2023 FORD BRONCO brake

•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engineand transmission cooling and to helpA/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off when you aretowing on long, steep slopes.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not continuouslyapply the brakes, as they may overheatand become less effective.
•If your transmission has Grade Assistor Tow/Haul, use this feature whentowing. This provides engine brakingand helps eliminate excessivetransmission shifting for optimum fueleconomy and transmission cooling.
•Your vehicle has AdvanceTrac with rollstability control. When towing a trailer,additional loads could cause theAdvanceTrac system to engage duringcornering maneuvers. Reduce corneringspeeds to make sure that you canmaintain control of the vehicle andtrailer if the AdvanceTrac systemengages.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andgradually brake.
•Avoid parking on a slope. However, ifyou must park on a slope, turn thesteering wheel to point your vehicletires away from traffic flow, set theparking brake, place the transmissionin park (P) and place wheel chocks infront and back of the trailer wheels.
Note:Chocks are not included with yourvehicle.
LAUNCHING OR RETRIEVING
A BOAT OR PERSONAL
WATERCRAFT
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding 6 in (15 cm) could allow waterto enter vehicle components, causinginternal damage to the components andaffecting driveability, emissions andreliability.
Note:Replace the rear axle lubricantanytime the rear axle has been submergedin water.
Note:Disconnect the trailer wiringconnector before backing the trailer into thewater.
Note:Reconnect the trailer wiringconnector after removing the trailer fromthe water.
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WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM LOADEDTRAILER WEIGHT
The maximum loaded trailerweight is the highest possibleweight of a fully loaded trailer thevehicle can tow.
CALCULATING THE MAXIMUMLOADED TRAILER WEIGHT FORYOUR VEHICLE
1.Start with the gross combinedweight rating for your vehiclemodel and axle ratio.
2.Subtract all of the followingthat apply to your vehicle:
•Vehicle curb weight.
•Hitch hardware weight, forexample a draw bar, ball, locksor weight distributing hardware.
•Driver weight.
•Passenger weight.
•Payload, cargo and luggageweight.
•Aftermarket equipment weight.
This equals the maximum loadedtrailer weight for this combination.
Note:The trailer tongue load isconsidered part of the payload foryour vehicle. Reduce the totalpayload by the final trailer tongueweight.
Note:Consult an authorized dealerto determine the maximum trailerweight allowed for your vehicle ifyou are not sure.
TOWING A TRAILER – TROUBLESHOOTING
TOWING A TRAILER – INFORMATION MESSAGES
DetailsMessage
The trailer sway control detects trailersway. Reduce the vehicle's speed.Trailer Sway Reduce Speed
Verify the trailer brake connections aresecure and that the aftermarket trailerbrake controller device is correctly installed.Perform a trailer brake and trailer lightcheck if possible. If the message persists,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Trailer brake system fault See manual
Perform a trailer brake and trailer lightcheck if possible. If the message persists,have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Trailer brake module fault
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HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
Trailer Sway Control
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces enginetorque to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stabilitycontrol lamp flashes and the messageTrailer Sway Reduce Speed appears inthe information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so. Check the vertical weight on thetow ball and trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss ofvehicle control, serious injury or death.Ford does not recommend disabling thisfeature except in situations where speedreduction may be detrimental (such ashill climbing), the driver has significanttrailer towing experience, and can controltrailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature only activates whensignificant trailer sway occurs.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Towing.
3.Switch Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you startyour vehicle.
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OFF-ROAD DRIVING
WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Bronco 4x4 Systems
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle onunsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,rocks, sand and mud.
Your vehicle has been designed andequipped to explore those places wherethe road cannot take you, whether youchoose a forest trail or the open desert.
OFF-ROAD DRIVINGPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
Before going off-road, consult with yourlocal governmental agencies to determinedesignated off-road trails and recreationareas. Also, be sure to understand anyoff-road vehicle registration requirementsfor the area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nation’s wilderness areas. The U.S.Forest Service and Bureau of LandManagement is encouraging you to helppreserve our national forest and otherpublic and private lands by treading lightly.
Before taking your vehicle off-road,perform a basic vehicle inspection to makesure the vehicle is in top working condition.
Before you venture off road, have a clearmental picture of the underside of yourvehicle. Learn the location of any lowhanging items and any skid plates that maybe on the vehicle. You can avoid snaggingthem on rocks and other obstacles if youknow where they are.
