FORD BRONCO SPORT 2021 Owners Manual

In manual (M), press the manual (M)
button to switch the feature off and return
to drive (D).
Note:
The shift schedule can change with
drive modes. Using drive modes could
change when you can shift into the
requested gear. See Drive Mode Control
(page 223).
Automatic Return to Park
Note: This feature does not operate when
your vehicle is in stay in neutral (N).
Your vehicle has a feature that shifts your
vehicle into park (P) when any of the
following conditions occur:
• You switch the vehicle off.
• You open the driver door with your
seatbelt unlatched.
• You unlatch your seatbelt when the
driver door is open.
If you switch your vehicle off when moving,
the vehicle first shifts into neutral (N) until
it slows down enough to shift into park (P).
Note: If you have waited for more than two
minutes before starting your vehicle,
unlatching your seatbelt causes this feature
to activate, even with the driver door closed.
Note: This feature may not work properly
if the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If
your door ajar indicator does not illuminate
when you open the driver door or the
indicator illuminates with the driver door
closed, see your authorized dealer.
Stay in Neutral Mode
Stay in neutral mode allows your vehicle
to stay in neutral when you exit your
vehicle. Your vehicle must be stationary to
enter this mode.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode. Note:
Stay in neutral is a temporary vehicle
state with the ignition off. Once in this
mode, sufficient battery voltage must be
maintained or your vehicle returns to park.
Not maintaining sufficient battery voltage
could damage the battery which the vehicle
warranty would not cover.
Note: When entering an automatic car
wash, always shift to neutral (N). If you are
exiting the vehicle before the car wash, stay
in neutral mode is available.
To enter stay in neutral mode
1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine running, press and hold the brake
pedal.
3. Shift in neutral (N).
Note: When in neutral (N), a message
appears in the display screen informing you
how to access stay in neutral mode.
4. Press the manual (M), or low (L) button in the middle of the
transmission selector to enter stay in
neutral mode.
Note: A message appears in the display
screen confirming your vehicle is in stay in
neutral mode. The neutral (N) indicator light
on the transmission selector slowly flashes.
5. Release the brake pedal.
6. Switch the ignition off.
To exit stay in neutral mode, place your
foot on the brake pedal and shift into park
(P), or start the engine and shift into drive
(D) or reverse (R).
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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,
always fully apply the parking brake prior
to doing this procedure. Use wheel
chocks if appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning
lamp remains illuminated, the brakes
may not be working properly. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible. WARNING:
Do not drive your
vehicle until you verify that the
stoplamps are working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency.
Activating the Manual Park Release
Cable
1. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 177).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could use an external power source to
apply the parking brake. 2. Locate the manual park release cable
access cover on the lower instrument
panel dash to the bottom left-hand
side of the steering column.
3. Using a tool or the key blade, carefully open the access cover.
Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in
the driver seat.
4. Switch the ignition on, but do not start
your vehicle. 5. Once in the driver seat, fully press the
brake pedal and hold. Do not release.
Pull the orange tether towards the
driver seat until the tether gets locked
in the override position. Then leave the
tether.
6. If done correctly, a message on the instrument cluster displays Park Not
Available, Transmission Not in Park, or
Shift System Fault.
Note: Your vehicle is now out of the park
(P) position and is free to roll.
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7.
With your foot still fully applied on the
brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake. See Electric Parking Brake
(page 177).
8. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
9. Switch off the ignition.
10. Once it is safe to do so and there is no risk that your vehicle will roll,
disconnect the negative, black
battery cable from the battery. If the
vehicle rolls before disconnecting the
battery, the electric parking brake
could apply. You may need to release
the parking brake again. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 177).
Returning Your Vehicle to Normal
Mode
1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative, black battery cable to the
battery.
2. Apply the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake
(page 177). Note:
If the vehicle battery is dead, for
example, no electrical power is available,
you could use an external power source to
apply the parking brake.
3. Fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether
outward toward the driver seat to
release it from the override position.
4. The cable releases and retracts back to its original rest position.
5. Stow the manual park release cable tether back inside the instrument panel
dash hole, install the access cover by
pressing it back in position.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm
that your vehicle is in the park (P)
position and that the instrument
cluster indicates park (P).
7. If the instrument cluster is not displaying the park (P) position or a
message displays on the instrument
cluster screen, make sure you apply the
parking brake before exiting your
vehicle. Contact an authorized dealer
for service.
