2021 FORD BRONCO SPORT Owners Manual

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Do not apply the brake
pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals
simultaneously for more than a few
seconds will limit engine performance,
which may result in difficulty maintaining
speed in traffic and could lead to serious
injury. WARNING:
When your vehicle is
stationary, keep the brake pedal fully
pressed when shifting gears. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury, death or property
damage. WARNING:
Apply the parking
brake, shift into park (P), switch the
ignition off and remove the key before
you leave your vehicle. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in personal
injury or death.
Note: You may not be able to shift out of
park (P) unless the remote control is inside
your vehicle. Understanding the Shift Positions
of Your Automatic Transmission
Putting your vehicle in or out of gear:
Your vehicle has an electronic transmission
shifter. The transmission selector is on the
center console, below the climate control
system.
To place the vehicle in gear from park (P):
1. Fully press and hold the brake pedal
when shifting out of park (P).
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2. Rotate the outer ring of the
transmission selector clockwise from
park (P), until the desired gear
illuminates on the transmission
selector.
3. Release the brake pedal and the transmission remains in the selected
gear.
The instrument cluster also displays the
current gear.
Park (P)
In park (P), no power transmits to the
driven wheels and the transmission locks.
You can start the engine with the
transmission in this position.
Shift into park (P) only when your vehicle
is stationary.
Note: The electric parking brake could
automatically apply when you shift into park
(P). See Electric Parking Brake (page 177).
Reverse (R)
Shift into reverse (R) only when your
vehicle is stationary and the engine is at
idle speed.
Neutral (N) WARNING:
In neutral (N) your
vehicle has the ability to roll freely. If you
intend to leave your vehicle, make sure
you apply the parking brake.
In neutral (N), no power transmits to the
driven wheels but the transmission does
not lock. You can start the engine with the
transmission in this position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy. Manual (M)
(If Equipped)
With your vehicle in drive (D), press the
manual (M) button to activate manual
mode.
In manual (M), you can upshift or
downshift using the paddle shifters.
Low(L)
(If Equipped)
With your vehicle in drive (D), press the low
(L) button to activate low mode.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• You can shift the transmission into low
(L) at any vehicle speed.
• Is not for use under extended or normal
driving conditions and results in lower
fuel economy.
SelectShift
(If Equipped)
Use this feature to upshift or downshift
using the paddle shifters.
You can only use this feature in drive (D)
or manual (M).
The current gear flashes when you cannot
shift into the requested gear. Pull any paddle to switch the feature on.
Note:
SelectShift in drive (D) provides
temporary manual control of the gear
selection.
• Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (-) to downshift.
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In manual (M), press the manual (M)
button to switch the feature off and return
to drive (D).
Note:
The shift schedule can change with
drive modes. Using drive modes could
change when you can shift into the
requested gear. See Drive Mode Control
(page 223).
Automatic Return to Park
Note: This feature does not operate when
your vehicle is in stay in neutral (N).
Your vehicle has a feature that shifts your
vehicle into park (P) when any of the
following conditions occur:
• You switch the vehicle off.
• You open the driver door with your
seatbelt unlatched.
• You unlatch your seatbelt when the
driver door is open.
If you switch your vehicle off when moving,
the vehicle first shifts into neutral (N) until
it slows down enough to shift into park (P).
Note: If you have waited for more than two
minutes before starting your vehicle,
unlatching your seatbelt causes this feature
to activate, even with the driver door closed.
Note: This feature may not work properly
if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If
your door ajar indicator does not illuminate
when you open the driver door or the
indicator illuminates with the driver door
closed, see your authorized dealer.
Stay in Neutral Mode
Stay in neutral mode allows your vehicle
to stay in neutral when you exit your
vehicle. Your vehicle must be stationary to
enter this mode.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode. Note:
Stay in neutral is a temporary vehicle
state with the ignition off. Once in this
mode, sufficient battery voltage must be
maintained or your vehicle returns to park.
Not maintaining sufficient battery voltage
could damage the battery which the vehicle
warranty would not cover.
Note: When entering an automatic car
wash, always shift to neutral (N). If you are
exiting the vehicle before the car wash, stay
in neutral mode is available.
To enter stay in neutral mode
1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine running, press and hold the brake
pedal.
3. Shift in neutral (N).
Note: When in neutral (N), a message
appears in the display screen informing you
how to access stay in neutral mode.
4. Press the manual (M), or low (L) button in the middle of the
transmission selector to enter stay in
neutral mode.
Note: A message appears in the display
screen confirming your vehicle is in stay in
neutral mode. The neutral (N) indicator light
on the transmission selector slowly flashes.
5. Release the brake pedal.
6. Switch the ignition off.
To exit stay in neutral mode, place your
foot on the brake pedal and shift into park
(P), or start the engine and shift into drive
(D) or reverse (R).
