FORD BRONCO 2023 Owners Manual

WINCHING -
TROUBLESHOOTING
WINCHING – FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS
Why does the winch workdifferently in cold weather thanwarm weather?
•The winch is an electrical system andtemperatures below 32°F (0°C) affectthe vehicle's battery, which suppliespower to the winch.
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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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Crossing A Ravine, Gully, Ditch,Washout Or Rut
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle. Review the obstaclefrom outside the vehicle for anunderstanding of the terrain condition infront of and behind the obstacle. Approachobstacles slowly and inch the vehicle over.Ditches and washouts should be crossedat a 45 degree angle when possible.
Driving Over Logs
Review the path ahead before attemptingto cross any obstacle. Review the obstaclefrom outside the vehicle for anunderstanding of the terrain condition infront of and behind the obstacle.
Approach obstacles slowly and inch thevehicle over, approaching at a 15 degreeangle.
Note:It is best to have a front tire on top ofthe log when the other begins to climb over.
If a large obstacle near the log such as arock cannot be avoided, choose a path thatplaces the rock directly under the tirerather than the undercarriage of thevehicle. This helps prevent damage to thevehicle.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE AT HIGHSPEEDS
If you plan on using your vehicle for severe,high speed off-road use, we recommendthe following:
•Equipping your vehicle with the safetyequipment appropriate for off-roadrecovery.
•Using personal safety equipment,including a certified helmet andapproved neck restraint device.
•Doing a low speed reconnaissance runin unfamiliar areas to become awareof any obstacles that you couldencounter.
Your vehicle can incur damage if drivenbeyond its capabilities. Skid plates, shockguards and running boards are designedto help limit damage to vital componentsand exterior finishes, but cannot preventall damage if driven in extreme off-roadconditions. Damage to skid plates, shockguards, running boards and exteriorfinishes as well as bent, cracked or brokenbody, frame and chassis components maynot be covered by warranty.
DRIVING THROUGH WATERLIMITATIONS
Maximum WadingDepthModel
31.5 in (800 mm)Vehicles withoutthe SasquatchPackage.
33.5 in (850 mm)Vehicles with theSasquatchPackage.
36.4 in (925 mm)Everglades VariantVehicles
37.0 in (940 mm)Raptor VariantVehicles
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When you are driving through water do notexceed 4 mph (7 km/h).
OFF-ROAD DRIVING AIDS
Bronco 4x4 Systems
Selecting an Off-Road G.O.A.TMode
Using the appropriate drive mode increasesyour vehicle's control. See G.O.A.T. ModeControl (page 260).
Note:Drive modes are selected by usingthe Goes Over Any-type of Terrain G.O.A.T.MODES controller.
Using Four-Wheel Drive
Your vehicle has a four-wheel drive systemthat offers various modes to help youoptimize traction on any off-road surface.See Four-Wheel Drive (page 195).
Using the Stabilizer BarDisconnect
The stabilizer bar disconnect improvessuspension articulation, improving tractionand comfort in rough terrain.
The vehicle's disconnect system ishydraulically actuated.
Your vehicle is capable of disconnectingunder high load. Your vehicle is alsocapable of reconnecting under allconditions.
It is not necessary for the vehicle to be onlevel ground in order to reconnect thestabilizer bar. See Stabilizer BarDisconnect (page 229).
Using the Cameras Off-Road
Use the 360 degree camera to enhanceyour off-road experience. See 360 DegreeCamera (page 247).
Using the Front and RearDifferential Lock
When engaged, the front and reardifferential lock provides additionaltraction to your vehicle by forcing eitherthe two rear wheels or two front wheels toturn at the same speed.
You can activate and deactivate the frontand rear differential lock on the fly withinthe operating speed range. See ElectronicLocking Differential (page 203).
Using Trail Control
The system works in a similar manner tocruise control in off-road conditions. TrailControl provides you the ability tomaneuver the vehicle without using thethrottle and brake pedals.
Trail Control allows you to set a speedbetween 1 mph (1.6 km/h) to 14 mph(23 km/h) in a forward motion and 1 mph(1.6 km/h) to 5 mph (8 km/h) in reverse.The system controls acceleration andbraking in difficult off-road environments,which allows you to focus on steering. SeeTrail Control (page 222).
Trail Control Performance:
•Manages wheel slip to maximizetraction.
•Removes the need for you to use bothfeet when driving in off-road situations.
•Provides braking to maximize tractionin descents.
•Gives you confidence in difficultenvironments.
Using Trail One Pedal Drive
Trail one pedal drive coordinatespropulsive and braking torque through yourapplication of the accelerator pedal tosimulate a two footed driving technique.
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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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Note:If you have removed the impactedmaterial from the wheels and your vehiclestill has a vibration check your vehicle fordamage or see an authorized dealer.
Inspect the exhaust system for damage orlooseness.
Make sure that the brakes are in properworking order and free of any mud, stonesand debris, which can become trappedaround the brake rotor, backing plate andcaliper.
Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, orother damage.
Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If any areloose or damaged, tighten or replaceensuring that the proper torquespecification is used.
Inspect for torn or punctured boots on balljoints, half shafts, steering gears.
Refit the front license plate if removedpreviously.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. Forthe first 1,000 mi (1,600 km), avoid drivingat high speeds, heavy braking, aggressiveshifting or using your vehicle to tow. Duringthis time, your vehicle may exhibit someunusual driving characteristics.
DRIVING ECONOMICALLY
The following helps to improve fuelconsumption:
•Drive smoothly, accelerate gently andanticipate the road ahead to avoidheavy braking.
•Regularly check your tire pressures andmake sure that they are inflated to thecorrect pressure.
•Follow the recommended maintenanceschedule and carry out therecommended checks.
•Plan your journey and check the trafficbefore you set off. It is more efficientto combine errands into a single tripwhenever possible.
•Avoid idling the engine in cold weatheror for extended periods. Start theengine only when you are ready to setoff.
•Do not carry unnecessary weight in yourvehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
•Do not add unnecessary accessoriesto the exterior of your vehicle, forexample running boards. If you use aroof rack, remember to fold it down orremove it when not in use.
•Do not shift into neutral when you arebraking or when your vehicle is slowingdown.
•Shut all windows when driving at highspeeds.
•Switch off all electric systems whennot in use, for example air conditioning.Make sure that you unplug anyaccessories from the auxiliary powerpoints when not in use.
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