the trailer hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50
miles (80 kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission selector lever in position
P
to aid engine and transmission
cooling and to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• When driving down a long or steep hill,
if your vehicle is fitted with a
SelectShift Automatic® Transmission,
use a low gear. See
Automatic
Transmission (page 176). Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less
effective.
• If the transmission is fitted with Grade
Assist or a Towing feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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It is recommended that your vehicle be
towed with a wheel lift and dollies or
flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a
slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure. If
the vehicle is towed incorrectly, or by any
other means, vehicle damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing
manual for all authorized tow truck
operators. Have your tow truck operator
refer to this manual for proper hook-up
and towing procedures for your vehicle.
You can tow your vehicle from the front
with wheel lift equipment to raise the front
wheels off the ground. We recommend
that you place the rear wheels on a dolly
to prevent damage to the rear of your
vehicle.
You can tow your vehicle from the rear with
wheel lift equipment.
Note:
You must place the front wheels on
a dolly to prevent damage to the
transmission.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed. If your vehicle is disabled and you have no
access to a tow dolly, car-hauling trailer or
a flatbed transport vehicle, it can only be
flat-towed with all wheels on the ground
under the following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward so that
it is towed in a forward direction.
• The transmission selector lever is
placed in position N
. If the transmission
gear shift lever cannot be moved to
position
N, it may need to be
overridden. See Automatic
Transmission (page 176).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Drive off slowly and smoothly without
jerking the vehicle you are towing.
You must only use the towing eye that was
delivered with your vehicle. See
Towing
Points (page 254).
Tow ropes or rigid towing bars must be
placed on the same side. For example; right
hand rear towing point to right hand front
towing point.
You must use a tow rope or rigid towing
bar that is of the correct strength for the
weight of the towing vehicle and the
vehicle that is being towed.
The weight of the vehicle that is being
towed must not exceed the weight of the
towing vehicle.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 114).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km)
. Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first
1,000 mi
(1,600 km).
REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See
Gauges
(page 93).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so. 2. Immediately switch the engine off to
prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 278).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things
such as how you drive, the conditions you
drive under and how you maintain your
vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that
may improve your fuel economy:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving (When running
errands, go to the furthest destination
first and then work your way back
home).
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds.
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.
There are also some things you may want
to avoid doing because they reduce your
fuel economy:
• Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
• Avoid revving the engine before turning
off the car.
• Avoid long idle periods.
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•
Do not warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING:
Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNING: Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury.
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WARNING: Secure the floor mat
to both retention devices so that it
cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Do not place
additional floor mats or any other
covering on top of the original floor mats.
This could result in the floor mat
interfering with the operation of the
pedals. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING: Always make sure that
objects cannot fall into the driver foot
well while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped
under the pedals causing a loss of
vehicle control. To install the floor mats, position the floor
mat eyelet over the retention post and
press down to lock in position.
To remove the floor mat, reverse the
installation procedure.
Note:
Regularly check the floor mats to
make sure they are secure.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting
Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited offers a complimentary
roadside assistance program. This program
is eligible within Canada or the continental
United States.
The service is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
This program is separate from the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverage
is concurrent with the powertrain coverage
period of your vehicle. Canadian roadside
coverage and benefits may differ from the
U.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please call
us in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visit
our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:
If used when the vehicle is not
running, the battery will lose charge. There
may be insufficient power to restart your
vehicle. The hazard warning button is
located on the instrument panel.
Use it when your vehicle is
creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
• Press the button to turn on the hazard
warning function, and the front and
rear direction indicators will flash.
• Press the button again to turn them
off. FUEL SHUTOFF WARNING: If your vehicle has
been involved in a crash, have the fuel
system checked. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in fire, personal
injury or death.
In the event of a moderate to severe crash,
your vehicle is fitted with a fuel pump
shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel
to the engine. Not every impact will cause
a shutoff.
Should the engine turn off after a crash,
you may restart the engine by carrying out
the following.
Ignition Switch
1. Switch the ignition off.
2. Switch the ignition to position
III.
3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Switch the ignition on again to re-enable the fuel pump.
Note: Various system checks are
automatically carried out before the vehicle
will restart. if your vehicle fails to restart
after the third attempt, the system has
detected a fault that requires service. We
recommend you contact an authorized
dealer.
Keyless Starting
(If Equipped)
1. Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once.
2. Press the brake pedal, and then press and release the button once.
3. Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once.
4. Press the brake pedal and then press the button until the engine starts.
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Note:
Various system checks are
automatically carried out before the vehicle
will restart. if your vehicle fails to restart
after the third attempt, the system has
detected a fault that requires service. We
recommend you contact an authorized
dealer.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNING: The gases around the
battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks or lit cigarettes. An explosion
could result in personal injury or vehicle
damage. WARNING:
Batteries contain
sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes
and clothing, if contacted. WARNING:
Use only an
adequate-sized cable with insulated
clamps.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery from
your vehicle ’s electrical system.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note: Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a
vehicle with an automatic transmission may
cause transmission damage.
Note: Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Note: Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch, and switch off
all accessories. Connecting the Jumper Cables WARNING:
Do not attach the
cables to fuel lines, engine rocker covers,
the intake manifold or electrical
components as grounding points. Stay
clear of moving parts. To avoid reverse
polarity connections, make sure that you
correctly identify the positive (+) and
negative (-) terminals on both the
disabled and booster vehicles before
connecting the cables.
Note: In the illustration, the bottom vehicle
represents the booster vehicle. 252
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