tires FORD ECOSPORT 2018 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2018, Model line: ECOSPORT, Model: FORD ECOSPORT 2018Pages: 452, PDF Size: 17.04 MB
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be used for safe control of towedvehicles and for trailers where theGross Combined Weight of thetowing vehicle plus the trailerexceed the Gross Vehicle WeightRating of the towing vehicle.
The gross combined weight mustnever exceed the Gross CombinedWeight Rating.
Note: For trailer towinginformation refer to the RV andTrailer Towing Guide available atan authorized dealer.
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Do not use replacement tireswith lower load carryingcapacities than the original tiresbecause they may lower yourvehicle's GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tireswith a higher limit than the originaltires do not increase the GVWRand GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weightrating can adversely affectthe performance and handling ofyour vehicle, cause vehicledamage and can result in the lossof control of your vehicle, seriouspersonal injury or death.
Steps for determining thecorrect load limit:
1.Locate the statement "Thecombined weight of occupantsand cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lb." on yourvehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combinedweight of the driver andpassengers that will be ridingin your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weightof the driver and passengersfrom XXX kg or XXX lb.
4.The resulting figure equals theavailable amount of cargo andluggage load capacity. Forexample, if the “XXX” amountequals 1,400 lb. and there willbe five 150 lb. passengers inyour vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggageload capacity is 650 lb.(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lb.)
5.Determine the combinedweight of luggage and cargobeing loaded on the vehicle.That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo andluggage load capacitycalculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing atrailer, load from your trailerwill be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual todetermine how this reduces theavailable cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Towing trailers beyond the maximumrecommended gross trailer weightexceeds the limit of your vehicle andcould result in engine damage,transmission damage, structural damage,loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover andpersonal injury.
Do not exceed the GVWR or theGAWR specified on the certificationlabel.
Note: See Towing a Trailer (page 171).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,such as fuses or relays, related to towing.See Fuses (page 193).
Your vehicle's load capacity designationis by weight, not by volume, so you cannotnecessarily use all available space whenloading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load onyour vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during, and after,any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movementaffects your vehicle when driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to thetrailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centeredbetween the left and right side trailertires.
•Load the heaviest items above thetrailer axles or just slightly forwardtoward the trailer tongue. Do not allowthe final trailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of the loadedtrailer weight.
•Select a ball mount with the correctrise or drop and load capacity. Whenboth the loaded vehicle and trailer areconnected, the trailer frame should belevel, or slightly angled down towardyour vehicle, when viewed from theside.
When driving with a trailer or payload, aslight takeoff vibration or shudder may bepresent due to the increased payloadweight. Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and setting yourvehicle up for towing is located in anotherchapter of this manual. See Load Limit(page 165).
You can also find information in the RV &Trailer Towing Guide available at yourauthorized dealer, or online.
RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL
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 your vehicle speedis too high, the system may turn on multipletimes, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
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Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in position P to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help A/Cperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inposition P.
4.Place wheel chocks in front and backof the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions, andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
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BREAKING-IN
Tires
Note:New tires need to be run-in forapproximately 310.7 mi (500 km). Duringthis time, you may experience differentdriving characteristics.
Brakes and Clutch
Note:If possible, avoid heavy braking andclutching during the first 93.2 mi (150 km)in the city, and the first 932.1 mi (1,500 km)in highways.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several thingssuch as how you drive, the conditions youdrive under and how you maintain yourvehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind thatmay improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving (When runningerrands, go to the furthest destinationfirst and then work your way backhome).
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds.
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
There are also some things you may wantto avoid doing because they reduce yourfuel economy:
•Avoid sudden or hard accelerations.
•Avoid revving the engine before turningoff the car.
•Avoid long idle periods.
•Do not warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Reduce the use of air conditioning andheat.
•Avoid using speed control in hillyterrain.
•Do not rest your foot on the brakepedal while driving.
•Avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
•Avoid adding particular accessories toyour vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,rollbars/light bars, running boards, skiracks).
•Avoid driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
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General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilatedplace.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, theyrequire regular maintenance to protectagainst rust and damage.
