warning FORD BRONCO 2023 Owners Manual

HOW DOES TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL WORK
Trailer Sway Control
The system applies the brakes to theindividual wheels and reduces enginetorque to aid vehicle stability.
If the trailer begins to sway, the stabilitycontrol lamp flashes and the messageTrailer Sway Reduce Speed appears inthe information display.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe todo so. Check the vertical weight on thetow ball and trailer load distribution.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Turning off trailer swaycontrol increases the risk of loss ofvehicle control, serious injury or death.Ford does not recommend disabling thisfeature except in situations where speedreduction may be detrimental (such ashill climbing), the driver has significanttrailer towing experience, and can controltrailer sway and maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature only activates whensignificant trailer sway occurs.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailersway, but reduces it once it begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailersfrom swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is toohigh, the system may activate multipletimes, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
SWITCHING TRAILER SWAY
CONTROL ON AND OFF
1.Press Features on the touchscreen.
2.Press Towing.
3.Switch Trailer Sway Control on or off.
The system turns on each time you startyour vehicle.
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WINCHING OVERVIEW
Winch motor.A
Winch drum.B
Winch control pack.C
Winch rope.D
Winch clutch.E
Fairlead.F
Remote control.G
Hook strap.H
Winch hook.I
WINCHING PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Using winch ropes isdangerous and should only be done bya person familiar with proper vehiclerecovery safety practices. Improper useof winch ropes could cause hook failureor separation from the vehicle.
WARNING: Slowly remove theslack from the winch rope prior to pulling.Failure to do so can introducesignificantly higher loads which couldcause the winch rope to break off, or thewinch rope to fail.
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WARNING: Never link two winchropes together with a clevis pin. Theseheavy metal objects could becomeprojectiles if the winch rope breaks.
WARNING: When using the winch,take care not to get your fingers or handscaught in the mechanism. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Avoid wearing loosefitting clothing or jewelry when winching.
WARNING: Make sure to wear eyeprotection when winching.
WARNING: Do not exceed thewinch or winch rope capacity. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Wear gloves whenhandling the winch rope. Failure to followthis instruction could result in personalinjury.
WARNING: Do not use the winchto secure loads.
WARNING: Do not use the winchto tow a trailer. This can damage,overload and break the winch rope.
WARNING: Make sure the anchorpoint can properly support the load andsecure the winching equipment. Failureto follow this instruction could result inpersonal injury.
WARNING: Only use theequipment supplied with the winch whenwinching.
WARNING: Do not engage ordisengage the winch clutch when thewinch is in use.
WARNING: The winch andassociated components become hotwhen in use. Let them cool down beforeremoving them.
WARNING: Do not attempt toservice, repair or modify the winchingsystem. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in personal injury or death.
WARNING: Make sure to properlystore the winch rope to the shackle pointor fairlead when not in use. Failure toproperly store the winch rope couldcause it to become a projectile.
WINCHING REQUIREMENTS
To winch your vehicle, make sure of thefollowing:
•The intended anchor point is secure.The anchor point must be strongenough to hold the weight of yourvehicle when winching.
•The intended anchor point allows youto pull your vehicle straight ahead.
•The intended anchor point is as faraway as possible, within the 100 ft(30 m) rope length. This allows thegreatest pulling power for the winch.
•The winch rope is in good condition andfree of visible cuts, tear or damage.
•Use a damper device such as a tarp,heavy blanket or piece of carpet, andplace it over the winch rope to helpabsorb the energy in the event thewinch rope breaks.
•Bystanders are to the sides of thevehicle, at a distance of at least twicethe length of the winch rope.
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OFF-ROAD DRIVING
WHAT IS OFF-ROAD DRIVING
Bronco 4x4 Systems
Off-road driving is driving your vehicle onunsurfaced roads or trails, made from dirt,rocks, sand and mud.
Your vehicle has been designed andequipped to explore those places wherethe road cannot take you, whether youchoose a forest trail or the open desert.
OFF-ROAD DRIVINGPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: If you continue to driveyour vehicle when the engine isoverheating, the engine could stopwithout warning. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle.
Before going off-road, consult with yourlocal governmental agencies to determinedesignated off-road trails and recreationareas. Also, be sure to understand anyoff-road vehicle registration requirementsfor the area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly is an educational programdesigned to increase public awareness ofland-use regulations and responsibilitiesin our nation’s wilderness areas. The U.S.Forest Service and Bureau of LandManagement is encouraging you to helppreserve our national forest and otherpublic and private lands by treading lightly.
