WHAT IS THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER
The catalytic converter is part of yourvehicle's emissions system and filtersharmful pollutants from the exhaust gas.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not park, idle ordrive your vehicle on dry grass or otherdry ground cover. The emission systemheats up the engine compartment andexhaust system, creating the risk of fire.
WARNING: The normal operatingtemperature of the exhaust system isvery high. Never work around or attemptto repair any part of the exhaust systemuntil it has cooled. Use special care whenworking around the catalytic converter.The catalytic converter heats up to a veryhigh temperature after only a shortperiod of engine operation and stays hotafter the engine is switched off.
WARNING: Exhaust leaks mayresult in entry of harmful and potentiallylethal fumes into the passengercompartment. If you smell exhaustfumes inside your vehicle, have yourvehicle inspected immediately. Do notdrive if you smell exhaust fumes.
To avoid damaging the catalytic converter:
•Do not crank the engine for more than10 seconds at a time.
•Do not run the engine with a spark pluglead disconnected.
•Do not push-start or tow-start yourvehicle. Use booster cables. See JumpStarting the Vehicle (page 481).
•Use the correct fuel. See Fuel andRefueling (page 251).
•Do not switch the ignition off when yourvehicle is moving.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Have the items listed in scheduledmaintenance information performedaccording to the specified schedule.
Note:Do not make any unauthorizedchanges to your vehicle or engine. By law,vehicle owners and anyone whomanufactures, repairs, or services a fleet ofvehicles are not permitted to intentionallyremove an emission control device orprevent it from working.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER –
TROUBLESHOOTING
CATALYTIC CONVERTER –WARNING LAMPS
Your vehicle has an on-board diagnosticssystem that monitors the emission controlsystem. If any of the following warninglamps illuminate, this may indicate thatthe on-board diagnostics system hasdetected an emission control systemmalfunction.
Continuing to drive your vehicle may causereduced power or the engine to stop.Failure to respond to a warning lamp maycause damage that your vehicle Warrantymay not cover. Have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
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The stow function allows the shifter to layflat in the console, enabling the use of theworking surface tray.
Note:Do not store objects in the selectorlever stow bin, and be sure that the bottomselector lever tray mat is flat inside theselector lever stow bin.
Note:If there are objects in the stow binwhile stowing the selector lever, the selectorlever could come back to the upright park(P) position.
MANUAL PARK RELEASE
WHAT IS MANUAL PARK RELEASE
Manual park release allows you to shiftyour vehicle out of park (P) in the event ofan electrical malfunction or emergency.
MANUAL PARK RELEASEPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: When doing thisprocedure, you need to take thetransmission out of park (P) whichmeans your vehicle can roll freely. Toavoid unwanted vehicle movement,always fully apply the parking brake priorto doing this procedure. Use wheelschocks if appropriate.
WARNING: If the parking brake isfully released, but the brake warninglamp remains illuminated, the brakesmay not be working properly. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
WARNING: Do not drive yourvehicle until you verify that thestoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move yourtransmission from the park (P) position inthe event of an electrical malfunction oremergency. See Emergency Towing(page 487).
Note:Do not engage the manual parkrelease with the engine on.
USING MANUAL PARK RELEASE
Activating the Manual ParkRelease Cable
1.Apply the parking brake. See ElectricParking Brake (page 294).
Note:If vehicle battery is dead, for example,no electrical power available, an externalpower source may be required to apply theparking brake.
2.Locate the manual park release cableaccess cover at the bottom of thedriver dash lower panel, under thesteering wheel.
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BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when leaving a car wash ordriving from standing water to dry thebrakes.
Note:Depending on applicable laws andregulations in the country where your vehiclewas originally built, the stoplamps couldflash during heavy braking. The hazardwarning flashers could also turn on whenyour vehicle comes to a stop.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMLIMITATIONS
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risk of crash 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 travel further.Maintain pressure on the brake pedal.
BRAKE OVER ACCELERATOR
- EXCLUDING: RAPTOR
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 safe
stop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
BRAKE OVER ACCELERATOR
- RAPTOR
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. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Note:Certain drive modes can disablebrake over accelerator for off-road driving.
LOCATING THE BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIR
See Under Hood Overview (page 499).
CHECKING THE BRAKE FLUID
WARNING: Do not use any fluidother than the recommended brake fluidas this will reduce brake efficiency. Useof incorrect fluid could result in the lossof vehicle control, serious personal injuryor death.
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WHAT IS TRACTION CONTROL
The traction control system helps to avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
HOW DOES TRACTION
CONTROL WORK
If your wheels begin to spin, the loss oftraction can compromise steering controland stability of the vehicle. The tractioncontrol system applies the brakes toindividual wheels and when needed,reduces engine power at the same time toincrease traction.