Memorizing some basic dimensions helpsyou confidently deal with off-roadobstacles. Get to know your vehicle’sheight and width, its lowest point, itswading depth and angles. Familiarizeyourself with your vehicle’s on-boardtechnology features.
We recommend driving at least twovehicles when driving off-road. The buddysystem helps make sure that help is closeat hand should a vehicle become stuck ordamaged.
We recommend taking supplies such as afirst aid kit, supply of water, tow strap andcell or satellite phone with you any timeyou plan an off-road excursion.
Note:Remove the front license plate beforeoff-road driving to achieve optimalperformance.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVINGTECHNIQUES
Grip the steering wheel with your thumbson the outside of the rim. This reduces therisk of injury due to abrupt steering wheelmotions that occur when negotiating roughterrain.
Control your throttle, brake and steeringinputs in a smooth manner. Sudden inputsto the controls can cause a loss of tractionfor the vehicle, especially when on slopedterrain or crossing obstacles such as rocksor logs.
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Look ahead on your route noting upcomingobstacles, surface texture or color changesor any other factors which may indicate achange in available traction. Adjust thevehicle speed and route to avoid a loss intraction. Conditions can change causingthe course to vary day to day. Markobstacles with GPS markers to avoidpotential vehicle damage. Wherenecessary, get out of your vehicle andcheck the terrain.
When driving off-road, if the front or rearsuspension is bottoming-out or excessivecontact with the skid-plates is happening,reduce the vehicle's speed to avoidpotential damage to your vehicle.
If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure toleave ample distance between your vehicleand any other vehicles to allow foradequate vision.
When driving off-road verify that yourwipers and washers are working properlyand reduce your speed for better visibility.
When driving in desert conditions, werecommend driving with your headlampson to help other drivers easily see you.
When convoying with other vehicles, werecommend that communication is used,and the lead vehicle notify other vehiclesof upcoming obstacles.
Keep available ground clearance in mindand pick a route that minimizes the risk ofcatching the underside of the vehicle onan obstacle.
When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure in conjunctionwith the throttle allows you to negotiatethe obstacle in a more controlled manner.
Driving off-road requires a high amount ofconcentration. Even if your local law doesnot prohibit drinking alcohol when drivingoff-road we do not recommend it.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Driving In Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle. Ifyour vehicle slides when driving on snowyor icy roads, turn the steering wheel in thedirection of the slide until you regaincontrol. Avoid sudden applications ofpower and quick changes of direction onsnow and ice. Slowly and steadily applythe accelerator when starting from a fullstop. Avoid sudden braking.
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehiclesfor stopping.
In emergency stopping situations, do notpump the brake pedal, apply the brakefirmly.
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Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Drive through the terrain without varyingvehicle speed. Apply the accelerator andavoid excessive wheel slip.
Use the vehicle's momentum to maintainforward motion in sand. Avoid coming toa stop on steep sand slopes as the vehiclemay not be able to continue forward afterit has stopped.
Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud.
Even four-wheel drive vehicles can losetraction in slick mud. If your vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to the wheels and tires and rotatingdriveshafts. Excess mud stuck on thewheels and tires and rotating driveshaftscan cause an imbalance that coulddamage drive components.
Note:The vehicle brakes are less effectivewhen wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Gravel is a constantly changing, low-gripsurface. Driving at slow speeds on gravelreduces the risk of losing traction when youstop, accelerate or turn a corner.
When approaching large rocks, positionthe vehicle so that the tires pass over thelargest obstacle.
Note:Never attempt to straddle a rock thatis large enough to strike your axles orundercarriage.
Note:Never attempt to drive over a rockwhich is large enough to contact the doorsills if your vehicle does not have rock rails.
If you lose traction on your wheels facinguphill, stop and choose a more suitableroute.
Leave a generous gap between yourvehicle and other vehicles to minimize therisk of damage from flying gravel. Avoiddust clouds as they reduce visibility.
Before navigating on uneven ground,secure anything inside the vehicle. Ifpossible, remove any roof-rack items. Usethe lowest gear possible and approach theobstacle at a slow speed.
If your vehicle begins to slide down a slope,steer downhill and gently apply thethrottle. If you lose traction on your uphillwheels, stop immediately and choose amore suitable route.
