USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) uses all four wheels
to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot. The AWD system is
active all the time and requires no input from
the operator.
Note:
Your vehicle may be equipped with
Dynamic Torque Vectoring. This feature uses
all four wheels to power the vehicle and
independently controls the torque to each
rear wheel. In addition, the system has the
ability to over speed the outside rear wheel
in a turn. This increases traction and
handling performance, allowing the vehicle
to travel through road conditions and have
path following capability superior to
conventional two-wheel drive and AWD
vehicles. The Dynamic Torque Vectoring
system is active all the time and requires no
input from the operator. Note:
Your AWD vehicle is not intended for
off-road use. The AWD feature gives your
vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in
which driving surfaces are relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to
normal on-road driving conditions. Operating
your vehicle under other than those
conditions could subject the vehicle to
excessive stress which might result in
damage which is not covered under your
warranty.
Note: When an AWD system fault is present,
the warning AWD Malfunction Service
Required displays in the information display.
The AWD system is not functioning correctly
and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When
this warning displays, have your vehicle
serviced at an authorized dealer. Note:
The
AWD OFF message may also
appear in the information display if the AWD
system overheats and defaults to front-wheel
drive. This may occur if the vehicle is
operated in extreme conditions with
excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand.
To resume normal AWD function as soon as
possible, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.
After the engine has been restarted and the
AWD system has adequately cooled, the
AWD OFF
message will turn off and normal
AWD function returns. If the engine is not
stopped, the
AWD OFF message turns off
when the system cools and normal AWD
function returns.
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acceleration or braking which could result
in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal
injury. Use all available road surface to
return the vehicle to a safe direction of
travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (that is, from concrete
to gravel) there will be a change in the
way the vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
Most of the time traction control improves
tire traction by managing wheel slip through
Brake, Engine, and AWD calibrations.
However, during low speed driving, disabling
traction control in deep sand can help keep
the wheels moving to maintain vehicle
momentum. When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning the wheels.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This could cause
the AWD system to overheat and default to
front-wheel drive. If this occurs, an AWD OFF
message displays in the information display.
To resume normal AWD function as soon as
possible, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.
After the engine has been restarted and the
AWD system has adequately cooled, the
AWD OFF message turns off and normal
AWD function returns. In the event the
engine is not stopped, the
AWD OFF
message turns off when the system cools
and normal AWD function returns.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use L (Low)
gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability. Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and cause
the vehicle to become stuck to the point that
assistance may be required from another
vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with
caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may be
limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of
the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.
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Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. As when you are driving over
sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does
slide, steer in the direction of the slide until
you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage
drive components.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,
have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rear
axle serviced by an authorized dealer. Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:
Avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing
traction, slipping sideways and possibly
rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,
determine beforehand the route you will use.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without
the aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down a
hill or steep incline, you should always try to
drive straight up or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in
a lower gear rather than downshifting to a
lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location. Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating. Do
not descend in neutral; instead, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose control. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.
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Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump
” the
brakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end
of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle. Note:
Your vehicle may have original
equipment tires designed to optimize the
performance of your vehicle in dry or wet
summer road conditions. If your vehicle is
equipped with such tires, we recommend
using a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of winter
tires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mix
winter tires and performance tires between
axles or degraded traction and handling
characteristics could result.
Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over
two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
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Direction of travel.
A
Steering wheel rotation.
B
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
won ’t stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for stopping.
Drive slower than usual and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, apply the brake steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not “pump ” the brakes. See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 194). Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and tested
to provide predictable performance whether
loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lowering kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts
not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such
as ladder or luggage racks).
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A
B
GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels
(page 331). See
Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 104).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes. Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes
stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm
pressure to the brake pedal to slow the
vehicle and reduce engine power. If you
experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move
the transmission to park (P), switch the
engine off and apply the parking brake.
Inspect the accelerator pedal for any
interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake rapidly
by measuring the rate at which you press the
brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal,
and can reduce stopping distances in critical
situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily illuminates
when you switch the ignition on.
If the light does not illuminate
during start up, remains on or flashes, the
system may be disabled. Have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. If the
anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. It also
illuminates momentarily when you switch the
ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional.
If it does not illuminate when you switch the
ignition on or begins to flash at any time,
have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
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Pull the switch upward and hold it.
The red warning lamp illuminates,
a tone sounds and the stoplamps
turn on.
The electric parking brake continues to slow
your vehicle down unless you release the
switch.
Manually Releasing the Electric Parking
Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off. If it remains illuminated or flashes, the system
has malfunctioned. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing a
Trailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch upward and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until engine has
developed sufficient torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the hill. Release the switch and pull away
in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear. Press the accelerator pedal and pull away in
a normal manner. The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, the electric
parking brake has not released. Manually
release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric Parking Brake if
the Vehicle Battery is Running Out of
Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehicle
battery to release the electric parking brake
if the vehicle battery is running out of charge.
See Jump Starting the Vehicle (page 267).
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Press the Auto Hold button to switch the
system on and off. The Auto Hold indicator
light illuminates in the Auto Hold button
when the system is on.
Note:
You can only switch Auto Hold on if
you close the door and fasten your seatbelt. Note:
Auto Hold remembers the last on or
off setting when you start your vehicle.
Note: When in reverse (R), Auto Hold does
not function.
When Auto Hold is off, your vehicle behaves
the same as a vehicle without Auto Hold.
There is an Auto Hold indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster that has two modes, active
and unavailable: The Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator
light illuminates in the information
display when the system holds
your vehicle stationary. When in active mode,
press the brake pedal and the Auto Hold
button to switch Auto Hold off. The Auto Hold (UNAVAILABLE)
indicator light illuminates in the
information display when the
system is on but unavailable to hold your
vehicle (for example, during Active Park
Assist, Stay in Neutral Mode, or when you
do not fasten your seatbelt or close the
door). Note:
Make sure you switch off Auto Hold
or use the Stay in Neutral mode before you
enter a car wash. See Automatic
Transmission (page 178).
Using Auto Hold
1. Bring your vehicle to a stop by pressing the brake pedal. After coming to a stop,
the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE) indicator
lamp illuminates in the information
display.
2. Release the brake pedal. The Auto Hold
(ACTIVE) indicator light remains
illuminated in the information display and
Auto Hold will hold your vehicle at a stop.
3. When you press the accelerator pedal, Auto Hold releases the brakes and you
will be able to drive off. Once you drive
off, the green Auto Hold (ACTIVE)
indicator no longer illuminates in the
information display.
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