2023 FORD BRONCO SPORT Owners Manual

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It hasthe ability to anticipate wheel slip andtransfer torque to the rear wheels beforeslip occurs. Even when wheel slip is notpresent, the system is continuouslyadjusting to the torque distribution, in anattempt to improve straight line andcornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on everytime you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,a message appears in the instrumentcluster display.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
An image appears in the instrument clusterto advise you of the power distributionbetween the front and rear wheels. Themore the area is filled, the more power isbeing distributed to that wheel.
Note:Four-wheel drive is also called 4WDand 4x4.
Note:Do not use the four-wheel drive lock,the rear differential lock or off-roadselectable drive modes on dry, hardsurfaced roads. Doing so can produceexcessive noise, increase tire wear and maydamage drive components. These featuresare only intended for consistently slipperyor loose surfaces. Operating your vehicleoutside of these conditions could subjectthe vehicle to excessive stress, which mayresult in damage not covered under yourwarranty. See G.O.A.T. Mode Control(page 241).
Note:When a system malfunction ispresent, a warning message appears in theinstrument cluster. See InformationMessages (page 109). This means thesystem is not properly functioning and hasdefaulted to front-wheel drive. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note:A message appears in the instrumentcluster if the system overheats and switchesto front-wheel drive. This condition couldoccur if you operate your vehicle in extremehigh load conditions or with excessive wheelslip, for example deep sand. To resumefour-wheel drive function as soon aspossible, stop your vehicle in a safe locationand switch the ignition off for a minimumof 10 minutes. After the system cools,normal four-wheel drive functionalityresumes.
Note:If a warning message appears in theinstrument cluster when using the spare tire,it turns off after reinstalling the repaired orreplaced road tire and you perform a keycycle.
Note:It is recommended that you reinstallthe repaired tire or replace the tire as soonas possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes couldcause system damage or default the systemto front-wheel drive.
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Driving in Special Conditions WithFour-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive has operatingcharacteristics that are somewhatdifferent from front-wheel drive, both onand off the freeway.
When driving at slow speeds under highload conditions use a low gear whenpossible. Low gear operation maximizesthe engine and transmission coolingcapability.
Under severe operating conditions, the airconditioning cycles on and off to preventthe engine from overheating.
Note:It may be useful to select the mostappropriate drive mode to maximize vehicleperformance most effectively. See G.O.A.T.Mode Control (page 241).
Note:In certain conditions, you need toswitch traction control off to allow for morewheel spin and engine torque if your vehiclebecomes stuck.
Note:If the front or rear axle is submergedin water, check the rear axle lubricant andpower transfer unit lubricant and change ifnecessary. See Driving Through WaterLimitations (page 265).
Basic Operating Principles
Drive slower in strong crosswinds whichcan affect the normal steeringcharacteristics of your vehicle.
When driving your vehicle on surfacesmade 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 yourspeed and avoid severe braking. After youreduce the speed, ease your vehicle backonto the road. Do not turn the steeringwheel sharply when returning your vehicleto the road.
It could be safer to stay on the shoulder ofthe road and gradually slow down beforereturning to the road. You could losecontrol if you do not slow down or if youturn the steering wheel too sharply orabruptly.
It might be less risky to strike small objects,such as freeway reflectors, which couldcause minor damage to your vehicle ratherthan attempt a sudden return to the roadwhich, could cause your vehicle to slidesideways out of control or roll over.Remember, your safety and the safety ofothers is your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency where youneed to make a sharp turn, remember toavoid over-driving your vehicle, forexample, turn the steering wheel only asrapidly and as far as required to avoid theemergency. Excessive steering can resultin loss of vehicle control. Apply smoothpressure to the accelerator pedal or brakepedal when changes in vehicle speed arerequired. Avoid abrupt steering,acceleration and braking. This could resultin an increased risk of vehicle rollover, lossof vehicle control and personal injury. Useall available road surface to bring yourvehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoidskidding the tires and do not attempt anysharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type ofsurface to another, for example, fromconcrete to gravel, there will be a changein the way your vehicle responds to amaneuver, for example, steering,acceleration or braking.
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Four-Wheel Drive Lock (If Equipped)
The four-wheel drive lock increasesperformance by preventing the front andrear axles from disconnecting. You canactivate and deactivate the four-wheeldrive lock on the fly by pressing the buttonon the drive mode control. It also engagesbased on certain selected drive modes.See What Is G.O.A.T. Mode Control(page 241).
Note:The four-wheel drive lock is notintended for use on dry pavement. Using thelock on dry pavement can produce excessivenoise, increase tire and vehicle wear.
Note:The system may require thefour-wheel drive lock in some drive modes,preventing you from disabling.
The 4WD lock indicatorilluminates in the instrumentcluster when in use. When instandby mode, the light displays gray.When active, the light changes color.
Rear Differential Lock (If Equipped)
This feature provides additional tractionon loose or steep terrain, or should yourvehicle become stuck. You can activateand deactivate the rear differential lockfeature while moving within the operatingspeed range by pressing the button on thedrive mode control. The feature disengageswhen the vehicle speed exceeds a setvalue and it re-engages when the vehiclespeed goes below a set value. It alsoengages based on certain selected drivemodes. See Selecting a G.O.A.T. Mode(page 241).
The rear differential lock is for use in mud,rocks, sand or off-road conditions whereyou need maximum traction. It is not foruse on dry pavement.
Note:This feature is for off-road use onlyand is not for use on dry pavement. Usingthe rear differential lock feature on drypavement can produce excessive noise, andincrease tire and vehicle wear. Operatingyour vehicle in these conditions couldsubject your vehicle to excessive stress,which may result in damage not coveredunder your warranty.
