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•Engaged (green light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control
system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is
disengaged.
Stability Control System
Displays when the AdvanceTrac/Traction control is active. If
the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
Stability Control System Off
Illuminates when AdvanceTrac/Traction control has been
disabled by the driver.
Airbag readiness
If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on,
continues to flash or remains on, contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. A chime will sound when there is a
malfunction in the indicator light.
Anti-lock brake system
If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a
malfunction has been detected. Contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. Normal braking is still functional unless the
brake warning light also is illuminated.
Brake system warning light
To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on
position when the engine is not running, or in a position
between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition
is turned to the on position.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not
engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake
fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked
immediately by your authorized dealer.
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WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance
may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving
extended distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake
failure and the risk of personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
Grade assist (if equipped) (RTT)
Illuminates when grade assist is turned on.
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Heads up display (if equipped)
A red beam of lights will illuminate on the windshield in certain
instances when using adaptive cruise control and/or the collision
warning system. It will also illuminate momentarily when you
start your vehicle to make sure the display works.
High beams
Illuminates when the high-beam headlamps are on.
Low fuel (RTT)
Illuminates when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty.
Low tire pressure warning
Illuminates when your tire pressure is low. If the light remains
on at start up or while driving, the tire pressure should be
checked. When the ignition is first turned to on, the light will
illuminate for 3 seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does
not turn on or begins to flash, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Low washer fluid (RTT)
Illuminates when the windshield washer fluid is low.
Park lamps
Illuminates when the park lamps are on.
Powertrain malfunction/reduced power (RTT)
Illuminates when a powertrain or an AWD fault has been
detected. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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Safety belt
Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minderchime
will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt.
Service engine soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and
to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon”
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testingin theFuel and Refuelingchapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theFuel and Refuelingchapter. If
the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration
and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Speed control (if equipped) (RTT)
The speed control system indicator light changes color to
indicate what mode the system is in:
•On (gray light-type 1, white light-type 2): Illuminates when the speed
control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system
is turned off.
•Engaged (white light-type 1, green light-type 2): Illuminates when the
speed control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control
system is disengaged.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that drivers
use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take their
focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of the
vehicle. We recommend against the use of any handheld device while
driving and that you comply with all applicable laws.
Various systems on your vehicle can be controlled using the information
display controls on the steering wheel. Corresponding information is
displayed in the information display.
Information Display Controls (Type 1)
•Press the up and down arrow
buttons to scroll through and
highlight the options within a
menu.
•Press the right arrow button to
enter a sub-menu.
•Press the left arrow button to
exit a menu.
•Press the OK button to choose
and confirm a setting/messages.
Menu
You can access the menus using the information display control.
Note:Some options may appear slightly different or not at all if the
items are optional.
†Trip1/2
Trip Odometer
Tr i p Ti m e
Fuel Used
Compass (located in lower line of display).Note:this will also display
in other menus.
Total Odometer (located in lower line of display).Note:this will also
display in other menus.
†SeeTrip and fuel economy computerlater in this section for more
information.
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Display Mode
Use the up/down arrow buttons to choose between the
following display options.
Display mode †Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 †Option 4
XXX mi (km) to empty X
Fuel gaugeXXXX
Bar tachometer X X
Round tachometer X X
Engine coolant temp
gaugeX
Total odometer (lower
left corner)XXXX
†Vehicles with Intelligent AWD only. You can choose to have only the
fuel gauge show in this mode. Refer toDisplay>Gauge Display
found in the table under theSettingssection later in this chapter.
Regardless of display mode chosen, when SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) is activated, the cluster will change to the round
tachometer if not already selected. After the round tachometer
displays, other display modes with the bar tachometer can also be
chosen.
•XXX mi (km) to empty: Shows approximate fuel level before the fuel
tank reaches empty. The value is dynamic and can change (raise or
lower) depending on driving style.
•Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or
on a grade. When the fuel level becomes low, the level indicator will
change to amber. When the fuel level becomes critical ly low, the level
indicator will change to red.
