brakes FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) 2011 1.G User Guide

When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the engine, transmission, AWD System components or axles are
submerged in water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if
necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the engine or
transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Driving
245
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while 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. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Driving
246
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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 the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
Driving
247
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
Driving
248
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch (if equipped) systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
•2.5L engine
•3.0L/3.5L engines
The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to add
fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range, the
performance of the system could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking 6-speed automatic transmission fluid (AWF21)
(if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
MAX
MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
322
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Maintenance and Specifications
331
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ..........................80
AdvanceTrac ..............................216
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................146, 155, 158
and child safety seats ............148
description ..............146, 155, 158
disposal ....................................161
driver airbag ....146, 148, 156, 159
indicator light .........154, 157, 161
operation .........146, 148, 156, 159
passenger
airbag ...............146, 148, 156, 159
side airbag ...............................155
Air cleaner filter .......327–328, 333
Air conditioning
automatic temperature
control system ....................46, 49
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................242
Ambient mood/lighting ...............59
AM/FM .........................................28
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................301
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................214–215
Anti-theft system ..............113, 117
arming the system ..................117
disarming a triggered
system .....................................118
triggering .................................118
Audio system
6-CD in dash .............................28
Single CD ..................................28
Audio system (see Radio) .........28Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................223, 225
fluid, adding ....................322, 327
fluid, checking ................322, 327
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
fluid, specification ..................334
Selectshift (SST) ....................227
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....35
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........334
B
Battery .......................................299
acid, treating emergencies .....299
jumping a disabled battery ....266
maintenance-free ....................299
replacement, specifications ...333
servicing ..................................299
Belt-Minder.............................141
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................236
Blind spot mirror ......................235
Booster seats .............................175
Brakes ........................................214
anti-lock ...........................214–215
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................215
fluid, checking and adding ....322
fluid, refill capacities ..............334
fluid, specifications .................334
lubricant specifications ..........334
parking ....................................215
shift interlock ..........................221
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................59
Index
368
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)

high beam .................................55
replacing bulbs .........................61
turning on and off ....................54
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 49
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................44
Hood ..........................................289
I
Ignition ...............................209, 338
Illuminated visor mirror .............74
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................166
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................320
Instrument panel ........................78
cleaning ...................................283
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................56
J
Jack ............................................258
positioning ...............................258
storage .....................................258
Jump-starting your vehicle ......266
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................101
keypad .....................................112
locking and unlocking doors ..113
programming entry code .......112
Keys .....................................95, 115
positions of the ignition .........209L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................54
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................60
daytime running light ...............56
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........56
instrument panel, dimming .....56
interior lamps .....................58, 61
replacing bulbs .........................61
LATCH anchors .........................170
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........215
Load limits .................................201
Locks
autolock ...................................101
childproof ................................105
doors ........................................101
Lubricant specifications ...........334
Lug nuts ....................................264
Lumbar support, seats .....122, 124
M
Manual transmission .................229
fluid capacities ........................334
lubricant specifications ..........334
reverse .....................................230
Message center .....................18–19
english/metric button ...............23
system check button ................23
warning messages .....................23
Mirrors ...................................81–82
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................81
heated ........................................82
Index
371
2011 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)