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Manual Park Release
WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheel
chocks if appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable
1. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 177).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could use an external power source to
apply the parking brake. 2. Locate the manual park release cable
access cover on the lower instrument
panel dash to the bottom left-hand
side of the steering column.
3. Using a tool or the key blade, carefully open the access cover.
Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in
the driver seat.
4. Switch the ignition on, but do not start
your vehicle. 5. Once in the driver seat, fully press the
brake pedal and hold. Do not release.
Pull the orange tether towards the
driver seat until the tether gets locked
in the override position. Then leave the
tether.
6. If done correctly, a message on the instrument cluster displays Park Not
Available, Transmission Not in Park, or
Shift System Fault.
Note: Your vehicle is now out of the park
(P) position and is free to roll.
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7.
With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake. See Electric Parking Brake
(page 177).
8. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
9. Switch off the ignition.
10. Once it is safe to do so and there is no risk that your vehicle will roll,
disconnect the negative, black
battery cable from the battery. If the
vehicle rolls before disconnecting the
battery, the electric parking brake
could apply. You may need to release
the parking brake again. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 177).
Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative, black battery cable to the
battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 177). Note:
If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could use an external power source to
apply the parking brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether
outward toward the driver seat to
release it from the override position.
4. The cable releases and retracts back to its original rest position.
5. Stow the manual park release cable tether back inside the instrument panel
dash hole, install the access cover by
pressing it back in position.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P).
7. If the instrument cluster is not displaying the park (P) position or a
message displays on the instrument
cluster screen, make sure you apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle. Contact an authorized dealer
for service.
Information Messages Details
Message
The system detects a fault that requires
service. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Transmission Malfunction Service Now
Displays when you shift into neutral (N).
Select M To Confirm Stay In Neutral Mode
Displays when you shift into neutral (N).
Select L to Confirm Stay in Neutral Mode
Displays to confirm that your vehicle hasentered Stay in Neutral mode.
Stay in Neutral Mode Engaged
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If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
rock it out by shifting between forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires could occur, or the engine could
overheat.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the rear wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously making
adjustments to the torque distribution, in
an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,
a message appears in the information
display.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
A graphic displays in the information
display to advise you of the power
distribution between the front and rear
wheels. The more the area is filled, the
more power is being distributed to that
wheel.
Note:
Four-wheel drive is also called 4WD
and 4x4. Note:
Do not use the four-wheel drive lock,
the rear differential lock or off-road
selectable drive modes on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. These features
are only intended for consistently slippery
or loose surfaces. Operating your vehicle
outside of these conditions could subject
the vehicle to excessive stress, which may
result in damage not covered under your
warranty. See Drive Mode Control (page
223).
Note: When a system malfunction is
present, a warning message is displayed in
the information display. See
Information
Messages (page 104). This means the
system is not functioning correctly and has
defaulted to front-wheel drive only. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: A message is displayed in the
information display if the system overheats
and switches to front-wheel drive. This
condition could occur if you operate your
vehicle in extreme high-load conditions or
with excessive wheel slip, for example deep
sand. To resume four-wheel drive function
as soon as possible, stop your vehicle in a
safe location and switch the ignition off for
a minimum of 10 minutes. After the system
cools, normal four-wheel drive functionality
resumes.
Note: If a warning message appears in the
information display when using the spare
tire, it turns off after reinstalling the repaired
or replaced road tire and you perform a key
cycle.
Note: It is recommended that you reinstall
the repaired tire or replace the tire as soon
as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes could
cause system damage or default the system
to front-wheel drive.
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Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive has operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from front-wheel drive, both on
and off the freeway.
When driving at slow speeds under
high-load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation maximizes
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the air
conditioning may cycle on and off to
prevent the engine from overheating.
Note:
It may be useful to select the most
appropriate drive mode to most effectively
maximize vehicle performance. See Drive
Mode Control (page 223).
Note: It may be useful to switch traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain conditions or if
your vehicle becomes stuck.
Note: If the front or rear axle is submerged
in water, check the rear axle lubricant and
power transfer unit lubricant and change if
necessary.
See Driving Through Water
Limitations (page 246).
Basic Operating Principles
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water, gravel,
snow or ice, proceed with care.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been
reduced, ease your vehicle back onto the
road. Do not turn the steering wheel
sharply while returning your vehicle to the
road. It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You could lose
control if you do not slow down or if you
turn the steering wheel too sharply or
abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control, or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others is your
primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency where a
sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle, for example, turn the steering
wheel only as rapidly and as far as required
to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering
can result in loss of vehicle control. Apply
smooth pressure to the accelerator pedal
or brake pedal when changes in vehicle
speed are required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle rollover, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
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 your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another, for example, from
concrete to gravel, there will be a change
in the way your vehicle responds to a
maneuver, for example, steering,
acceleration or braking.
Note:
For off-road driving,
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