
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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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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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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WARNING: Do not use the systemwith a snow plow blade installed.
WARNING: Do not use the systemin poor visibility, for example fog, heavyrain, spray or snow.
When Following a Vehicle
WARNING: When following avehicle that is braking, your vehicle doesnot always decelerate quickly enough toavoid a crash without driver intervention.Apply the brakes when necessary. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when thesystem is active in situations such asprolonged downhill driving on steepgrades, for example in mountainous areas.The system needs additional enginebraking in these situations to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent it from overheating.
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes foran extended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
Lane Centering Precautions
Adaptive cruise control precautions applyto lane centering unless stated otherwiseor contradicted by a lane centeringprecaution.
WARNING: Do not use the systemwhen towing a trailer. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not use the systemif any changes or modifications to thesteering wheel have been made. Anychanges or modifications to the steeringwheel could affect the functionality orperformance of the system. Failure tofollow this instruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle, personalinjury or death.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS
Sensor Limitations
WARNING: On rare occasions,detection issues can occur due to theroad infrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In thesecases, the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening,if required.
WARNING: If the systemmalfunctions, have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
WARNING: Large contrasts inoutside lighting can limit sensorperformance.
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Note:The system could not alert you if avehicle quickly passes through the detectionzone.
Blind Spot Information System Information Messages
ActionMessage
Displays if the blind spot information system sensors areblocked.Blind Spot Not AvailableSensor Blocked SeeManual
Displays if you attach a trailer to your vehicle.Blis Deactivated TrailerAttached
The system has detected a fault that requires service. Haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.Blind Spot System Fault
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
WARNING: Do not use the crosstraffic alert system as a replacement forusing the interior and exterior mirrors orlooking over your shoulder beforereversing out of a parking space. Thecross traffic alert system is not areplacement for careful driving.
WARNING: The system may notoperate properly during severe weatherconditions, for example snow, ice, heavyrain and spray. Always drive with duecare and attention. Failure to take caremay result in a crash.
The system alerts you of vehiclesapproaching from the sides behind yourvehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approachat a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreaseswhen the sensors are partially, mostly orfully obstructed. Slowly reversing helpsincrease the coverage area andeffectiveness.
The system turns on when you start theengine and you shift into reverse (R). Thesystem turns off when you shift out ofreverse (R).
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SPORT
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling andresponse. This mode increasesaccelerator pedal response and providesa sportier steering feel. The powertrainsystem holds onto lower gears longer,helping your vehicle accelerate faster. Thesteering optimizes for higher effort withmore kick-back. The engine soundenhances when in sport mode.
G.O.A.T. MODE CONTROL –
TROUBLESHOOTING
G.O.A.T. MODE CONTROL –WARNING LAMPS
Some drive modes reducetraction and stability controlperformance and the indicatorilluminates in the instrument cluster.
G.O.A.T. MODE CONTROL – INFORMATION MESSAGES
DetailsMessage
Displays when the system switches tonormal mode to support towing perform-ance.
Changing to Normal Drive Mode forImproved Towing Performance
Displays when you select a drive mode thatis not available. Select a different mode.Drive Mode Not Available
Displays when you select a drive mode thatis not available. Check the four-wheel drivemode and electronic locking differentialbefore selecting a mode.
Drive Mode Preconditions Not Met
Displays when you select a mode that isnot available. Have the system checked.Drive Mode Selection Reduced due toSystem Fault
Displays when you select a four-wheel drivemode that is not available in the currentmode. Select an available four-wheel drivemode.
Selected 4x4 Mode Not Available in CurrentDrive Mode
Displays when you select an electroniclocking differential that is not available inthe current mode. Select an availableelectric locking differential.
Selected Locking Differential Not Availablein Current Drive Mode
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RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
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 does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces enginetorque to aid vehicle stability. If the trailerbegins to sway, the stability controlwarning lamp flashes and a messageappears in the information display. SeeInformation Messages (page 109). Slowyour vehicle down, pull safely to the sideof the road and check for correct loaddistribution. See Load Carrying (page246).
You can switch this feature off in theinformation display. When you switch theignition on, the system automatically turnson.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
WebsiteMarket
https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/United States of America
https://www.fleet.ford.ca/towing-guides/Canada
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
WARNING: Do not tow a trailerfitted with electric trailer brakes unlessyour vehicle is fitted with a compatibleaftermarket electronic trailer brakecontroller. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath. For additional information andassistance, we recommend that youcontact an authorized dealer.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 lb (680 kg) when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing 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).
•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 automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
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