suspension FORD FUSION (AMERICAS) 2014 2.G Owners Manual

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although anAWD vehicle may accelerate better thana two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice,it won’t stop any faster, because as in othervehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.Do not become overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Since your vehicle isequipped with a four wheel (ABS), do not“pump” the brakes. See Hints on DrivingWith Anti-Lock Brakes (page 163). formore information on the operation of theanti-lock brake system (ABS).
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems onyour vehicle have been designed andtested to provide predictable performancewhether loaded or empty and durable loadcarrying capability. For this reason, FordMotor Company strongly recommends thatyou do not make modifications such asadding or removing parts (such as loweringkits or stabilizer bars) or by usingreplacement parts not equivalent to theoriginal factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raisethe center of gravity can make it more likelythe vehicle will rollover as a result of a lossof control. Ford Motor Companyrecommends that caution be used withany vehicle equipped with a high load ordevice (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properlymay void the warranty, increase your repaircost, reduce vehicle performance andoperational capabilities and adverselyaffect driver and passenger safety.Frequent inspection of vehicle chassiscomponents is recommended if the vehicleis subjected to off-highway usage.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involvingbraking system, aftermarket roofracks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof the vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the AdvanceTracsystem. In addition, installing any stereoloudspeakers may interfere with andadversely affect the AdvanceTrac system.Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeakeras far as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seats inorder to minimize the risk of interfering withthe AdvanceTrac sensors. Reducing theeffectiveness of the AdvanceTrac systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
Remember that even advancedtechnology cannot defy the laws ofphysics. It’s always possible to losecontrol of a vehicle due to inappropriatedriver input for the conditions. Aggressivedriving on any road condition can causeyou to lose control of your vehicleincreasing the risk of personal injury orproperty damage. Activation of theAdvanceTrac system is an indication thatat least some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator’s ability to control thevehicle potentially resulting in a loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death. If your AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac Control system helpsyou keep control of your vehicle when ona slippery surface. The electronic stabilitycontrol portion of the system helps avoidskids and lateral slides. The tractioncontrol system helps avoid drive wheelspin and loss of traction. See UsingTraction Control (page 168).
Vehicle without AdvanceTracskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with AdvanceTracmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
AdvanceTrac®
The system automatically activates whenyou start your vehicle. The AdvanceTracsystem cannot be completely turned off,but the electronic stability control systemis disabled when the transmission selectorlever is in position R. You can turn off thetraction control portion of the systemindependently. See Using TractionControl (page 168).
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Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markingson the road?
Staying too close to the lane marking
Driving at high speeds in curves
Previous feature activation happened within the last one second
Ambiguous lane markings (mainly in construction zones)
Rapid transition from light to dark or vice versa
Sudden offset in lane markings
ABS or AdvanceTrac activation
Camera blockage due to dirt, grime, fog, frost or water on the windshield
Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you
Transitioning between no lane markings to lane markings or vice versa
Standing water on the road
Faint lane markings (partial yellow lane markings on concrete roads)
Lane width too narrow or too wide
Camera not calibrated after a windshield replacement
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads
Why does the vehicle not come back into the middle of the lane always, as expected, inthe Aid or Aid + Alert mode?
High cross winds
Large road crown
Rough roads, grooves, shoulder drop-offs
Heavy uneven loading of the vehicle or improper tire inflation pressure
If the tires have been exchanged (including snow tires), or the suspension has beenmodified
190Fusion (CC7) , enUSADriving Aids

If your vehicle loses electrical power whileyou are driving (or if the ignition is turnedoff), you can steer the vehicle manually,but it takes more effort. Extremecontinuous steering may increase the effortit takes for you to steer. This occurs toprevent internal overheating andpermanent damage to your steeringsystem. If this should occur, you will neitherlose the ability to steer the vehiclemanually nor will it cause permanentdamage. Typical steering and drivingmaneuvers will allow the system to cooland 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 crosswindsmay also make the steering seem towander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The EPS system adaptive learning helpscorrect for road irregularities and improvesoverall handling and steering feel. Itcommunicates with the vehicle's brakesystem to help operate advanced stabilitycontrol and accident avoidance systems.Additionally, whenever the battery isdisconnected or a new battery installed,the vehicle must be driven a short distancebefore the strategy is relearned and allsystems are reactivated.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION (If
Equipped)
WARNINGS
This system is designed to be asupplementary driving aid. It is notintended to replace the driver’sattention, and judgment, or the need toapply the brakes. This system does NOTactivate the brakes automatically. Failureto press the brake pedal to activate thebrakes may result in a collision.
