WHAT IS DRIVE MODE CONTROL
Your vehicle has various drive modes thatyou can select for different drivingconditions. Depending on the drive modethat you select, the system adjusts variousvehicle settings.
HOW DOES DRIVE MODE
CONTROL WORK
Drive mode control adjusts your vehicleconfiguration for each mode you select.
Changing the drive mode adjusts thesteering effort and feel of the steeringsystem.
The stability and traction control assist yourvehicle control in adverse conditions orhigh-performance driving.
Throttle control enhances the powertrainresponse, transmission controls becomeoptimized with shift schedules, andfour-wheel drive settings are optimized andtuned to each mode.
Changing the drive mode can engage ordisengage the electronic locking differentials.
Changing the drive mode changes thefour-wheel drive mode to the default settingfor the selected drive mode.
Note:The system has diagnostic checks thatcontinuously monitor the system for properoperation. If a mode is unavailable due to asystem fault, the drive mode system defaultsto normal. When the system defaults tonormal, the driveline settings remain thesame as prior to the system fault.
Note:The system reverts to the normalmode each time you start your vehicle. Atstartup the system also displays a prompton the instrument cluster display that givesyou the option to return to the previouslyselected drive mode during the last ignitioncycle. If you select yes, the system returnsto the last selected drive mode and thedefault driveline settings associated withthat mode. If you select no, the systemremains in normal mode and the drivelinesettings remain the same as selected in theprior ignition cycle. If you do not select yesor no, the system stays in normal mode andthe driveline settings remain the same asselected in the prior ignition cycle.
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Four-wheel drive auto is the defaultfour-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive lowis selectable in deep conditions mode.
The electronic locking differential engageswhen you select this mode at any speed, andyou can disengage it at any time using thebutton. See What Is the ElectronicLimited-Slip Differential (page 230).
Note:Do not use this mode when driving onpavement or packed snow. This could causedriveline bind up and damage the systemdepending on the four-wheel drive modeselection. See Four-Wheel Drive (page 224).
EXCITE - 4X4
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling and response. Thismode increases throttle response, providesa sportier steering feel, along with quickershifting. The suspension stiffens, with anemphasis on handling and control. Thetransmission also holds gears longer, helpingyour vehicle accelerate faster when shiftinggears.
Two-wheel drive high is the defaultfour-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive lowis not available in excite mode.
The electronic locking differential is availablebelow 25 mph (40 km/h). See What Is theElectronic Limited-Slip Differential (page230).
EXCITE - 4X2
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling and response. Thismode increases throttle response, providesa sportier steering feel, along with quickershifting. The suspension stiffens, with anemphasis on handling and control. Thetransmission also holds gears longer, helpingyour vehicle accelerate faster when shiftinggears.
The electronic locking differential is availablebelow 25 mph (40 km/h). See What Is theElectronic Limited-Slip Differential (page230).
NORMAL - 4X4
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfectbalance of excitement, comfort andconvenience.
Two-wheel drive high is the defaultfour-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drivemodes are selectable when in normal mode.
The electronic locking differential is availablebelow 25 mph (40 km/h). See What Is theElectronic Limited-Slip Differential (page230).
NORMAL - 4X2
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfectbalance of excitement, comfort andconvenience.
The electronic locking differential is availablebelow 25 mph (40 km/h). See What Is theElectronic Limited-Slip Differential (page230).
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TOWING A TRAILER PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not exceed theGVWR or the GAWR specified on thecertification label.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds the limitof your vehicle and could result inengine damage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not exceed thelowest rating capacity for your vehicleor trailer hitch. Overloading yourvehicle or trailer hitch can impair yourvehicle stability and handling. Failureto follow this instruction could resultin the loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: Make sure that thevertical load on the tow ball is betweenthe minimum and maximumrecommended weight at all times.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Do not cut, drill, weldor modify the trailer hitch. Modifyingthe trailer hitch could reduce the hitchrating.
WARNING: The anti-lock brakesystem does not control the trailerbrakes.
TRAILER BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Do not connect a trailer'shydraulic brake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehicle maynot have enough braking power and yourchances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
WARNING: Do not tow a trailer fittedwith electric trailer brakes unless yourvehicle is fitted with a compatibleaftermarket electronic trailer brakecontroller. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death. Foradditional information and assistance, werecommend that you contact an authorizeddealer.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if you installthem properly and adjust them to themanufacturer's specifications. The trailerbrakes must meet local and federalregulations.
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The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combined weightrating.
Certain states require functioning trailerbrakes for trailers over a specified weight.Be sure to check state regulations for thisspecified weight.
Ford Motor Company recommends separatefunctioning brake systems for trailersweighing more than 1,500 lb (680 kg) whenloaded.