Body
•Wash your vehicle thoroughly toremove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud fromexterior surfaces, rear-wheel housingand the underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash your vehicle if it isstored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up exposed or primed metal toprevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel partswith a thick coat of auto wax to preventdiscoloration. Re-wax as necessarywhen you wash your vehicle.
•Lubricate all hood, door and luggagecompartment hinges and latches witha light grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil andsolvents.
Engine
•Change the engine oil and filter prior tostorage because used engine oilcontains contaminates which maycause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days for aminimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idlewith the climate controls set to defrostuntil the engine reaches normaloperating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shiftthrough all the gears while the engineis running.
•We recommend that you change theengine oil before you use your vehicleagain.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fueluntil the first automatic shutoff of thefuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing your vehicle fromstorage, check coolant fluid level.Confirm that there are no coolingsystem leaks and that fluid is at therecommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keepconnections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30days without recharging the battery,we recommend that you disconnectthe battery cables to maintain batterycharge for quick starting.
Note:It is necessary to reset memoryfeatures if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
•Make sure the brakes and parking brakerelease fully.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Use only approved wheel and tire sizes,using other sizes could damage yourvehicle. If you change the diameter of thetires from that fitted at the factory, thespeedometer may not display the correctspeed. Take your vehicle to an authorizedFord dealer to have the systemreprogrammed. If you intend to change thesize of the wheels from that fitted by themanufacturer, you can check the suitabilitywith an authorized dealer.
Additional information related to thefunctionality and maintenance of your tirescan be found later in this chapter. SeeGeneral Information (page 237).
The Ford recommended tire inflationpressures can be found on the Tire Label,which is located on the B-pillar or the edgeof the driver's door. This information canalso be found on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label, affixed to either thedoor hinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets the door latch post;next to the driver’s seating position.
Ford strongly recommends maintainingthese tire pressures at all times. Failure tofollow the tire pressure recommendationscan cause uneven treadwear patterns,reduced fuel economy, and adverselyaffect the way your vehicle handles.
Note:Check and set the tire pressure at theambient temperature in which you areintending to drive your vehicle and when thetires are cold.
Note:Check your tire pressures at leastonce per month.
Set the pressure for your spare tire to thehighest value given for your vehicle and tiresize combination, if equipped.
Notice to utility vehicle and truckowners
WARNINGS
Utility vehicles have a significantlyhigher rollover rate than other typesof vehicles.
Vehicles with a higher center ofgravity (utility and four-wheel drivevehicles) handle differently thanvehicles with a lower center of gravity(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,excessive speed and abrupt steering inthese vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslyincreases the risk of losing control of yourvehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath.
In a rollover crash, an unbeltedperson is significantly more likely todie than a person wearing a seatbelt.
Do not become overconfident in theability of four-wheel drive vehicles.Although a four-wheel drive vehiclemay accelerate better than a two-wheeldrive vehicle in low traction situations, itwon't stop any faster than two-wheel drivevehicles. Always drive at a safe speed.
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Utility vehicles and trucks handledifferently than passenger cars in thevarious driving conditions that areencountered on streets, highways andoff-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are notdesigned for cornering at speeds as highas passenger cars any more than low-slungsports cars are designed to performsatisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Study your owner's manual and anysupplements for specific information aboutequipment features, instructions for safedriving and additional precautions toreduce the risk of an accident or seriousinjury.
How your vehicle differs fromother vehicles
Sport utility vehicles and trucks can differfrom some other vehicles in a fewnoticeable ways. Your vehicle may be:
•Higher - to allow higher load carryingcapacity and to allow it to travel overrough terrain without getting hung upor damaging underbody components.
•Shorter - to give it the capability toapproach inclines and drive over thecrest of a hill without getting hung upor damaging underbody components.All other things held equal, a shorterwheelbase may make your vehiclequicker to respond to steering inputsthan a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
•Narrower - to provide greatermaneuverability in tight spaces,particularly in off-road use.
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As a result of the above dimensionaldifferences, Sport utility vehicles andtrucks often have a higher center of gravityand a greater difference in center of gravitybetween the loaded and unloadedcondition. These differences that makeyour vehicle so versatile also make ithandle differently than an ordinarypassenger car.