Before taking your vehicle off-road,perform a basic vehicle inspection to makesure the vehicle is in top working condition.
Before you venture off road, have a clearmental picture of the underside of yourvehicle. Learn the location of any lowhanging items and any skid plates that maybe on the vehicle. You can avoid snaggingthem on rocks and other obstacles if youknow where they are.
Memorizing some basic dimensions helpsyou confidently deal with off-roadobstacles. Get to know your vehicle’sheight and width, its lowest point, itswading depth and angles. Familiarizeyourself with your vehicle’s on-boardtechnology features.
We recommend driving at least twovehicles when driving off-road. The buddysystem helps make sure that help is closeat hand should a vehicle become stuck ordamaged.
We recommend taking supplies such as afirst aid kit, supply of water, tow strap andcell or satellite phone with you any timeyou plan an off-road excursion.
Note:Remove the front license plate beforeoff-road driving to achieve optimalperformance.
BASIC OFF-ROAD DRIVINGTECHNIQUES
Grip the steering wheel with your thumbson the outside of the rim. This reduces therisk of injury due to abrupt steering wheelmotions that occur when negotiating roughterrain.
Control your throttle, brake and steeringinputs in a smooth manner. Sudden inputsto the controls can cause a loss of tractionfor the vehicle, especially when on slopedterrain or crossing obstacles such as rocksor logs.
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Look ahead on your route noting upcomingobstacles, surface texture or color changesor any other factors which may indicate achange in available traction. Adjust thevehicle speed and route to avoid a loss intraction. Conditions can change causingthe course to vary day to day. Markobstacles with GPS markers to avoidpotential vehicle damage. Wherenecessary, get out of your vehicle andcheck the terrain.
When driving off-road, if the front or rearsuspension is bottoming-out or excessivecontact with the skid-plates is happening,reduce the vehicle's speed to avoidpotential damage to your vehicle.
If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure toleave ample distance between your vehicleand any other vehicles to allow foradequate vision.
When driving off-road verify that yourwipers and washers are working properlyand reduce your speed for better visibility.
When driving in desert conditions, werecommend driving with your headlampson to help other drivers easily see you.
When convoying with other vehicles, werecommend that communication is used,and the lead vehicle notify other vehiclesof upcoming obstacles.
Keep available ground clearance in mindand pick a route that minimizes the risk ofcatching the underside of the vehicle onan obstacle.
When negotiating low speed obstacles,applying light brake pressure in conjunctionwith the throttle allows you to negotiatethe obstacle in a more controlled manner.
Driving off-road requires a high amount ofconcentration. Even if your local law doesnot prohibit drinking alcohol when drivingoff-road we do not recommend it.
DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Driving In Snow and Ice
WARNING: If you are driving inslippery conditions that require tirechains or cables, then it is critical thatyou drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,allow for longer stopping distances andavoid aggressive steering to reduce thechances of a loss of vehicle controlwhich can lead to serious injury or death.If the rear end of your vehicle slides whilecornering, steer in the direction of theslide until you regain control of yourvehicle.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle. Ifyour vehicle slides when driving on snowyor icy roads, turn the steering wheel in thedirection of the slide until you regaincontrol. Avoid sudden applications ofpower and quick changes of direction onsnow and ice. Slowly and steadily applythe accelerator when starting from a fullstop. Avoid sudden braking.
WARNING: Do not becomeoverconfident in the ability of four-wheeldrive vehicles. Although a four-wheeldrive vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in low tractionsituations, it won't stop any faster thantwo-wheel drive vehicles. Always driveat a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween your vehicle and other vehiclesfor stopping.
In emergency stopping situations, do notpump the brake pedal, apply the brakefirmly.
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Driving In Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Drive through the terrain without varyingvehicle speed. Apply the accelerator andavoid excessive wheel slip.
Use the vehicle's momentum to maintainforward motion in sand. Avoid coming toa stop on steep sand slopes as the vehiclemay not be able to continue forward afterit has stopped.
Driving In Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud.
Even four-wheel drive vehicles can losetraction in slick mud. If your vehicle doesslide, steer in the direction of the slide untilyou regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to the wheels and tires and rotatingdriveshafts. Excess mud stuck on thewheels and tires and rotating driveshaftscan cause an imbalance that coulddamage drive components.