SWITCHING TRACTION
CONTROL ON AND OFF
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The traction control system turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on.
The button for the stability and tractioncontrol system is on the instrument panel.
Press and release the button to switchtraction control off. The stability controlsystem remains fully active, to switch it off,press and hold the button for a fewseconds, then release.
When you switch traction control off, amessage and an illuminated icon appearon the instrument cluster.
Press the switch again to turn the tractioncontrol system back on to normaloperation.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
TRACTION CONTROL
INDICATOR
Stability and Traction ControlIndicator
If the indicator does notilluminate when you switch theignition on, or remains on whenthe engine is running, this indicates amalfunction. Have your vehicle checkedby an authorized dealer as soon aspossible.
The traction control off indicatorilluminates when you switch thetraction control system off, orwhen an alternative stability control modeis selected that requires the tractioncontrol off depending on the drive modeselected.
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•Baja – Loudest setting for off-road useonly. Maximum exhaust noise under alldriving conditions.
•Quiet – Quietest setting for maximumcomfort under all driving conditions.
MyMode
You can use MyMode to createone custom vehicleconfiguration based on thecurrent state of your vehicle.
When you have your vehicle configured toyour desired settings, you can press andhold the button for a few seconds to saveas MyMode.
Double-pressing the button activates yoursaved MyMode.
You can check the saved MyMode settingswith a single press of the button.
You can save the following settings asMyMode:
•Drive mode.
•Steering mode.
•Suspension mode.
•Exhaust mode.
•Four-wheel drive mode.
•Stop and start on or off.
•Rear electronic locking differential onor off.
Note:MyMode can only be set withconfigurations that are available for eachdrive mode. See Drive Modes (page 365).
Note:You can save or view MyMode at anytime, regardless of your vehicle's speed ortransmission selection, as long as yourvehicle is running and it meets systemconditions.
Note:When activating MyMode, yourvehicle must meet all preconditions for thedrive mode and various settings before itactivates. A message appears if it does notmeet system conditions.
DRIVE MODES
BAJA - RAPTOR
For high speed off-road driving.Baja mode optimizes the throttlecontrol for better response andtorque delivery.
Four-wheel drive high is the defaultfour-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel driveauto is not available in baja mode.
Off-road is the default steering andsuspension modes. All steering andsuspension modes are available.
Baja is the default exhaust mode. Allexhaust modes are available.
The system tunes the engine andtransmission controls to baja mode.
The system tunes the stability and tractioncontrols to baja mode.
The electronic locking differential isavailable at all speeds in four-wheel drive.See Switching the Electronic LockingDifferential On and Off (page 285).
Note:Using baja mode on dry, hardsurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire and vehicle wear depending on thefour-wheel drive mode selection.
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PICKUP BED PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not allow people oranimals in truck beds that havemodifications, such as bed covers orslide-in campers, when the engine isrunning. Exhaust fumes are toxic. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury or death.
WARNING: It is extremelydangerous to ride in a cargo area, insideor outside of a vehicle. In a crash, peopleriding in these areas are more likely to beseriously injured or killed. Do not allowpeople to ride in any area of your vehiclethat is not equipped with seats andseatbelts. Make sure everyone in yourvehicle is in a seat and properly using aseatbelt. Failure to follow this warningcould result in serious personal injury ordeath.
PICKUP BED ANCHOR POINTS
PICKUP BED ANCHOR POINTPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Always properly securecargo to prevent shifting cargo or cargofalling from the vehicle. Failure to do socould result in compromised vehiclestability and serious personal injury tovehicle occupants or others.
WARNING: The appropriateloading capacity of your vehicle can belimited either by volume capacity (howmuch space is available) or by payloadcapacity (how much weight the vehicleshould carry). Once you have reached
the maximum payload of your vehicle,do not add more cargo, even if there isspace available. Overloading orimproperly loading your vehicle cancontribute to loss of vehicle control andvehicle rollover.
WARNING: Do not use the loadretaining fixtures for towing. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceed themaximum load rating of the loadretaining fixtures. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Check the loadretaining fixtures for damage beforeusing them. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in personal injury.
INSTALLING AND REMOVING THEPICKUP BED TIE-DOWN CLEATS
(If Equipped)
Installing the Cleats
1.Insert the key into the lock and turnclockwise to unlock.
2.Insert the cleat into the pickup bedanchor point and slide upward.
3.Turn the key counterclockwise to lock.
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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) of elevation.
Note:Do not use four-wheel drivewhen towing a trailer or when youheavily load your vehicle forextended periods of time.
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
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.
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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).
•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.
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