The collision warning system withbrake support cannot help preventall collisions. Do not rely on thissystem to replace driver judgment and theneed to maintain distance and speed.
Note:The system does not detect, warn orrespond to potential collisions with vehiclesto the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Note:The collision warning system is activeat speeds above approximately 5 mph (8km/h).
This system is designed to alert the driverof certain collision risks. A radar detects ifyour vehicle is rapidly approaching anothervehicle traveling in the same direction asyours.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR orthe GAWR specified on thecertification label.
Towing trailers beyond themaximum recommendedgross trailer weight exceeds thelimit of your vehicle and couldresult in engine damage,transmission damage, structuraldamage, loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover and personalinjury.
The electrical system on yourvehicle may have fuses or relaysrelated to the towing equipment.See Fuses (page 226).
The load capacity of your vehicleis designated by weight notvolume. You will not necessarilybe able to use all available spacewhen loading your vehicle ortrailer.
Towing a trailer places extra loadon the engine, transmission, axle,brakes, tires and suspension.Inspect these components before,during and after towing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove 15% or below 10% of theloaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with thecorrect rise or drop. When boththe loaded vehicle and trailerare connected, the trailer frameshould be level, or slightlyangled down toward yourvehicle, when viewed from theside.
Note:A slight vibration or shuddermay be present when you start todrive away due to increasedpayload weight.
Information on correct trailerloading and preparing your vehicleis available in the load carryingsection. See Load Limit (page199). Further information isavailable in the RV and TrailerTowing Guide. See an authorizeddealer.
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WARNINGS
may be found on either the SafetyCompliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition), or the Tire Label whichis located on the B-Pillar or edgeof the driver’s door. If thisinformation is not found on theselabels then you should contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible. Use of any tire or wheelnot recommended by Ford canaffect the safety and performanceof your vehicle, which could resultin an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death.Additionally the use ofnon-recommended tires andwheels could cause steering,suspension, axle, transfer case orpower transfer unit failure. If youhave questions regarding tirereplacement, contact yourauthorized dealer as soon aspossible.
To reduce the risk of seriousinjury, when mountingreplacement tires and wheels, youshould not exceed the maximumpressure indicated on the sidewallof the tire to set the beads withoutadditional precautions listedbelow. If the beads do not seat atthe maximum pressure indicated,re-lubricate and try again
WARNINGS
When inflating the tire formounting pressures up to 20 psi(1.38 bar) greater than themaximum pressure on the tiresidewall, the followingprecautions must be taken toprotect the person mounting thetire:
1. Make sure that you have thecorrect tire and wheel size.
2. Lubricate the tire bead andwheel bead seat area again.
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 feet(3.66 meters) away from thewheel and tire assembly.
4. Use both eye and earprotection.
For a mounting pressure morethan 20 psi (1.38 bar) greater thanthe maximum pressure, a Forddealer or other tire serviceprofessional should do themounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tireswith a remote air fill with theperson inflating standing at aminimum of 12 feet (3.66 meters)away from the wheel and tireassembly
Important: Remember to replacethe wheel valve stems when the
road tires are replaced on yourvehicle
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Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb orpothole can cause the front endof your vehicle to becomemisaligned or cause damage toyour tires. If your vehicle seems topull to one side when you’redriving, the wheels may be out ofalignment. Have an authorizeddealer check the wheel alignmentperiodically.
Wheel misalignment in the frontor the rear can cause uneven andrapid treadwear of your tires andshould be corrected by anauthorized dealer. Front-wheeldrive vehicles and those with anindependent rear suspension (ifequipped) may require alignmentof all four wheels.
The tires should also be balancedperiodically. An unbalanced tireand wheel assembly may result inirregular tire wear.