Information Messages Details
Message
The system detects a fault that requires
service. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Transmission Malfunction Service Now
Displays when you shift into neutral (N).
Select M To Confirm Stay In Neutral Mode
Displays when you shift into neutral (N).
Select L to Confirm Stay in Neutral Mode
Displays to confirm that your vehicle hasentered Stay in Neutral mode.
Stay in Neutral Mode Engaged
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If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
rock it out by shifting between forward and
reverse gears, stopping between shifts in
a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires could occur, or the engine could
overheat.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the rear wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously making
adjustments to the torque distribution, in
an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
If any component requires maintenance,
a message appears in the information
display.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
A graphic displays in the information
display to advise you of the power
distribution between the front and rear
wheels. The more the area is filled, the
more power is being distributed to that
wheel.
Note:
Four-wheel drive is also called 4WD
and 4x4. Note:
Do not use the four-wheel drive lock,
the rear differential lock or off-road
selectable drive modes on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. These features
are only intended for consistently slippery
or loose surfaces. Operating your vehicle
outside of these conditions could subject
the vehicle to excessive stress, which may
result in damage not covered under your
warranty. See Drive Mode Control (page
223).
Note: When a system malfunction is
present, a warning message is displayed in
the information display. See
Information
Messages (page 104). This means the
system is not functioning correctly and has
defaulted to front-wheel drive only. Have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Note: A message is displayed in the
information display if the system overheats
and switches to front-wheel drive. This
condition could occur if you operate your
vehicle in extreme high-load conditions or
with excessive wheel slip, for example deep
sand. To resume four-wheel drive function
as soon as possible, stop your vehicle in a
safe location and switch the ignition off for
a minimum of 10 minutes. After the system
cools, normal four-wheel drive functionality
resumes.
Note: If a warning message appears in the
information display when using the spare
tire, it turns off after reinstalling the repaired
or replaced road tire and you perform a key
cycle.
Note: It is recommended that you reinstall
the repaired tire or replace the tire as soon
as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes could
cause system damage or default the system
to front-wheel drive.
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Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive has operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from front-wheel drive, both on
and off the freeway.
When driving at slow speeds under
high-load conditions, use a low gear when
possible. Low gear operation maximizes
the engine and transmission cooling
capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the air
conditioning may cycle on and off to
prevent the engine from overheating.
Note:
It may be useful to select the most
appropriate drive mode to most effectively
maximize vehicle performance. See Drive
Mode Control (page 223).
Note: It may be useful to switch traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain conditions or if
your vehicle becomes stuck.
Note: If the front or rear axle is submerged
in water, check the rear axle lubricant and
power transfer unit lubricant and change if
necessary.
See Driving Through Water
Limitations (page 246).
Basic Operating Principles
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made 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 your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been
reduced, ease your vehicle back onto the
road. Do not turn the steering wheel
sharply while returning your vehicle to the
road. It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You could lose
control if you do not slow down or if you
turn the steering wheel too sharply or
abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control, or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others is your
primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency where a
sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle, for example, turn the steering
wheel only as rapidly and as far as required
to avoid the emergency. Excessive steering
can result in loss of vehicle control. Apply
smooth pressure to the accelerator pedal
or brake pedal when changes in vehicle
speed are required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle rollover, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another, for example, from
concrete to gravel, there will be a change
in the way your vehicle responds to a
maneuver, for example, steering,
acceleration or braking.
Note:
For off-road driving,
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Four-Wheel Drive Lock (If Equipped)
The four-wheel drive lock increases
four-wheel drive performance by
preventing the front and rear axles from
disconnecting. You can activate and
deactivate the four-wheel drive lock on the
fly by pressing the button on the drive
mode control. It also engages based on
certain selected drive modes. See
What
Is Drive Mode Control (page 223).
Note: The four-wheel drive lock is not
intended for use on dry pavement. Using the
four-wheel drive lock on dry pavement can
produce excessive noise, increase tire and
vehicle wear.