Note:The vehicle brakes are less effectivewhen wet or muddy.
Driving Over Rocks and Gravel
Gravel is a constantly changing, low-gripsurface. Driving at slow speeds on gravelreduces the risk of losing traction when youstop, accelerate or turn a corner.
When approaching large rocks, positionthe vehicle so that the tires pass over thelargest obstacle.
Note:Never attempt to straddle a rock thatis large enough to strike your axles orundercarriage.
Note:Never attempt to drive over a rockwhich is large enough to contact the doorsills if your vehicle does not have rock rails.
If you lose traction on your wheels facinguphill, stop and choose a more suitableroute.
Leave a generous gap between yourvehicle and other vehicles to minimize therisk of damage from flying gravel. Avoiddust clouds as they reduce visibility.
Before navigating on uneven ground,secure anything inside the vehicle. Ifpossible, remove any roof-rack items. Usethe lowest gear possible and approach theobstacle at a slow speed.
If your vehicle begins to slide down a slope,steer downhill and gently apply thethrottle. If you lose traction on your uphillwheels, stop immediately and choose amore suitable route.
Approach logs, rocky steps or ditchesdiagonally. Keep at least three wheels onthe ground at all times.
Climbing A Hill
WARNING: Extreme care shouldbe used when steering the vehicle inreverse down a slope so as not to causethe vehicle to swerve out of control.
Although natural obstacles can make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, try to drive straightup or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes orhills. A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, you must firstdetermine the route you can use.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear. Thisreduces strain on the engine and thepossibility of stalling.
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If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause yourvehicle to roll over. It is better to reverseback to a safe location.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutseeing what conditions are on the otherside. Do not drive in reverse over a hillwithout the aid of an observer.
If the vehicle is unable to make it up thehill, do not attempt to turn back down theslope.
Apply the accelerator just enough for thewheels to climb the hill.
Note:Too much acceleration can causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descending A Hill:
•Use the same gear you would use toclimb the hill.
•Do not descend in neutral.
•Disengage overdrive.
•Avoid sudden and excessive braking.
Note:The front wheels have to be turningin order to steer your vehicle.
When descending a steep hill in a manualtransmission vehicle do not leave thevehicle in gear with the clutch pressed. Thiscould cause damage to your driveline.
Driving Through Water
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep, fast flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
As the water depth increases, you mustreduce your vehicle speed to avoidpotential vehicle damage.
The key to a safe crossing is the waterdepth, current and bottom of the water'scondition. On soft bottoms, the vehiclesinks in, effectively increasing the waterlevel on the vehicle. Make sure to considerthis when determining the depth of water.
Determine the depth and speed of thecurrent before attempting a water crossing.
Be aware that obstacles and debris maybe beneath the water’s surface.
Note:Cross flowing water at an angleheading slightly upstream.
Note:You should tread lightly and avoiddamage to the environment.
Drive slowly when crossing water. Proceedwith a constant slow speed lightly pressingon the accelerator.
Drive through the water very slowly whenentering, then build up momentum. Keepyour vehicle moving at a steady pace.
Note:Do not try to accelerate through thewater crossing.
When driving too fast in water or throughdeep water, the engine, transmission,transfer case, axles, electrical componentsor vehicle interior could ingest water. Watercan cause permanent damage that maynot be covered by your vehicle warranty.See Driving Through Water Limitations(page 323).
Note:Failure to follow the recommendedspeeds can result in vehicle damage.
Never stop or shut a vehicle off whencrossing deep water unless your vehicleingested water into the engine air intake.If the engine stalls, do not attempt torestart it.
Ease off the accelerator as you reach theother side to diminish the front wave. Applythe accelerator slowly and as necessaryto climb out of the other side.
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Muddy waters can reduce the coolingsystem effectiveness by depositing debrisinto the radiator.
Extra care must be taken crossing any typeof water. Do not drive into water unlessnecessary. You should only drive throughareas that are designated and approved.
High currents even in shallow water canwash the dirt out from around your tires orpush your vehicle across slippery rocks orsurfaces.
Never attempt to cross flowing water thatis deeper than your vehicles groundclearance. Even in low currents yourvehicles body surface area can be pusheddownstream and out of control.
Do not cross any body of water that is fastflowing and rising, wait for the flow rate toreduce.
Determine exit points that are downstreamof your entry point to allow for drifting.
If there are other vehicles ahead, wait untilthey’ve left the water. Unsettled water canmake a safe passage more challenging.