Note:This feature is not available in alldrive modes.
The rear differential lockindicator illuminates in theinstrument cluster when in use.When the feature is in standby mode, thelight displays gray. While the feature isactive, the light changes color.
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Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty. For this reason,we strongly recommend that you do notmake modifications such as adding orremoving parts, for example, lift kits orstabilizer bars, or by using replacementparts not equivalent to the original factoryequipment.
We recommend that you use caution whenyour vehicle has either a high load ordevice, for example, a ladder or luggageracks. Any modifications to your vehiclethat raise the center of gravity could causeyour vehicle to roll over when there is a lossof vehicle control.
Failure to correctly maintain your vehiclecould void the warranty, increase yourrepair cost, reduce vehicle performanceand operational capabilities, and adverselyaffect you and your passenger's safety. Werecommend you frequently inspect yourvehicle's chassis components when yousubject your vehicle to off-road use.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings could be worn-out and haveyour vehicle checked. If the vehicle hascontinuous vibration or shudder in thesteering wheel while braking, have yourvehicle checked.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. Wet brakes result in reducedbraking efficiency. Gently press the brakepedal a few times when driving from a carwash or standing water to dry the brakes.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 308).
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Switch the engine off, move thetransmission to park (P) and apply theparking brake. Inspect the acceleratorpedal and the area around it for any itemsor debris that may be obstructing itsmovement. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto have your vehicle checked.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when youbrake heavily by measuring the rate atwhich you press the brake pedal. Itprovides maximum braking efficiency aslong as you press the pedal. Emergencybrake assist can reduce stopping distancesin critical situations.
Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If the light does not momentarilyilluminate, continues to flash orremains on when you switch theignition on, the anti-lock brake systemcould be disabled. Have the systemchecked. If the anti-lock brake system isdisabled, normal braking is still effective.
Brake Lamps
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 99).
If the light does not momentarilyilluminate, continues to flash orremains on when you switch theignition on or apply the parkingbrake, have the system checked.If the brake warning lampilluminates with the parking brake released,have the system checked immediately.
Note:Indicators vary depending on region.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock brake system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brakepedal could pulse and may travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. Youmay also hear a noise from the system. Thisis normal.
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ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Apply the parking brakeand shift into park (P) before leavingyour vehicle.
WARNING: If you drive extendeddistances with the parking brake applied,you could cause damage to the brakesystem.
WARNING: The electric parkingbrake does not operate if the vehiclebattery has run out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.You operate it with a switch instead of alever. The switch is on the center consoleor to the left-hand side of the steeringwheel, on the lower part of the instrumentpanel.
Note:The electric parking brake makesnoises during operation. This is normal.
Applying the Electric ParkingBrake
Pull the switch up.
The red warning lamp flashesduring operation and illuminateswhen the parking brake isapplied.
Note:It remains illuminated for a shortperiod of time after you switch the ignitionoff.
If it continues to flash or does notilluminate, the system has malfunctioned.Have your vehicle checked as soon aspossible.
Note:You can apply the electric parkingbrake when the ignition is off.
Note:If you shift your vehicle into park (P)on a slope and the transmission cannotsecurely hold the vehicle, the electric parkingbrake automatically applies. SeeTransmission (page 182).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake inan Emergency
Note:Do not apply the electric parkingbrake when your vehicle is moving, exceptin an emergency. If you repeatedly use theelectric parking brake to slow or stop yourvehicle, you could cause damage to thebrake system.
You can use the electric parking brake toslow or stop your vehicle in an emergency.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
The red warning lampilluminates, a tone sounds andthe stoplamps turn on.
The electric parking brake continues toslow your vehicle down unless you releasethe switch.
Manually Releasing the ElectricParking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch down.
The red warning lamp turns off.
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If it remains illuminated or flashes, thesystem has malfunctioned. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Pulling Away on a Hill When Towing aTrailer
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Pull the switch up and hold it.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal until the enginehas developed sufficient torque to preventyour vehicle from rolling down the hill.
Release the switch and pullaway in a normal manner.
Automatically Releasing theElectric Parking Brake
Close the driver door.
Shift into gear.
Press the accelerator pedal and pull awayin a normal manner.
The red warning lamp turns off.
If it remains illuminated or flashes, theelectric parking brake has not released.Manually release the parking brake.
Releasing the Electric ParkingBrake if the Vehicle Battery isRunning Out of Charge
Connect a booster battery to the vehiclebattery to release the electric parking brakeif the vehicle battery is running out ofcharge. See Jump Starting the Vehicle(page 270).
HILL START ASSIST
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent or if yourev the engine excessively. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The system releases the brakesautomatically once the engine has
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developed sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
The system activates on any slope thatcauses your vehicle to roll.
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intofirst gear when facing uphill or reverse(R) when facing downhill.
2.If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system activatesautomatically.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains onthe slope without rolling away forabout two to three seconds. This holdtime automatically extends if you arein the process of driving off.
4.Drive off in the normal manner. Thesystem releases the brakesautomatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal and press the pedal again whenthe system is active, you will experiencesignificantly reduced brake pedal travel. Thisis normal.
Switching the System On and Off
When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on. You cannotturn the system on or off.
AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times, you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem and intervening, if required.Failure to take care may result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent. Failureto take care may result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, serious personalinjury or death.
The system applies the brakes to hold yourvehicle at a standstill after you stop yourvehicle and release the brake pedal. Thiscould be beneficial in certain situations, forexample when waiting on a hill or in traffic.
Switching Auto Hold On and Off
Press the button on your console to accessauto hold on the touchscreen.
Note:You can only switch the system onafter you close the driver door, fasten yourseatbelt and start the engine.
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