
• The trailer is not connected.
• If you select Normal, Conserve, or
Slippery.
• You are not in 4H or 4L.
• You have not selected Manual shift
mode.
• Hill descent control is not active.
• You have not selected Tow haul, Excite,
Deep, or Slow Climb.
Note:When in Excite mode, Start/Stop can
be enabled by pressing the Auto-Start-Stop
button.
E121377
The green Auto-Start-Stop
indicator light on the instrument
cluster will illuminate to indicate
when the automatic engine stop occurs.
E146361
If the instrument cluster is
equipped with a grey
Auto-Start-Stop indicator light, it
illuminates when automatic engine stop is
not available due to one of the above noted
conditions not being met.Automatic Engine Restart
Any of the following conditions will result in
an automatic restart of the engine:
• You have removed your foot from the
brake pedal.
• You press the accelerator pedal.
• You press the accelerator and the brake
pedal at the same time.
• The driver safety belt becomes
unfastened or the driver door is ajar.
• Your vehicle is moving.
• The interior compartment does not meet
customer comfort when air conditioning
or heat is on.
• Fogging of the windows could occur and
the air conditioning is on.
• The battery is not within optimal
operating conditions.
• You have exceeded the maximum engine
off time.
• When you press the Auto-Start-Stop
button with the engine automatically
stopped.• The front defroster is turned to the Max
setting.
• When you shift into park (P), the engine
will restart.
Any of the following conditions may result in
an automatic restart of the engine:
• You have increased the blower fan speed
or changed the climate control
temperature.
• You have an electrical accessory turned
on or plugged in.
Note:You may notice that the climate seat
fan fluctuates during an automatic restart.
Disabling Auto-Start-Stop
E287975
Press the button on the instrument
panel to access the
Auto-Start-Stop feature on the
touchscreen. Use the touchscreen to
deactivate the feature.
Deactivating the feature lasts only 1 key
cycle. Use the touchscreen to restore
Auto-Start-Stop function.
216
Unique Driving Characteristics

When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means the energy you gain
from plugging in and charging your vehicle
is now gone. Both the gasoline engine and
electric motor power your vehicle and
maximize fuel economy during hybrid
operation. Hybrid operation provides some
electric-only driving as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
level within functional limits.Low Engine Use
The low engine use mode properly lubricates
the engine at sufficient temperature and
activates when you drive your vehicle with
limited engine operation. When in low engine
use mode, your vehicle runs the engine as
necessary. When low engine use mode
begins, a message appears in the information
display. If low engine use mode does not
complete before you switch your vehicle off,
it continues the next time you start your
vehicle and the message reappears. See
Information Messages (page 142).Pure EV mode is not available during low
engine use mode.
Note:Cold temperatures affect the engine
warm up time and the low engine use mode
could operate more frequently.
Note:An oil change is not required but gives
you the option of not running a low engine
use cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoring
system suspends the low engine use mode.
220
Unique Driving Characteristics

The scheduled maintenance items listed in
scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust
system may allow exhaust to enter the
vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly
operating exhaust system inspected and
repaired immediately.Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an
emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle’s
emission system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information Decal located on or near
the engine. This decal also lists engine
displacement.
Please consult your warranty information for
complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that
monitors the engine’s emission control
system. The system protects the environment
by making sure that your vehicle continues
to meet government emission standards. The
OBD-II system also assists a service
technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause the
service engine soon indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—the
engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the
engine may misfire or run poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed
properly. See Refueling (page 229).
4. Driving through deep water—the
electrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with good
quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet
or letting the electrical system dry out. After
three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
service engine soon indicator should stay off
the next time you start the engine. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city and highway driving.
No additional vehicle service is required.
236
Engine Emission Control

Do not tow your vehicle in this mode. Failure
to follow these instructions could result in
vehicle damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Entering Temporary Neutral Mode
1. Power your vehicle on.
2. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal.
4. Shift into neutral (N).
Note:An instructional message appears.
5. Press the neutral (N) button.
Note:A confirmation message appears
when your vehicle enters the mode.
6. Release the brake pedal.
Note:Your vehicle is free to roll.
7. Switch your vehicle off.
Note:Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
Note:The neutral (N) indicator on the
transmission selector may flash in this mode.
Exiting Temporary Neutral Mode
1. Press the brake pedal.2. Shift into park (P), or power your vehicle
on and shift into drive (D) or reverse (R).
Manually Shifting Gears
The instrument cluster displays the current
gear. The current gear flashes when your
vehicle cannot shift into the requested gear.
Your vehicle will not shift if the requested
gear raises or lowers the engine speed
beyond the limit.
Your vehicle could shift when you fully press
the accelerator or brake pedal.
Note:Prolonged driving with high engine
speed could cause vehicle damage not
covered by vehicle warranty.
Note:Drive modes could affect when the
vehicle shifts into the requested gear.
E144821
Manually Shifting Gears in Drive (D)
Use this feature to temporarily change gear.
Note:We recommend using this feature for
engine braking or driving on hilly or
mountainous roads.
• Pull any paddle to switch the feature on.
• Pull the right (+) paddle to upshift.
• Pull the left (-) paddle to downshift.
• Hold the + paddle for a few seconds to
switch the feature off.
Note:The feature switches off after a short
period of time if neither paddle is pulled.
Manual Park Release
WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which means
your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid
unwanted vehicle movement, apply the
parking brake prior to doing this
procedure. Use wheel chocks if
appropriate.
261
Transmission