Note: The four-wheel drive lock may be
required in some drive modes, preventing it
from being disabled. This feature provides an
indicator light in the information
display when in use. While the
feature is in standby mode, the light
displays gray. While the feature is active,
the light becomes colored. Rear Differential Lock
(If Equipped)
The rear differential lock feature provides
additional traction should your vehicle
become stuck. You can activate and
deactivate the rear differential lock feature
while moving within the operating speed
range by pressing the button on the drive
mode control. The feature disengages
when the vehicle speed exceeds a set
value and it re-engages when the vehicle
speed goes below a set value. It also
engages based on certain selected drive
modes. See
Selecting a Drive Mode
(page 223).
The rear differential lock feature is for use
in mud, rocks, sand or off-road conditions
where you need maximum traction. It is
not for use on dry pavement.
Note: This feature is for off-road use only
and is not for use on dry pavement. Using
the rear differential lock feature on dry
pavement can produce excessive noise, and
increase tire and vehicle wear. Operating
your vehicle in these conditions could
subject your vehicle to excessive stress,
which may result in damage not covered
under your warranty.
Note: This feature is not available in all
drive modes. The rear differential lock
provides an indicator light in the
information display when in use.
While the feature is in standby mode, the
light displays gray. While the feature is
active, the light becomes colored.
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Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and
tested to provide predictable performance
whether loaded or empty. For this reason,
we strongly recommend that you do not
make modifications such as adding or
removing parts, for example, lift kits or
stabilizer bars, or by using replacement
parts not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.
We recommend that you use caution when
your vehicle has either a high-load or
device, for example, a ladder or luggage
racks. Any modifications to your vehicle
that raise the center of gravity could cause
your vehicle to roll over when there is a loss
of vehicle control.
Failure to maintain your vehicle correctly
could void the warranty, increase your
repair cost, reduce vehicle performance
and operational capabilities, and adversely
affect you and your passenger's safety. We
recommend you frequently inspect your
vehicle's chassis components when your
vehicle is subject to off-road usage.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings could be worn-out and have
your vehicle checked. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, have your
vehicle checked.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. Wet brakes result in reduced
braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car
wash or standing water to dry the brakes.
See Cleaning the Wheels (page 294).
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Switch the engine off, move the
transmission to park (P) and apply the
parking brake. Inspect the accelerator
pedal and the area around it for any items
or debris that may be obstructing its
movement. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to have your vehicle checked.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you
brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It
provides maximum braking efficiency as
long as you press the pedal. Emergency
brake assist can reduce stopping distances
in critical situations. Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. If the light does not momentarily
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on when you switch the
ignition on, the anti-lock brake system
could be disabled. Have the system
checked. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still effective.
Brake Lamps
See
Warning Lamps and Indicators
(page 95). If the light does not momentarily
illuminate, continues to flash or
remains on when you switch the
ignition on or apply the parking
brake, have the system checked.
If the brake warning lamp
illuminates 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 braking system does not
eliminate the risks when:
• You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
Note: If the system activates, the brake
pedal may pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.
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ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE
WARNING: Always fully apply the
parking brake and make sure you shift
into park (P). Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. WARNING:
If you drive extended
distances with the parking brake applied,
you could cause damage to the brake
system. WARNING:
The electric parking
brake does not operate if the vehicle
battery is running out of charge.
Your vehicle has an electric parking brake.
You operate it with a switch instead of a
lever. The switch is on the center console
or to the left-hand side of the steering
wheel, on the lower part of the instrument
panel.
Note: The electric parking brake makes
noises during operation. This is normal.
Applying the Electric Parking
Brake Pull the switch upward.
The red warning lamp flashes
during operation and illuminates
when the parking brake is
applied. Note:
It remains illuminated for a short
period of time after you switch the ignition
off. If it continues to flash or does not
illuminate, the system has malfunctioned.
Have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible.
Note:
You can apply the electric parking
brake when the ignition is off.
Note: The electric parking brake could
automatically apply when you shift into park
(P). See
Transmission (page 166).
Applying the Electric Parking Brake in
an Emergency
Note: Do not apply the electric parking
brake when your vehicle is moving, except
in an emergency. If you repeatedly use the
electric parking brake to slow or stop your
vehicle, you could cause damage to the
brake system.
You can use the electric parking brake to
slow or stop your vehicle in an emergency. Pull the switch upward and hold
it.
The red warning lamp
illuminates, a tone sounds and
the stoplamps turn on.
The electric parking brake continues to
slow your vehicle down unless you release
the switch.
Manually Releasing the Electric
Parking Brake
Switch the ignition on.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Push the switch downward.
The red warning lamp turns off.
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