suspension FORD BRONCO SPORT 2021 Owners Manual

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.
175
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Four-Wheel DriveOE327290

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket
roof racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic
stability control system. In addition,
installing any stereo loudspeakers may
interfere with and adversely affect the
electronic stability control system. Install
any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as
far as possible from the front center
console, the tunnel, and the front seats
in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the electronic stability control
sensors. Reducing the effectiveness of
the electronic stability control system
could lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death. WARNING:
Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the
laws of physics. It’ s always possible to
lose control of a vehicle due to
inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Aggressive driving on any
road condition can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk
of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the electronic stability
control system is an indication that at
least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator ’s ability to control
the vehicle potentially resulting in a loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system
activates, SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
182
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Stability Control

DRIVER ALERT
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked. WARNING:
Take regular rest
breaks if you feel tired. Do not wait for
the system to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you
even if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us.
Note: Keep the windshield free from
obstructions. For example, bird droppings,
insects and snow or ice. Note:
If you have a blocked camera or
damaged windshield, the system may not
function.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle, unless
it detects a MyKey ™.
Note: If enabled in the menu, the system
activates at speeds above
40 mph
(64 km/h). The system monitors your driving behavior
using various inputs including the front
camera sensor.
If the system detects reduced driving
alertness below a certain threshold, the
system alerts you using a tone and a
message in the information display.
Using Driver Alert
Switching the system on and off
You may switch the system on or off
through the information display by
selecting Settings, Driver Assist and then
Driver Alert in the menu. When activated,
the system monitors your alertness level
based upon your driving behavior in relation
to the lane markings, and other factors.
System Warnings
Note:
The system does not issue warnings
below approximately
40 mph (64 km/h).
206
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving AidsE249505

The warning system is in two stages. At
first the system issues a temporary warning
that you need to take a rest. This message
only appears for a short time. If the system
detects further reduction in driving
alertness, another warning could be issued
which remains in the information display
for a longer time. Press OK on the steering
wheel control to clear the warning. When
active the system runs in the background
and only issues a warning if required.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•
Switching the ignition off and on.
• Stopping the vehicle and then opening
and closing the driver door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING: Always drive with due
care and attention when using and
operating the controls and features on
your vehicle. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
Large contrasts in
outside lighting can limit sensor
performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in
a false or missed warning. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us.
Note: The system works above
40 mph
(64 km/h).
Note: The system works as long as the
camera can detect one lane marking or road
edge.
Note: When you select aid or alert + aid
mode and the system detects no steering
activity for a short period, the system alerts
you to put your hands on the steering wheel.
The system may detect a light grip or
touch on the steering wheel as hands off
driving.
Note: The system may not function if the
camera is blocked, or if the windshield is
damaged or dirty.
207
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving Aids

Why is the feature not available, line markings are gray, when I can see the lane markings
on the road?
Lane width is too narrow or too wide.
The camera has not been calibrated after a windshield replacement.
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads. Why does the vehicle not come back toward the middle of the lane, as expected, in the
aid or aid + alert mode?
High cross winds are present.
There is a large road crown.
Rough roads, grooves or shoulder drop-offs.
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure.
The tires have been changed, or the suspension has been modified.
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM WARNING: Do not use the blind
spot information system as a
replacement for using the interior and
exterior mirrors or looking over your
shoulder before changing lanes. The
blind spot information system is not a
replacement for careful driving. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due
care and attention. Failure to take care
may result in a crash. The system is designed to detect vehicles
that may have entered the blind spot zone.
The detection area is on both sides of your
vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately
13 ft
(4 m) beyond the rear bumper. The
detection area extends to approximately
59 ft (18 m)
beyond the rear bumper when
the vehicle speed is greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h) to alert you of faster
approaching vehicles.
211
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving AidsE255695

Note:
If your vehicle has a suspension kit
not approved by us, the system may not
correctly function.
Note: Always replace headlamp bulbs with
those specifically designed for your vehicle.
Other bulbs could reduce system
performance.
The system turns on when you switch the
ignition on and you cannot switch the
system off.
Using Speed Sign Recognition
Setting the System Speed Warning
You can set the system speed warning to
alert you when the vehicle speed exceeds
the speed limit recognized by the system
by a certain speed tolerance.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle. System Display When the system detects a speed limit
sign, the speed limit appears in the
information display.
Note:
If your vehicle has a navigation
system, stored speed sign data could
influence the indicated speed limit value.
To switch the system speed warning on or
off, adjust the speed warning settings use
the touchscreen:
1. Select Settings.
2. Select
Driver Assistance.
3. Select
Tolerance.
4. Use
+ and - to set the tolerance.
Information Messages Action
Message
The traffic sign data provided by the navig-ation system is unavailable due to weak or
no signal. Wait for a short period of time for the signal to improve. If the message
continues to appear, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Traffic Sign Reduced Performance See
Manual
217
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving AidsE317824

