2023 FORD BRONCO SPORT traction control

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.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sandunder high ambient temperatures, use low(L) mode, or shift to a lower gear whenpossible. Select Low (L) mode or select alower gear to maximize the engine andtransmission cooling capability. SeeTransmission (page 182).
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 stops.
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 rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage 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 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 or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, first determinethe route you can use.
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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.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause yourvehicle to roll over. It is better to reverseback to a safe location.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the otherside. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
If the vehicle is unable to make it up thehill, do not attempt to turn back down theslope.
Apply the accelerator just enough for thewheels to climb the hill.
Note:Too much acceleration can causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descending A Hill:
•Use the same gear you would use toclimb the hill.
•Do not descend in neutral.
•Disengage overdrive.
•Avoid sudden and excessive braking.
Note:The front wheels have to be turningin order to steer your vehicle.
When descending a steep hill in a manualtransmission vehicle do not leave thevehicle in gear with the clutch depressed.This could cause damage to your driveline.
Driving Through Water
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep, fast flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
As the water depth increases, you mustreduce your vehicle speed to avoidpotential vehicle damage.
The key to a safe crossing is the waterdepth, current and bottom of the water'scondition. On soft bottoms, the vehiclesinks in, effectively increasing the waterlevel on the vehicle. Make sure to considerthis when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of thecurrent before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris maybe beneath the water’s surface.
Note:Cross flowing water at an angleheading slightly upstream.
Note:You should tread lightly and avoiddamage to the environment.
Drive slowly when crossing water. Proceedwith a constant slow speed lightly pressingon the accelerator.
Drive through the water very slowly whenentering, then build up momentum. Keepyour vehicle moving at a steady pace.
Note:Do not try to accelerate through thewater crossing.
When driving too fast in water or throughdeep water, the engine, transmission,transfer case, axles, electrical componentsor vehicle interior could ingest water. Watercan cause permanent damage that yourvehicle warranty may not cover. SeeDriving Through Water Limitations(page 265).
Note:Failure to follow the recommendedspeeds can result in vehicle damage.
Never stop or shut a vehicle off whencrossing deep water unless your vehicleingested water into the engine air intake.If the engine stalls, do not attempt torestart it.
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Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle. Review the obstaclefrom outside the vehicle for anunderstanding of the terrain condition infront of and behind the obstacle. Approachobstacles slowly and inch the vehicle over.Cross ditches and washouts at a 45 degreeangle when possible.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle. Review the obstaclefrom outside the vehicle for anunderstanding of the terrain condition infront of and behind the obstacle.
Approach obstacles slowly and inch thevehicle over, approaching at a 15 degreeangle.
Note:It is best to have a front tire on top ofthe log when the others begin to climb over.
If you cannot avoid a large obstacle nearthe log such as a rock, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This helps prevent damage to thevehicle.
DRIVING THROUGH WATERLIMITATIONS
Maximum WadingDepthModel
17.7 in (450 mm)Base, Big Bend,Outer Banks,Heritage
23.6 in (600 mm)Badlands, HeritageLimited
When you are driving though water do notexceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS
Selecting an Off-Road Drive Mode
Using the appropriate drive mode increasesyour vehicle's control. See What IsG.O.A.T. Mode Control (page 241).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 180 degree camera to enhanceyour off-road experience. See 180 DegreeCamera (page 208).
Using Four-Wheel Drive Lock
Increases four wheel drive performance bypreventing the front and rear axles fromdisconnecting. You can activate anddeactivate the four wheel drive lock on thefly. See Using Four-Wheel Drive (page189).
Using Rear Differential Lock
The rear differential lock feature providesadditional traction when the terrain issteep, is loose, or your vehicle is stuck.
You can activate and deactivate the reardifferential lock on the fly within theoperating speed range.
The rear differential locker disengageswhen the vehicle speed exceeds a setvalue and it re-engages when the vehiclespeed goes below a set value. See UsingFour-Wheel Drive (page 189).
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.
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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. SeeWhat Is Trail Control (page 201).
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.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLEOFF-ROAD
WARNING: After off-road use,before returning to the road, check thewheels and tires for damage. Off-roaduse may cause damage to your wheelsand tires that can lead to tire failure, lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Driving off-road places more stress on yourvehicle than most on-road driving. Afterdriving off-road, check for damage to thewheels, chassis and underbody.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle bychecking tires, body structure, steering,suspension, and exhaust system fordamage.
Inspect the tires for any cuts in the treador sidewall area. Also inspect the sidewallfor any bulge indicating damage to the tire.
Make sure the tires are inflated to propertire pressure as indicated on the tireplacard.
Check the radiator for mud and debris andclean as needed.
Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.These things could be a fire hazard or hidedamage to the fuel lines, brake hoses andpropeller shafts.