Tire Rotation
Note:If your tires show unevenwear, ask an authorized dealer tocheck for and correct any wheelmisalignment, tire imbalance ormechanical problem involvedbefore tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may beequipped with a dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly. Adissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly is defined as a sparewheel and tire assembly that isdifferent in brand, size orappearance from the road tires andwheels. If you have a dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly it isintended for temporary use onlyand should not be used in a tirerotation.
Note:After having your tiresrotated, inflation pressure must bechecked and adjusted to thevehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at therecommended interval (asindicated in the ScheduledMaintenance chapter) will helpyour tires wear more evenly,providing better tire performanceand longer tire life.
Front-wheel drive and all-wheeldrive vehicles (front tires on theleft side of the diagram)
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All vehicles with directional tires(front tires on the left side of thediagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear canbe corrected by rotating the tires.
Summer Tires
Your Ford vehicle may beequipped with summer tires to
provide superior performance onwet and dry roads. Summer tiresdo not have the Mud and Snow(M+S or M/S) tire traction ratingon the tire side wall. Sincesummer tires do not have thesame traction performance asAll-season or Snow tires, Forddoes not recommend usingsummer tires when temperaturesdrop to approximately 40°F (5°C)or below (depending on tire wearand environmental conditions) orin snow and ice conditions. Likeany tire, summer tire performanceis affected by tire wear andenvironmental conditions. If youmust drive in those conditions,Ford recommends using Mud andSnow (M+S, M/S), All-season orSnow tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,load index, speed rating as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Use ofany tire or wheel not recommended byFord can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injury anddeath. Additionally, the use ofnon-recommended tires and wheels couldcause steering, suspension, axle, transfercase or power transfer unit failure.
The tires on your vehicle may haveall-weather treads to provide traction inrain and snow. However, in some climates,you may need to use snow tires and cables.If you need to use cables, it isrecommended that steel wheels (of thesame size and specifications) be used, ascables may chip aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and traction devices
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle
•Purchase chains or cables from amanufacturer that clearly labels bodyto tire dimension restrictions.
•Use no larger than 15 mm cables orchains ONLY on front axle with215/60R16 tires. Do not use chains orcables on any other size tires.
•The snow chains or cables must bemounted in pairs on the front axle.
•When driving with tire cables do notexceed 30 mph (48 km/h) or themaximum speed recommended by thechain manufacturer, whichever is less.
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Multi-Point inspection
Hazard warning system operationAccessory drive belt(s)
Horn operationBattery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghosesEngine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamageExhaust system
Steering and linkageExterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper
pressure**Fluid levels*; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pitsFor oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operationHalf-shaft dust boots
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expirationUse By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership serviceadvisor or technician about the multi-pointvehicle inspection. It is a comprehensiveway to perform a thorough inspection ofyour vehicle. Your checklist gives youimmediate feedback on the overallcondition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor®
Your vehicle is equipped with an IntelligentOil-Life Monitor that determines when youshould change the engine oil based on howyour vehicle is used. By using severalimportant factors in its calculations, themonitor helps reduce the cost of owningyour vehicle and reduces environmentalwaste at the same time.
This means you do not have to rememberto change the oil on a mileage-basedschedule. Your vehicle lets you know whenan oil change is due by displaying ENGINEOIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGEREQUIRED in the information display.
The following table provides examples ofvehicle use and its impact on oil changeintervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oilchange intervals depend on several factorsand generally decrease with severity ofuse.
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When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
Vehicle use and exampleInterval
Normal
7500-10000 miles(12000-16000 km)
Normal commuting with highway drivingNo, or moderate, load or towingFlat to moderately hilly roadsNo extended idling
Severe
5000-7499 miles(8000-11999 km)
Moderate to heavy load or towingMountainous or off-road conditionsExtended idlingExtended hot or cold operation
Extreme3000-4999 miles(4800-7999 km)Maximum load or towingExtreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals
At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display*
Change engine oil and filter.**
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints. Lubricate any areas with grease fittings (All-wheeldrive vehicles).
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints. Lubricate any areas with grease fittings (All-wheel drive vehicles).
432Fusion (CC7) , enUSAScheduled Maintenance