2023 FORD BRONCO brake light

Certain states require functioning trailerbrakes for trailers over a specified weight.Be sure to check state regulations for thisspecified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommendsseparate functioning brake systems fortrailers weighing more than 1,500 lb(680 kg) when loaded.
TOWING A TRAILER
LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:Your vehicle could havereduced performance whenoperating at high altitudes andwhen heavily loaded or towing a
trailer. When driving at elevation,to match driving performance asperceived at sea level, reduce grossvehicle weight and grosscombination weight by 2% per1,000 ft (300 m) elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight. Thetrailer tongue weight shouldnever exceed 10% of themaximum towing capacity.
•Select a ball mount with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS -
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Periodicallyinspect these components during and afterany towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may befelt due to the increased payload weight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary orconventional spare tire. A temporary sparetire is different in diameter or width, treadtype, or from a different manufacturer thanthe road tires on your vehicle. Consultinformation on the tire label or SafetyCompliance label for limitations whenusing.
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When towing a trailer:
•Obey country specific regulations fortowing a trailer.
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•Place the transmission in neutral (N)when stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather. This will aidin engine and transmission cooling andto help A/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 yourvehicle parking brake. Place thetransmission in a low gear. Place wheelchocks in front and back of the trailerwheels.
Note:Chocks are not included with yourvehicle.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS -
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Periodicallyinspect these components during and afterany towing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may bepresent due to the increased payloadweight.
Your vehicle may have a temporary orconventional spare tire. A temporary sparetire is different in diameter or width,tread-type, or is from a differentmanufacturer than the road tires on yourvehicle. Consult information on the tirelabel or Safety Compliance label forlimitations when using.
When towing a trailer:
•Obey country specific regulations fortowing a trailer.
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
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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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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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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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Note: If completed successfully, theinformation display shows Neutral TowEnabled Leave Transmission in Neutral.This indicates that your vehicle is safe totow with all wheels on the ground.
Note:If you do not see a confirmationmessage in the instrument cluster display,you must perform the procedure again fromthe beginning.
Note:You may hear noise as the transfercase shifts into its neutral position. This isnormal.
7.Release both the clutch and the brakepedals and leave the gearshift lever inthe neutral position.
8.Switch your vehicle off by pressing thepush button ignition switch oncewithout pressing any pedals.
Switching Neutral Tow Off
1.With your vehicle properly secured tothe tow vehicle, switch your vehicle toaccessory mode by pressing the pushbutton ignition switch without pressingany pedals.
2.Starting with both the brake and clutchpedal released, fully press and holdboth pedals at the same time forapproximately seven seconds.Continue holding both pedals until theinstrument cluster display shows 2Hand Neutral Tow Disabled.
Note:If completed successfully, theinstrument cluster displays 2H and NeutralTow Disabled.
Note:You must perform the switchingneutral tow on and switching neutral towoff procedures again from the beginning ifthe indicator light and message do notdisplay.
Note:You may hear a noise as the transfercase shifts out of its neutral position. Thisis normal.
3.Release the pedals.
4.Apply the parking brake, thendisconnect your vehicle from the towvehicle.
5.Release the parking brake, start yourvehicle, and shift into either a forwardor a reverse gear to make sure thetransfer case is out of the neutral towposition.
6.If the transfer case did not successfullyshift out of its neutral position, set theparking brake. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Resolving the Shift Delayed DriveForward Message
1.Fully press and hold both the brake andthe clutch pedals.
2.Press the push button ignition switch.
3.With the vehicle running, shift into aforward gear and release the clutch.Let the vehicle roll forward up to 3 ft(1 m).
Note:You may hear a noise as the transfercase shifts out of its neutral position. Thisis normal.
4.Make sure the instrument clusterdisplays Neutral Tow Disabled.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
WARNING: Do not disconnect thebattery when recreationally towing yourvehicle. This prevents the transfer casefrom shifting properly and could causethe vehicle to roll, even if thetransmission is in park (P).
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2.Starting with the brake pedal releasedand the transmission in neutral (N),fully press and hold the brake pedal forapproximately seven seconds and shiftthe transmission to park (P). Continueholding the brake pedal until theinstrument cluster display shows 2Hand Neutral Tow Disabled.
Note:If completed successfully, theinstrument cluster displays 2H and NeutralTow Disabled.
Note:Perform the switching neutral towon and switching neutral tow off proceduresagain from the beginning if the indicatorlight and message do not display.
Note:You could hear a noise as the transfercase shifts out of its neutral position. Thisis normal.
3.Release the brake pedal.
4.Apply the parking brake, thendisconnect your vehicle from the towvehicle.
5.Release the parking brake, start yourvehicle, and shift into either drive (D)or reverse (R) to make sure the transfercase is out of the neutral tow position.
6.If the transfer case did not successfullyshift out of its neutral position, set theparking brake. Have your vehiclechecked as soon as possible.
Resolving the Shift Delayed DriveForward Message
1.Fully press and hold the brake pedal.
2.Press the push button ignition switch.
3.With the vehicle running, shift into drive(D). Let the vehicle roll forward up to3 ft (1 m).
Note:You could hear a noise as the transfercase shifts out of its neutral position. Thisis normal.
4.Make sure the instrument clusterdisplays Neutral Tow Disabled.
EMERGENCY TOWING
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are amember of a roadside assistance program,your roadside assistance service provider.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE – TROUBLESHOOTING
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE – INFORMATION MESSAGES
DescriptionMessage
The transfer case is in the neutral position and your vehicleis safe to tow with all four wheels on the ground.Neutral Tow EnabledLeave Transmission inNeutral
There is a transfer case gear tooth blockage present. Withyour vehicle on, shift the transmission into drive (D) and letthe vehicle roll forward, up to 3 ft (1 m).
Shift Delayed DriveForward
The transfer case is not in the neutral position and your vehicleis not safe to tow with all four wheels on the ground.Neutral Tow Disabled
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