Know your vehicle’s abilities and be ableto recover it if something goes wrong.
Keep the doors fully closed during a watercrossing.
Vehicles used to traverse water regularlyshould be periodically inspected for signsof water ingestion in all of the vehicle'sfluids. If water is found inside your vehiclefluids, service your vehicle or see anauthorized dealer.
After driving through water and as soon asit is safe to do so, check the brakes, horn,lights, and steering wheel to make sureeverything is still in working order.
Avoid Getting High-Centered
Always keep available ground clearancein mind and pick a route that minimizes therisk of catching the underside of the vehicleon an obstacle and getting high-centered.
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle
WARNING: Do not spin the wheelsat over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires mayfail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Recovery hooks are mounted to thevehicle's structure and are used to pull outthe vehicle from a surface or location whenstuck. Recover your vehicle using varioustowing apparatus attached to yourrecovery hook such as winch, open hook,or strap.
Note:Do not use recovery hooks torecreationally tow your vehicle. SeeRecreationally Towing Your Vehicle (page338).
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,you may rock it out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Pressthe accelerator in each gear.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperaturedamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
If you are unable to free your vehicle callroadside assistance. See RoadsideAssistance (page 328).
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Use this when driving over large obstacles,such as rocks or logs, to help maintain aconstant vehicle speed.
In 4H, the system offers lift pedal brakingand auto hill hold functionality. See WhatIs Trail One Pedal Drive (page 223).
Note:Trail one pedal drive is only availablewhen the vehicle is in 4H or 4L.
Using Trail Turn Assist
The feature reduces the turn radius of thevehicle on off-road surfaces.
The system reduces driver effort tonegotiate difficult off-road terrain byallowing the vehicle to make a tight turnin a single maneuver that might otherwiserequire a three point turn. See Trail TurnAssist (page 227).
Note:Trail turn assist is only available whenthe vehicle is in 4H or 4L.
Note:Trail turn assist cannot activate if therear differential is locked.
What Are Rock Rails (If Equipped)
Rock rails protect the rocker and body sidefrom damage and provide a sliding surfaceto allow the vehicle to cross boulders androck ledges.
Rock rails also can act as a pivot point tosharply turn the vehicle in tight spaces withhigh walls or rocks present.
AFTER DRIVING YOUR VEHICLEOFF-ROAD
WARNING: After off-road use,before returning to the road, check thewheels and tires for damage. Off-roaduse may cause damage to your wheelsand tires that can lead to tire failure, lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Driving off-road places more stress on yourvehicle than most on-road driving. Afterdriving off-road, check for damage to thewheels, chassis and underbody.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle bychecking tires, body structure, steering,suspension, and exhaust system fordamage.
Inspect the tires for any cuts in the treador sidewall area. Also inspect the sidewallfor any bulge indicating damage to the tire.
Make sure the tires are inflated to propertire pressure as indicated on the tireplacard.
Check the radiator for mud and debris andclean as needed.
Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush.These things could be a fire hazard or hidedamage to the fuel lines, brake hoses andpropeller shafts.
Make sure the grille and radiator are clearof any obstructions that may affectcooling.
After extended operation in mud, sand,water, or similar dirty conditions, inspectthe wipers and washers to make sure theyare working.
Note:Mud caked windows are hard to seethrough and can damage wiper blades ormotor.
Check wipers for debris or anything thatmay scratch the windshield.
If you experience unusual vibration afterdriving in mud, slush or similar conditions,check the wheels for impacted material.Impacted material can cause vibrationswhen driving and wheel imbalance.Remove the material to reduce thevibration.
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FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: Pedals that cannotmove freely can cause loss of vehiclecontrol and increase the risk of seriouspersonal injury.
WARNING: Secure the floor matto both retention devices so that itcannot slip out of position and interferewith the pedals. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Do not place additionalfloor mats or any other covering on topof the original floor mats. This couldresult in the floor mat interfering with theoperation of the pedals. Failure to followthis instruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
WARNING: Always make sure thatobjects cannot fall into the driver footwell while your vehicle is moving. Objectsthat are loose can become trappedunder the pedals causing a loss ofvehicle control.
To install floor mats that have eyelets,position the floor mat eyelet over theretention post and press down to lock inposition. Repeat for all eyelets on the floormat.
To remove the floor mats, reverse theinstallation procedure.
Note:Regularly check the floor mats tomake sure they are secure.
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