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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (e.g. stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction
control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full
engine power. Turn off the traction control system using the information
display control. Refer to theInformation Displayschapter.
System indicator lights and messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled using
the information display control. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
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AVehicle without AdvanceTrac
with RSCskidding off its intended
route.
BVehicle with AdvanceTracwith
RSCmaintaining control on a
slippery surface.
USING ADVANCETRACWITH RSC
The system automatically activates when you start your engine. The
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem cannot be completely turned off, but
the ESC and RSCportions of the system are disabled when the
transmission is in R (Reverse). Curve control can be turned off by using
the terrain management system. See theTerrain Managementchapter.
The traction control portion of the system can also be turned off
independently. See theTraction Controlchapter.
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Changing the Set Speed
There are three ways to change the set speed:
•Accelerate or brake to the desired speed and press SET upward and
release.
•Increase or decrease the speed by holding SET upward or downward
until the desired set speed is shown on the information display. The
vehicle speed will gradually change to the selected speed.
•Increase or decrease the speed in increments of 1 mph (2 km/h) by
briefly pressing the SET upward or downward.
The system may apply the brakes to slow the vehicle down to the new
set speed. The set speed will display continuously in the information
display while the system is active.
Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Resume should only be used if the driver is aware of the set speed
and intends to return to it.
Press and release RES/CNCL. The vehicle will return to the previously
set speed. The set speed will display continuously in the information
display while the system is active.
Low Speed Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle speeds below 16 mph (26 km/h).
An audible alarm will sound and the automatic braking will be released if
the vehicle drops below this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm will sound and the system will shut down if it is
applying brakes for an extended period of time. This allows the brakes to
cool down. The system will function normally again when the brakes
have cooled down.
You should select a lower gear position when the system is active in
situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades (i.e.,
driving in mountainous areas). Additional engine braking is needed in
these situations to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake system
to prevent them from overheating.
Switching Off Adaptive Cruise Control
Note:The set speed memory is erased when you turn off the system.
Press and release OFF or turn off the ignition.
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Cause Action
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
Desert / remote area with no other
vehicles and no roadside objectsWait a short time or switch to
normal cruise control.
Due to the nature of radar technology, it is possible to get a blockage
warning and not be blocked. This can happen, for example, when driving
in sparse rural or desert environments. A false blocked condition will
either self clear or clear after a key cycle.
Switching to Normal Cruise Control
WARNING:Normal cruise control will not brake due to slower
vehicles. Always be aware of which mode is selected and apply
the brakes when necessary.
You can manually change from adaptive cruise control to normal cruise
control through the information display.
The cruise control indicator light will replace the adaptive
cruise control indicator light if normal cruise control is selected.
The gap setting will not be displayed, the system will not
automatically respond to lead vehicles and automatic braking will not be
activated. The system will default to adaptive cruise control when the
engine is started.
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Using the Systems
BLISturns on when the engine is started and the vehicle is driven
forward above 3 mph (5 km/h); it remains on while the transmission is in
D (Drive) and N (Neutral). If shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral), the
system enters CTA mode. Once shifted back into D (Drive), BLISturns
back on when the vehicle is driven above 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note:BLISdoes not function in R (Reverse) or P (Park) or provide
any additional warning when a turn signal is on.
CTA detects approaching vehicles from up to 45 feet (14 meters) away
though coverage decreases when the sensors are blocked. Reversing
slowly helps increase the coverage area and effectiveness.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, NEVER use the CTA
system as a replacement for using the interior and exterior
mirrors and looking over your shoulder before backing out of a parking
space. CTA is not a replacement for careful driving and only an assist.
In this first example, the left sensor is only partially obstructed; zone
coverage is nearly maximized.
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STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected the following message
Service Power Steering, Service Power Steering Now or Power Steering
Assist Fault may appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostics
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, Power Steering Assist Fault will be displayed in the
information display. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the information display for Power
Steering Assist Fault. If the message returns, or returns while driving,
take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message
displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to
steer.
WARNING:If Service Power Steering is displayed in the
information display, a problem with the system function has been
detected. On the next key cycle Service Power Steering Now will be
displayed and steering assist will be removed until the steering system
is serviced. Have your vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
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•Example only:
WARNING:Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label
vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural
damage, serious damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal
injury.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Turning off the trailer sway control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. Ford does not
recommend turning off this feature except in situations where reducing
vehicle speed may be dangerous (e.g. driving uphill) or the driver has
significant trailer towing experience and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may
activate multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies the vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
traction control system light flashes andTRAILER SWAY REDUCE
SPEEDappears in the information display. The first thing to do is slow
the vehicle down, then pull safely to the side of the road and check for
proper tongue load and trailer load distribution. Refer toLoad Carrying
chapter for specific loading information.
Trailer sway control can be turned off by using the information display
control; refer to theInformation Displayschapter. The system turns
back on whenever the ignition is turned on.
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RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Engine/Passengers/Trailer Class Maximum
GCWR - lb
(kg)Maximum
Trailer Weight
- lb (kg)
FWD vehicles
2.0L/6–passenger/Class I 6810 (3089) 2000 (907)
2.0L/7–passenger/Class I 6830 (3098) 2000 (907)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class I 6870 (3116) 2000 (907)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class I 6940 (3148) 2020 (916)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class III 9910 (4495) 5000 (2268)*
3.5L/7–passenger/Class III 9980 (4527) 5020 (2277)*
4WD vehicles
3.5L/6–passenger/Class I 7100 (3221) 2000 (907)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class I 7110 (3225) 2020 (916)
3.5L/6–passenger/Class III 10160 (4608) 5000 (2268)
3.5L/7–passenger/Class III 10160 (4608) 5040 (2286)
*For towing trailers up to 3500 lb (1588 kg), use a weight-carrying
hitch and ball which uniformly spreads the trailer tongue loads through
the vehicle’s underbody structure. For towing trailers over 3500 lb
(1588 kg), up to the maximum trailer weight, it is recommended to use
a weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to your
scheduled maintenance information.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of the vehicle
load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
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Trailer Brakes
Note:The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Be sure the trailer conforms to all applicable local and Federal
regulations regarding trailer braking. If the trailer is equipped with
electronically-controlled brakes, the brakes need to have an electronic
brake controller with associated wiring installed to the vehicle by an
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Ensure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking up the lamps.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) and do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) to aid in engine/transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•
Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not apply
the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less effective.
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