Possible Causes and Actions for This Message Displaying:
ActionCause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc-tion.
The surface of the radar is dirty orobstructed.
Wait a short time. It may take severalminutes for the radar to detect that it is freefrom obstruction.
The surface of the radar is clean but themessage remains in the display.
Do not use the system in these conditionsbecause it may not detect any vehiclesahead.
Heavy rain or snow is interfering with theradar signals.
Do not use the system in these conditionsbecause it may not detect any vehiclesahead.
Water, snow or ice on the surface of theroad may interfere with the radar signals.
Wait a short time or switch to normal cruisecontrol.You are in a desert or remote area with noother vehicles and no roadside objects.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage warning with noactual block. A false blocked condition either self clears, or clears after you restart yourvehicle.
Switching to Normal CruiseControl
WARNING: Normal cruise controlwill not brake when your vehicle isapproaching slower vehicles. Always beaware of which mode you have selectedand apply the brakes when necessary.
The cruise control indicator lightreplaces the adaptive cruisecontrol indicator light if youselect normal cruise control. The gapsetting does not display, and the systemdoes not respond to lead vehicles.Automatic braking remains active tomaintain set speed.
You can change from adaptive cruisecontrol to normal cruise control throughthe information display. See GeneralInformation (page 96).
Note:The system remembers the lastsetting when you start your vehicle.
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.Switch the ignition off. After at least 10seconds, switch the ignition on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving (or if the ignition is turnedoff), you can steer the vehicle manually,but it takes more effort. You must adaptyour speed and driving behavior to reducedsteering assist. Extreme continuoussteering may increase the effort it takesfor you to steer. This occurs to preventinternal overheating and permanentdamage to your steering system. If thisshould occur, you will neither lose theability to steer the vehicle manually norwill it cause permanent damage. Typicalsteering and driving maneuvers will allowthe system to cool down and steeringassist will return to normal.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notdetect vehicles that are driving in adifferent direction, pedestrians, cyclistsor animals. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system does notoperate during hard acceleration orsteering. Failure to take care may leadto a crash or personal injury.
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WARNING: The system may fail oroperate with reduced function duringcold and severe weather conditions.Snow, ice, rain, spray and fog canadversely affect the system. Keep thefront camera and radar free of snow andice. Failure to take care may result in theloss of control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
WARNING: Some situations andobjects prevent hazard detection. Forexample low or direct sunlight, inclementweather, unconventional vehicle types,and pedestrians. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: The system cannothelp prevent all crashes. Do not rely onthis system to replace driver judgmentand the need to maintain a safe distanceand speed.
Note:To achieve full system performance,you must break in the braking system. SeeGeneral Information (page 175).
Note:The warning indicator may flash fora short period of time when you start yourvehicle.
Using the Pre-Collision AssistSystem
The Pre-Collision Assist system is activeat speeds above approximately 3 mph(5 km/h) and pedestrian detection is activeat speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
If your vehicle is rapidly approachinganother stationary vehicle, a vehicletraveling in the same direction as yours, ora pedestrian within your driving path thesystem provides three levels offunctionality:
1.Alert
2.Brake Support
3.Active Braking
Alert: When active, the system provides aflashing visual warning and an audiblewarning sound.
Brake Support: Assists the driver inreducing collision speed by preparing thebrake system for rapid braking. Brakesupport does not automatically activatethe brakes, but if the driver presses thebrake pedal even lightly, brake supportcould add additional braking up to fullforce.
Active Braking: Active braking mayactivate if the system determines that acollision is imminent. The system may helpthe driver reduce impact damage or avoidthe crash completely.
Note:If you perceive Pre-Collision Assistalerts as being too frequent or disturbing,then you can reduce the alert sensitivity,though the manufacturer recommendsusing the highest sensitivity setting wherepossible. Setting lower sensitivity wouldlead to fewer and later system warnings.