TOWING A TRAILER LIMITATIONS
The vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so youcannot necessarily use all availablespace when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Note:Your vehicle could have reducedperformance when operating at highaltitudes and when heavily loaded ortowing a trailer. When driving atelevation, to match driving performanceas perceived at sea level, reduce grossvehicle weight and gross combinationweight by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)elevation.
LOADING YOUR TRAILER
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest tothe trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do notallow the final trailer tongue weightto go above or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight. The trailertongue weight should never exceed10% of the maximum towing capacity.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop. When both the loadedvehicle and trailer are connected, thetrailer frame should be level, orslightly angled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from the side.
TRAILER TOWING HINTS
Towing a trailer places an extra load on yourvehicle's engine, transmission, axle, brakes,tires and suspension. Periodically inspectthese components during and after anytowing operation.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slighttakeoff vibration or shudder may be presentdue to the increased payload weight.
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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 different manufacturerthan the road tires on your vehicle. Consultinformation on the tire label or SafetyCompliance label for limitations 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 thoroughly afteryou have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speed controlmay turn off when you are towing onlong, 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 Assist orTow/Haul, use this feature when towing.This provides engine braking and helpseliminate excessive transmission shiftingfor optimum fuel economy andtransmission 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 and trailerif the AdvanceTrac system engages.
•Allow more distance for stopping with atrailer attached. Anticipate stops andgradually brake.
•Avoid parking on a slope. However, ifyou must park on a slope, turn thesteering wheel to point your vehicle tiresaway from traffic flow, set the parkingbrake, place the transmission in park (P)and place wheel chocks in front and backof 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 to riseabove the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge ofthe rear bumper.
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SETTING UP THE TRAILER BACKUP
ASSISTANCE FOR A CONVENTIONAL
TRAILER
CONFIGURING THE TRAILER
You must configure a trailer in the system touse the trailer reversing aids. This is aone-time setup process per trailer and thetrailer information is saved in the system forthe next time you use that trailer.
The system only works with conventionaltrailers. It does not work with other typesincluding gooseneck and fifth-wheel. Thefollowing illustration shows examples ofconventional trailers on the left-hand side.
Positioning the Trailer
Hitch your trailer to the truck and connectthe electrical wiring harness. Check to makesure that the wiring is working. SeeConnecting a Trailer (page 345).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on alevel surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailerrides level with the ground when you hitchyour vehicle. See Connecting a Trailer(page 345).
Make sure that the trailer and your vehicleare in line with each other. You can do thisby putting the transmission in drive (D) andpulling straight forward.
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Note:Trailer reverse guidance camera viewsare available with no trailer setup. However,complete functionality including graphicsand automatic view switching is enabled bysetup. Setup is required to enable trailerbackup assistance.
Positioning the Trailer
Hitch the trailer to your vehicle and connectthe electrical wiring harness. Check to makesure that the wiring is working. SeeConnecting a Trailer (page 345).
Park your vehicle and hitched trailer on alevel surface.
For best results, make sure that your trailerrides level with the ground when you hitchyour vehicle. See Connecting a Trailer(page 345).
Make sure that the trailer and your vehicleare in line with each other. You can do thisby putting the transmission in drive (D) andpulling straight forward.
Configuring the Trailer in theTouchscreen
1.Shift to reverse (R).
2.Press the camera view button.
3.Press the trailer view icon.
4.Press Add Trailer.
5.Follow the directions on the touchscreento enter the trailer name, then proceedto the sticker setup. See Applying theTrailer Reverse Aid Sticker (page 376).
APPLYING THE TRAILER REVERSE AIDSTICKER
Place the sticker in an area visible by the rearview camera. The entire sticker must bewithin 4–19 in (10–48 cm) from the center ofthe hitch ball, as shown in the followingillustration.
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DRIVING IN SPECIAL CONDITIONS
DRIVING THROUGH MUD AND WATER
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheeldrive vehicles can lose traction in mud. Ifyour vehicle slides, steer in the direction ofthe slide until you regain control of yourvehicle. After driving through mud, clean offresidue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess residue can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, itcould be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for more thana minute, as damage to the transmissionand tires could occur or the engine couldoverheat.
Water
If you must drive though deep water, driveslowly. The water could limit traction or brakecapability. See Driving Through ShallowWater (page 386).
When driving though water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than the centerof the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle asquickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressureto the brake pedal while slowly moving thevehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:Driving through deep water couldcause damage to the transmission. If thefront or rear axle is submerged in water,have the axle lubricant and power transferunit lubricant checked and changed ifnecessary.
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPINGTERRAIN
WARNING: Extreme care should beused when steering the vehicle in reversedown a slope so as not to cause thevehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles could make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or down ahill or steep incline, you should try to drivestraight up 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, determinebeforehand the route you can use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
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