Note:When a MyKeyis in use, low fuel warnings will display earlier.
The fuel icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located.
•Bar/Round tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top
of the scale may damage the engine. During SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) use, the currently selected gear will appear in the
display.
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Alarm/Security
MessagesAction / Description
To Stop Alarm, Start
VehicleDisplayed when the perimeter alarm system is
armed and the vehicle is entered using the key
on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent
the perimeter alarm system from triggering,
the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires.
AWD Messages Action / Description
AWD Off Displayed when the AWD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is
caused by operating the vehicle with the
compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The AWD system will resume
normal function and clear this message after
driving a short distance with the road tire
re-installed or after the system is allowed to
cool.
Check AWD Displayed in conjunction with the Throttle
Control/Transmission/AWD light when the AWD
system is not operating properly. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Change AWD Power
Transfer Unit LubeDisplayed when the AWD system needs its
power transfer unit lubrication changed. This
message may be set if a vehicle has
experienced extended periods of
extreme/severe duty cycle driving. See your
authorized dealer for service.
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SITTING IN THE CORRECT POSITION
WARNING:Sitting improperly out of position or with the
seatback reclined too far can take off weight from the seat
cushion and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system,
resulting in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against
your seatback, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING:Do not recline the seatback as this can cause the
occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe
personal injury in the event of a collision.
WARNING:Do not place objects higher than the seatbacks to
reduce the risk of injury in a collision or during heavy braking or
when stopping suddenly.
When you use them properly, the
seat, head restraint, safety belt and
airbags will provide optimum
protection in the event of a collision.
We recommend that you follow
these guidelines:
•Sit in an upright position with the
base of your spine as far back as
possible.
•Do not recline the seatback more than 30 degrees.
•Adjust the head restraint so that the top of it is level with the top of
your head and as far forward as possible, remaining comfortable.
•Keep sufficient distance between yourself and the steering wheel. We
recommend a minimum of 10 inches (250 mm) between your
breastbone and the airbag cover.
•Hold the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent.
•Bend your legs slightly so that you can press the pedals fully.
•Position the shoulder strap of the safety belt over the center of your
shoulder and position the lap strap tightly across your hips.
Make sure that your driving position is comfortable and that you can
maintain full control of your vehicle.
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•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
To operate the heated seats:
Press the heated seat symbol/button to cycle through the
various heat settings and off. Warmer settings are indicated
by more indicator lights.
HEATED AND COOLED SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Heated seats
WARNING:Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord
injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions,
must exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may
cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long
periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat
heater to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or
other pointed objects because this may damage the heating element
which may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may
cause serious personal injury.
The heated seats will only function when the engine is running.
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
To operate the heated seats:
Press the heated seat symbol/button to cycle through the
various heat settings and off. Warmer settings are indicated
by more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the heated seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
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HOMELINKWIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Make sure that the garage door and security device
are free from obstruction when you are programming. Do not
program the system with the vehicle in the garage.
WARNING:Do not use the system with any garage door opener
that does not have the safety stop and reverse feature as required
by U.S. Federal Safety Standards (this includes any garage door opener
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
Note:Make sure you keep the original remote control transmitter for use
in other vehicles as well as for future system programming.
Note:We recommend that upon the sale or lease termination of your
vehicle, you erase the programmed function buttons for security reasons.
SeeErasing the function button codeslater in this section.
Note:You can program a maximum of three devices. To change or
replace any of the three devices after it has been initially programmed,
you must first erase the current settings. SeeErasing the function
button codeslater in this section.
The universal garage door opener
replaces the common hand-held
garage door opener with a
three-button transmitter that is
integrated into the driver’s sun visor.
The system includes two primary features, a garage door opener and a
platform for remote activation of devices with the home. As well as being
programmed for garage doors, the system transmitter can be
programmed to operate entry gate operators, security systems, entry
door locks, and home or office lighting.
Additional system information can be found on-line at www.homelink.com
or by calling the toll-free help line on 1-800-355-3515.
Programming
Note:Put a new battery in the hand-held transmitter. This will ensure
quicker training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
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