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WARNING: Exceeding theSafety Compliance Certificationlabel vehicle weight limits canadversely affect theperformance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in theloss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
Maximum Loaded TrailerWeight
Maximum loaded trailer weight isthe highest possible weight of afully loaded trailer the vehicle cantow. Consult an authorized dealer(or the RV and Trailer TowingGuide available at an authorizeddealer) for more detailed
information.
GCWR (Gross CombinedWeight Rating)
GCWR is the maximum allowableweight of the vehicle and theloaded trailer, including all cargoand passengers, that the vehiclecan handle without riskingdamage. (Important: The towingvehicle’s braking system is ratedfor operation at Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating, not at GrossCombined Weight Rating.)Separate functional brakes should
be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Do not usereplacement tires with lowerload carrying capacities than theoriginal tires because they maylower your vehicle's GVWR andGAWR limitations. Replacementtires with a higher limit than theoriginal tires do not increase theGVWR and GAWR limitations.
WARNING: Exceeding anyvehicle weight rating canadversely affect theperformance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in theloss of control of your vehicle,serious personal injury or death.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of yourvehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
WARNING: Do not exceedthe lowest rating capacity foryour vehicle or trailer hitch.Overloading your vehicle ortrailer hitch can impair yourvehicle stability and handling.Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of controlof your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not cut,drill, weld or modify the trailerhitch. Modifying the trailer hitchcould reduce the hitch rating.
WARNING: Make sure thatthe vertical load on the tow ballis between the minimum andmaximum recommended weightat all times. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in theloss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not tow atrailer fitted with electric trailerbrakes unless your vehicle isfitted with a compatibleaftermarket electronic trailerbrake controller. Failure to followthis instruction could result inthe loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.For additional information and
assistance, we recommend thatyou contact an authorizeddealer.
Note:Your vehicle includes trailerstability control if it has anelectronic stability program.
When towing a trailer:
•Obey country specificregulations for towing a trailer.
•Place loads as low as possibleand central to the axle of yourtrailer. For best stability of thetrailer in an unloaded vehicle,place the load in the trailertowards the nose within themaximum nose load as thisgives the best stability. SeeRecommended Towing
Weights (page 225).
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•Reduce the stipulatedpermitted gross combinationmass by 3% for everyadditional 1,000 ft (300 m) inhigh altitude regions above1,000 ft (300 m).
•Use a low gear whendescending a steep downhillslope.
•Do not use four-wheel drivewhile towing for extendedperiods of time on dry surfaces.See Using Four-Wheel Drive(page 165).
The stability of your vehicle totrailer combination is dependenton the quality of the trailer.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF
EQUIPPED)
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 once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes atindividual wheels and, if necessary, reducesengine power. If the trailer begins to sway,the stability control light flashes and themessage TRAILER SWAY REDUCESPEED appears in the information display.The first thing to do is slow your vehicledown, then pull safely to the side of theroad and check for proper tongue load andtrailer load distribution. See LoadCarrying (page 218).
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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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information. SeeScheduled Maintenance (page 416).
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load. See Load Limit (page 218).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connectorto your vehicle, only use a proper fittingconnector that works with the vehicle andtrailer functions. Some seven-positionconnectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,which confirms that it is the proper wiringconnector and works correctly with yourvehicle.
FunctionColor
Left turn signal and stop lampYellow
Ground (-)White
Electric brakesBlue
Right turn signal and stoplampGreen
Battery (+)1Orange
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FunctionColor
Running lightsBrown
Reverse lightsGrey
1 Your vehicle must recognize the trailerbefore the trailer can receive power.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper. Always connect the safety chainsto the frame or hook retainers of your trailerhitch.
Install trailer safety chains to the trailerhitch as recommended by themanufacturer. Cross the chains under thetrailer tongue and allow enough slack forturning tight corners. Do not allow thechains to drag on the ground.
If the trailer safety chain hook has a latch,make sure the latch is fully closed.
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.
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.
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