Approach logs, rocky steps or ditchesdiagonally. Keep at least three wheels onthe ground at all times.
Climbing A Hill
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles can make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, try to drive straightup or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes orhills. A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, you must firstdetermine the route you can use.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear. Thisreduces strain on the engine and thepossibility of stalling.
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Muddy waters can reduce the coolingsystem effectiveness by depositing debrisinto the radiator.
Extra care must be taken crossing any typeof water. Do not drive into water unlessnecessary. You should only drive throughareas that are designated and approved.
High currents even in shallow water canwash the dirt out from around your tires orpush your vehicle across slippery rocks orsurfaces.
Never attempt to cross flowing water thatis deeper than your vehicles groundclearance. Even in low currents yourvehicles body surface area can be pusheddownstream and out of control.
Do not cross any body of water that is fastflowing and rising, wait for the flow rate toreduce.
Determine exit points that are downstreamof your entry point to allow for drifting.
If there are other vehicles ahead, wait untilthey’ve left the water. Unsettled water canmake a safe passage more challenging.
Know your vehicle’s abilities and be ableto recover it if something goes wrong.
Keep the doors fully closed during a watercrossing.
Vehicles used to traverse water regularlyshould be periodically inspected for signsof water ingestion in all of the vehicle'sfluids. If water is found inside your vehiclefluids, service your vehicle or see anauthorized dealer.
After driving through water and as soon asit is safe to do so, check the brakes, horn,lights, and steering wheel to make sureeverything is still in working order.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearancein mind and pick a route that minimizes therisk of catching the underside of the vehicleon an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Recovery hooks are mounted to thevehicle's structure and are used to pull outthe vehicle from a surface or location whenstuck. Recover your vehicle using varioustowing apparatus attached to yourrecovery hook such as winch, open hook,or strap.
Note:Do not use recovery hooks torecreationally tow your vehicle. SeeRecreationally Towing Your Vehicle (page338).
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. Pressthe accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperaturedamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle callroadside assistance. See RoadsideAssistance (page 328).
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When you are driving through water do notexceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS
Bronco 4x4 Systems
Selecting an Off-Road G.O.A.TMode
Using the appropriate drive mode increasesyour vehicle's control. See G.O.A.T. ModeControl (page 260).
Note:Drive modes are selected by usingthe Goes Over Any-type of Terrain G.O.A.T.MODES controller.
Using Four-Wheel Drive
Your vehicle has a four-wheel drive systemthat offers various modes to help youoptimize traction on any off-road surface.See Four-Wheel Drive (page 195).
Using the Stabilizer BarDisconnect
The stabilizer bar disconnect improvessuspension articulation, improving tractionand comfort in rough terrain.
The vehicle's disconnect system ishydraulically actuated.
Your vehicle is capable of disconnectingunder high load. Your vehicle is alsocapable of reconnecting under allconditions.
It is not necessary for the vehicle to be onlevel ground in order to reconnect thestabilizer bar. See Stabilizer BarDisconnect (page 229).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 360 degree camera to enhanceyour off-road experience. See 360 DegreeCamera (page 247).
Using the Front and RearDifferential Lock
When engaged, the front and reardifferential lock provides additionaltraction to your vehicle by forcing eitherthe two rear wheels or two front wheels toturn at the same speed.
You can activate and deactivate the frontand rear differential lock on the fly withinthe operating speed range. See ElectronicLocking Differential (page 203).
Using Trail Control
The system works in a similar manner tocruise control in off-road conditions. TrailControl provides you the ability tomaneuver the vehicle without using thethrottle and brake pedals.
Trail Control allows you to set a speedbetween 1 mph (1.6 km/h) to 14 mph(23 km/h) in a forward motion and 1 mph(1.6 km/h) to 5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse.The system controls acceleration andbraking in difficult off-road environments,which allows you to focus on steering. SeeTrail Control (page 222).
Trail Control Performance:
•Manages wheel slip to maximizetraction.
•Removes the need for you to use bothfeet when driving in off-road situations.
•Provides braking to maximize tractionin descents.
•Gives you confidence in difficultenvironments.
Using Trail One Pedal Drive
Trail one pedal drive coordinatespropulsive and braking torque through yourapplication of the accelerator pedal tosimulate a two footed driving technique.
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