TIRE SEALANT AND INFLATOR
KIT
Your vehicle may not have a spare wheeland tire. In these cases it will be suppliedwith a temporary mobility kit which willonly repair one damaged tire. Only use thekit supplied with your vehicle.
Note:The kit may be used as an aircompressor for tire inflation maintenancewhen the sealant bottle is not assembledto the compressor.
The kit is located under the floor in theluggage compartment.
CompressorA
Sealant bottleB
The kit consists of an air compressor toinflate the tire and a sealing compound ina canister that will effectively seal mostpunctures caused by nails or similarobjects. This kit will provide a temporarytire repair allowing you to drive your vehicleup to 120 mi (200 km) at a maximumspeed of 50 mph (80 km/h) to reach a tireservice location.
Note:Sealant compound contains latex.Use appropriate precautions to avoid anyallergic reactions.
General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Punctures larger than 0.24 in (6 mm) maynot be sealable. Tire sidewall damagecannot be temporarily repaired.
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Note:Do note use the kit if you haveseverely damaged a tire. Only sealpunctures located within the tire tread withthe kit.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affecttire performance. For this reason:
•Drive carefully and avoid abruptsteering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflationpressure in the affected tire; if the tireis losing pressure, have the vehicletowed.
•Read the information in the Tips forUse of the Kit section to make sure safeoperation of the kit and your vehicle.
Note:Do not drive the vehicle above50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:Do not drive further than 124 mi(200 km). Drive only to the closestauthorized Ford dealer or tire repair shop tohave your tire inspected.
Tips for use of the kit
To ensure safe operation of the kit:
•Read all instructions and cautions fully.
•Before operating the kit, make sureyour vehicle is safely off the road andaway from moving traffic. Switch onthe hazard lights.
•Always set the parking brake to ensurethe vehicle doesn't move unexpectedly.
•Do not remove any foreign objects,such as nails or screws, from the tire.
•When using the kit, if the vehicle isoutdoors or in a well-ventilated area,leave the engine running so thecompressor does not drain thevehicle's battery.
•Do not allow the compressor tooperate continuously for more than 15minutes. This will help prevent thecompressor from overheating.
•Never leave the kit unattended whenit is operating.
•Keep the kit away from children.
•Only use the kit when the ambienttemperature is between -22.0°F(-30°C) and 157.9°F (70°C).
•Only use the sealing compound beforethe use-by date which is printed on thetop of sealant bottle.
•After sealant use, an authorized Forddealer must replace the tire pressuremonitoring system sensor and valvestem on the wheel.
•Operating the kit could cause anelectrical disturbance in radio, CD, andDVD player operation.
What to do when a tire is punctured
A tire puncture within the tire's tread areacan be sealed in two stages with the kit.
•In the first stage, the tire will bereinflated with a sealing compoundand air. After the tire has been inflated,you will need to drive the vehicleapproximately 4 mi (6 km) to distributethe sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need tocheck the tire pressure and adjust, ifnecessary, to the vehicle's specifiedtire inflation pressure.
First stage: reinflating the tire withsealing compound and air
WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kitwhile inflating the tire. If you noticeany unusual bulges or deformationsin the tire's sidewall during inflation, stopand call roadside assistance.
If the tire does not inflate to therecommended tire pressure within15 minutes, stop and call roadsideassistance.
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WARNINGS
Do not run the engine whenoperating the air compressor unlessthe vehicle is outdoors or in awell-ventilated area.
The power plug may get hot after useand should be handled carefullywhen unplugging.
Park the vehicle in a safe, level and securearea, away from moving traffic. Turn thehazard lights on. Apply the parking brakeand turn the engine off. Inspect the flat tirefor visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. Useappropriate precautions to avoid anyallergic reactions.
Do not remove any foreign object that haspierced the tire. If a puncture is located inthe tire sidewall, stop and call roadsideassistance.
Sealant bottle.A
Bottle cap.B
Orange cap.C
On/Off switch.D
Power plug with cable.E
Pressure release valve.F
Protective cap.G
Air/Sealant Hose.H
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