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays
in the information display. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and
watch the information display for a
steering system warning message. If a
steering system warning message
returns, have the system checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. You must adapt
your speed and driving behavior to reduced
steering assist. Extreme continuous
steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent
internal overheating and permanent
damage to your steering system. If this
should occur, you will neither lose the
ability to steer the vehicle manually nor
will it cause permanent damage. Typical
steering and driving maneuvers will allow
the system to cool down and steering
assist will return to normal. Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
An improperly inflated tire.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
detect vehicles that are driving in a
different direction, cyclists or animals.
Apply the brakes when necessary. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system does not
operate during hard acceleration or
steering. Failure to take care may lead
to a crash or personal injury.
218
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers
beyond the maximum
recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of your
vehicle and could result in engine
damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and personal injury. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label.
Note: See
Recommended
Towing Weights (page 236).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 262).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop and load
capacity. When both the
loaded vehicle and trailer are
connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
227).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
235
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Towing

Look ahead on your route noting upcoming
obstacles, surface texture or color changes
or any other factors which may indicate a
change in available traction. Adjust the
vehicle speed and route to avoid a loss in
traction. Conditions can change causing
the course to vary day to day. Mark
obstacles with GPS markers to avoid
potential vehicle damage. Where
necessary, get out of your vehicle and
check the terrain.
When driving off-road, if the front or rear
suspension is bottoming-out or excessive
contact with the skid-plates is happening,
reduce the vehicle's speed to avoid
potential damage to your vehicle.
If you are driving in a dusty area, be sure to
leave ample distance between your vehicle
and any other vehicles to allow for
adequate vision.
When driving off-road verify that your
wipers and washers are working properly
and reduce your speed for better visibility.
When driving in desert conditions, we
recommend driving with your headlamps
on to help other drivers easily see you.
When convoying with other vehicles, we
recommend that communication is used,
and the lead vehicle notify other vehicles
of upcoming obstacles.
Keep available ground clearance in mind
and pick a route that minimizes the risk of
catching the underside of the vehicle on
an obstacle.
When negotiating low speed obstacles,
applying light brake pressure in conjunction
with the throttle allows you to negotiate
the obstacle in a more controlled manner.
Driving off-road requires a high amount of
concentration. Even if your local law does
not prohibit drinking alcohol when driving
off-road we do not recommend it.
Driving Off-Road
Driving In Snow and Ice WARNING: If you are driving in
slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that
you drive cautiously. Keep speeds down,
allow for longer stopping distances and
avoid aggressive steering to reduce the
chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death.
If the rear end of your vehicle slides while
cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of your
vehicle.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If
your vehicle slides when driving on snowy
or icy roads, turn the steering wheel in the
direction of the slide until you regain
control. Avoid sudden applications of
power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Slowly and steadily apply
the accelerator when starting from a full
stop. Avoid sudden braking. WARNING:
Do not become
overconfident in the ability of four-wheel
drive vehicles. Although a four-wheel
drive vehicle may accelerate better than
a two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won't stop any faster than
two-wheel drive vehicles. Always drive
at a safe speed.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between your vehicle and other vehicles
for stopping.
In emergency stopping situations, do not
pump the brake pedal, apply the brake
firmly.
242
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving Hints

Trail Control allows you to set a speed
between 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 and
braking in difficult off-road environments,
which allows you to focus on steering. See
What Is Trail Control
(page 184).
Trail Control Performance:
• Manages wheel slip to maximize
traction.
• Removes the need for you to use both
feet when driving in off-road situations.
• Provides braking to maximize traction
in descents.
• Gives you confidence in difficult
environments.
After Driving Your Vehicle Off-
Road WARNING:
After off-road use,
before returning to the road, check the
wheels and tires for damage. Off-road
use may cause damage to your wheels
and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss
of vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Driving off-road places more stress on your
vehicle than most on-road driving. After
driving off-road, check for damage to the
wheels, chassis and underbody.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by
checking tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for
damage.
Inspect the tires for any cuts in the tread
or sidewall area. Also inspect the sidewall
for any bulge indicating damage to the tire.
Make sure that tires are inflated to proper
tire pressure as indicated on the tire
placard. Check the radiator for mud and debris and
clean 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 hide
damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses, and
propeller shafts.
Make sure that the grille and radiator are
clear of any obstructions that may affect
cooling.
After extended operation in mud, sand,
water, or similar dirty conditions, inspect
the wipers and washers to make sure they
are working.
Note:
Mud caked windows are hard to see
through and can damage wiper blades or
motor.
Check wipers for debris or anything that
may scratch the windshield.
If you experience unusual vibration after
driving in mud, slush or similar conditions,
check the wheels for impacted material.
Impacted material can cause vibrations
when driving and wheel imbalance.
Remove the material to reduce the
vibration.
Note: If you have removed the impacted
material from the wheels and your vehicle
still has a vibration check your vehicle for
damage or see an authorized dealer.
Inspect the exhaust system for damage or
looseness.
Make sure that the brakes are in proper
working order and free of any mud, stones
and debris, which can become trapped
around the brake rotor, backing plate and
caliper.
Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, or
other damage.
247
Bronco Sport (CHD) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Driving Hints