Make sure the grille and radiator are clearof any obstructions that may affectcooling.
After extended operation in mud, sand,water, or similar dirty conditions, inspectthe wipers and washers to make sure theyare working.
Note:Mud caked windows are hard to seethrough and can damage wiper blades ormotor.
Check wipers for debris or anything thatmay scratch the windshield.
If you experience unusual vibration afterdriving in mud, slush or similar conditions,check the wheels for impacted material.Impacted material can cause vibrationswhen driving and wheel imbalance.Remove the material to reduce thevibration.
Note:If you have removed the impactedmaterial from the wheels and your vehiclestill has a vibration check your vehicle fordamage or see an authorized dealer.
Inspect the exhaust system for damage orlooseness.
Make sure that the brakes are in properworking order and free of any mud, stonesand debris, which can become trappedaround the brake rotor, backing plate andcaliper.
Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, orother damage.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Use only approved wheel and tire sizes.Using other sizes could damage yourvehicle. If you change the diameter of thetires from what is fitted at the factory, thespeedometer may not display the correctspeed. If you intend to change the size ofthe wheels from what was fitted by themanufacturer, you can check the suitabilitywith your dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found later in this chapter. See TireCare (page 313).
You can find the recommended tireinflation pressures on the Tire Label, whichis on the B-pillar or the edge of the driverdoor. You can also find this information onthe Safety Compliance Certification Label,affixed to either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door latch post, next to thedriver seating position.
We strongly recommend maintaining thesetire pressures at all times. Failure to followthe tire pressure recommendations cancause uneven treadwear patterns, reducedfuel economy, and adversely affect theway your vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at leastonce per month.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, set thepressure to the highest value given for yourvehicle and tire size combination.
Notice to Utility Vehicle and TruckOwners
WARNING: Utility vehicles have asignificantly higher rollover rate thanother types of vehicles.
WARNING: Vehicles with a highercenter of gravity (utility and four-wheeldrive vehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
WARNING: In a rollover crash, anunbelted person is significantly morelikely to die than a person wearing aseatbelt.
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.
Utility vehicles and trucks handledifferently than passenger cars in thevarious driving conditions that areencountered on streets, highways andoff-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are notdesigned for cornering at speeds as highas passenger cars any more than low-slungsports cars are designed to performsatisfactorily under off-road conditions.
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TIRE CARE
Information About UniformTire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.The Quality grades can be foundwhere applicable on the tiresidewall between tread shoulderand maximum section width. Forexample: Treadwear 200Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades aredetermined by standards that theUnited States Department ofTransportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to newpneumatic passenger car tires.They do not apply to deep tread,winter-type snow tires,space-saver or temporary usespare tires, light truck or LT typetires, tires with nominal rimdiameters of 10 to 12 inches orlimited production tires as definedin Title 49 Code of FederalRegulations Part 575.104 (c)(2).
U.S. Department ofTransportation Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires us to giveyou the following informationabout tire grades exactly as thegovernment has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on thewear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150would wear 1½ times as well onthe government course as a tiregraded 100. The relativeperformance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of theiruse, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING: The tractiongrade assigned to this tire isbased on straight-ahead brakingtraction tests, and does notinclude acceleration, cornering,hydroplaning or peak tractioncharacteristics.
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The traction grades, from highestto lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Thegrades represent the tire’s abilityto stop on wet pavement asmeasured under controlledconditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING: Thetemperature grade for this tire isestablished for a tire that isproperly inflated and notoverloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessiveloading, either separately or incombination, can cause heatbuildup and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest), B and C,representing the tire’s resistanceto the generation of heat and itsability to dissipate heat whentested under controlled conditionson a specified indoor laboratorytest wheel. Sustained hightemperature can cause thematerial of the tire to degenerateand reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to suddentire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a level ofperformance which all passengercar tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard No. 139. Grades B and Arepresent higher levels ofperformance on the laboratorytest wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
*Tire label: A label showing theoriginal equipment tire sizes,recommended inflation pressureand the maximum weight thevehicle can carry.
*Tire Identification Number(TIN): A number on the sidewallof each tire providing informationabout the tire brand andmanufacturing plant, tire size anddate of manufacture. Also referredto as DOT code.
*Inflation pressure: A measureof the amount of air in a tire.
*Standard load: A class ofP-metric or Metric tires designedto carry a maximum load at setpressure. For example: ForP-metric tires 35 psi (2.4 bar) andfor Metric tires 36 psi (2.5 bar).Increasing the inflation pressurebeyond this pressure will notincrease the tire’s load carryingcapability.
*Extra load: A class of P-metricor Metric tires designed to carry aheavier maximum load at 42 psi(2.9 bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure willnot increase the tire’s loadcarrying capability.
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