If the mini-spare is installed, this condition is
indicated by a warning in the information
display.
The slip response system could activate if
the mini spare is installed on the front
wheels. If the mini spare was installed on the
rear wheels the slip response system will
fully disable. In situations where there is a
wintery mix or an off road situation, and you
need to use a mini spare, you must install
the mini spare in the front tire position and
move a full size tire to the rear tire position
for the slip response system to function.
Operating ALL-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles with Mismatched Tires
WARNING: Only use replacement
tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating, and type as those
originally provided for your vehicle. The
recommended tire and wheel sizes can be
found on the Tire Label on the driver side
door frame or the edge of the driver door.
If this information is not found in those
locations, or for additional options, contact
your authorized dealer. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended, could affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to rear-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system.
For optimum AWD Performance, it is
recommended to follow the tire rotation
maintenance schedule. To avoid potential
AWD malfunction or AWD system damage,
it is recommended to replace all four tires
rather than mixing significantly worn tires
with new tires. For example, using 3 worn
tread tires and 1 new tread tire all of the same
original tire size/brand, can be tolerated by
the AWD system as long as the worn tires
still have usable tread depth.How Your Vehicle Differs from Other
Vehicles
Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle could be
higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or damaging
underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently than
an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times,
especially in rough terrain. Since sudden
changes in terrain can result in abrupt
steering wheel motion, make sure you grip
the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
265
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

WARNING: Do not use the system
with accessories that extend beyond the
front or rear of your vehicle, for example a
trailer hitch or bike rack. The system is not
able to make corrections for the additional
length of the accessories.
The system only applies the brakes for a
short period of time when an event occurs.
Act as soon as you notice the brakes apply
to remain in control of the vehicle. If you do
not intervene the vehicle may start to move
again.
Note:Certain add-on devices around the
bumper or fascia may create false alerts. For
example, large trailer hitches, bicycle or
surfboard racks, license plate brackets,
bumper covers or any other device that may
block the normal detection zone of the
system. Remove the add-on device to
prevent false alerts.
Note:The system does not react to small or
moving objects, particularly those close to
the ground.Note:The system does not operate during
hard acceleration or steering.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper or fascia leaving it misaligned or
bent, it could alter the sensing zone causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or
false alerts.
Note:Vehicle loading and suspension
changes can impact the angle of the sensors
and may change the normal detection zone
of the system resulting in inaccurate
measurement of obstacles or false alerts.
Note:When you connect a trailer, the system
may detect the trailer and provide an alert,
or the system turns off. If the system does
not turn off, manually switch the system off
after you connect the trailer.
Note:You may experience reduced system
performance on road surfaces that limit
deceleration. For example, roads with ice,
loose gravel, mud or sand.
SWITCHING REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST ON AND OFF
You can switch the system on or off through
the touchscreen. See Settings (page 555).
Note:The system is unavailable when rear
parking aid or cross traffic alert is off.
OVERRIDING REVERSE BRAKING
ASSIST
There could be instances when unexpected
or unwanted braking occurs. Firmly pressing
the accelerator pedal or switching the feature
off overrides the system.
REVERSE BRAKING ASSIST
INDICATORS
If the system determines that a collision with
an obstacle may occur, full braking may
apply.
E293490
A message and warning indicator
appear when the system applies
the brakes.
278
Reverse Braking Assist (If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of your
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the laws
of physics. It’s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this could reduce the operator’s
ability to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system activates,
SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control system
you may experience the following conditions:• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and your
foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal
may move as the systems applies higher
brake forces.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by applying
brakes to one or more of the wheels
individually and, if necessary, reducing
engine power.
282
Stability Control

Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it
changes by applying the brakes to one or
more wheels individually.
Curve Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to follow the road when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. Curve
Control operates by reducing engine power
and, if necessary, applying brakes to one or
more of the wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 281).
E72903
Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route. A
Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface. B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control and
roll stability control systems off, but when
you shift into reverse (R), the systems turn
off.
You can switch the traction control system
off or on. See Using Traction Control (page
281).
283
Stability Control