power steering FORD MAVERICK 2023 User Guide

HOW DOES STABILITY
CONTROL WORK
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this couldreduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control enhances yourvehicle’s ability to prevent skids or lateralslides by applying brakes to one or moreof the wheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
Roll stability control enhances yourvehicle’s ability to prevent rollovers bydetecting your vehicle’s roll motion andthe rate at which it changes by applyingthe brakes to one or more wheelsindividually.
Curve Control
Curve control enhances your vehicle’sability to follow the road when corneringseverely or avoiding objects in the roadway.Curve control operates by reducing enginepower and, if necessary, applying brakesto one or more of the wheels individually.
Traction Control
Traction control enhances your vehicle’sability to maintain traction of the wheelsby detecting and controlling wheel spin.See How Does Traction Control Work(page 200).
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ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
HOW DOES ELECTRIC POWERSTEERING WORK
Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning helps correct roadirregularities and improves overall handlingand steering. The system assists the brakesystem to help operate advanced stabilitycontrol and accident avoidance systems.
If your vehicle loses electrical power ordetects a concern when you are driving,the system switches off and you retainnormal steering function. Additionally,whenever you disconnect the battery orinstall a new battery, drive your vehicle ashort distance before the system relearnsthe strategy and reactivates all systems.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds could also make the steeringwander or pull.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERINGPRECAUTIONS
WARNING: The electric powersteering system has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor the system. Ifa fault is detected, a message displaysin the information display. Stop yourvehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the vehicle off. After at least 10seconds, switch the vehicle on andwatch the information display for asteering system warning message. If asteering system warning messagereturns, have the system checked assoon as possible.
WARNING: If the system detectsan error, you may not feel a difference inthe steering, however a serious conditionmay exist. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible. Failure to do so mayresult in loss of steering control.
Adapt your speed and driving behavioraccording to reduced steering assist.
Extreme continuous steering may increasethe effort to steer. This occurs to preventinternal overheating and damage to thesteering system. If this occurs, you will notlose the ability to steer your vehiclemanually nor will it cause damage to thesystem. Normal steering and driving allowsthe system to cool down and steeringassist returns to normal.
Note:There is no fluid reservoir to check orfill.
STEERING –
TROUBLESHOOTING
STEERING – WARNINGINDICATORS
The electric power steeringsystem indicator illuminates ifthe system detects a fault duringthe continuous diagnostic checks.
Note:If a red warning message displays,stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to doso.
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STEERING – INFORMATION MESSAGES
ActionMessage
The power steering system has detected acondition that requires service. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Steering Fault Service Now
The power steering system is not working.Stop your vehicle in a safe place. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Steering Loss Stop Safely
The power steering system has detected acondition that requires service. Have yourvehicle checked as soon as possible.
Steering Assist Fault Service Required
The steering system has detected a condi-tion that could prevent you from startingyour vehicle. Have your vehicle checked assoon as possible.
Steering Lock Malfunction Service Now
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WHAT IS DRIVE MODE
CONTROL
Your vehicle has various drive modes thatyou can select for different drivingconditions. Depending on the drive modethat you select, the system adjusts variousvehicle settings.
HOW DOES DRIVE MODE
CONTROL WORK
Selectable drive modes change variouselectronic and mechanical settings withinyour vehicle to tailor its performance anddriving characteristics to on-road oroff-road driving conditions. Steering feeland effort, traction control, stabilitycontrol, chassis control, powertrainresponse, transmission shift points andfour-wheel driveline settings alter to apre-determined setting depending uponthe drive mode that you select.
Note:Your vehicle has diagnostic checksthat continuously monitor all systems forproper operation. If a drive mode isunavailable due to a system fault, yourvehicle defaults to normal mode.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE
To select drive modes, use the consolemounted control.
Note:Drive mode changes may not beavailable when the ignition is off.
Note:Button icon shown may vary fromyour vehicle.
Note:Selected drive mode displays in theinstrument cluster display.
DRIVE MODES
ECO (If Equipped)
For efficient driving. This modehelps deliver maximum fuelefficiency and helps to increasedriving range.
MUD/RUTS (If Equipped)
For off-road driving. This modeenhances vehicle performanceto traverse muddy, rutted oruneven terrains. Lower gears hold longerin mud/ruts mode to maintain momentumin soft conditions. Mud/ruts modeoptimizes braking for off-road conditions,allowing quick path corrections andminimized stopping distance when ondeformable surfaces.
Note:This mode may help get your vehicleunstuck from deep snow or sand.
Note:Using mud/ruts mode on dry, hardsurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, and potential excessivetire and vehicle wear.
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NORMAL
For everyday driving. This modeis a perfect balance ofexcitement, comfort andconvenience. This is the default mode aftereach ignition cycle.
SAND (If Equipped)
For off-road driving. Sand modeis for off-road driving on soft, drysand or deep conditions. Lowergears hold longer in sand mode to maintainmomentum in soft conditions. Sand modeoptimizes braking for off-road conditions,allowing quick path corrections andminimized stopping distance when ondeformable surfaces.
Note:Using sand mode on dry, hardsurfaces could produce some vibration,driveline bind up, potential excessive tirewear and vehicle wear.
Note:Do not use on firm, slippery surfaces,such as paved roads covered with snow orice or driving on packed snow. For slippery,firm surfaces use slippery mode.
SLIPPERY
For less than ideal roadconditions such as snow or icecovered roads. You can use thismode for crossing terrain where loose, wetor slippery materials covers a firm surface.Slippery mode lowers throttle responseand optimizes shifting for slippery surfaces.
SPORT (If Equipped)
For sporty driving with improvedperformance handling andresponse. This mode increasesthrottle response and provides a sportiersteering feel. The powertrain systemprovides improved gear holding, helpingyour vehicle accelerate faster.
TOW/HAUL
For improved transmissionoperation when towing a traileror a heavy load. This modemoves upshifts to higher engine speeds toreduce the frequency of transmissionshifting. This mode also provides enginebraking in all forward gears, which slowsyour vehicle and assists you in controllingyour vehicle when descending a slope. Theamount of downshift braking providedvaries based on the amount you press thebrake pedal.
The system tunes the steering to enhancedriving comfort when towing or carryingheavy loads.
DRIVE MODE CONTROL –
TROUBLESHOOTING
DRIVE MODE CONTROL –WARNING LAMPS
Some drive modes reducetraction and stability controlperformance and the indicatorilluminates in the instrument cluster.
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COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of somecomponents and systems can be affectedat temperatures below approximately-13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING ON 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.
On ice and snow, you should drive moreslowly than usual. Your vehicle has a fourwheel anti-lock brake system, do not pumpthe brake pedal. See Anti-Lock BrakingSystem Limitations (page 191).
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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DRIVING IN SPECIAL
CONDITIONS
DRIVING THROUGH MUD ANDWATER
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even all-wheel drive and four-wheeldrive vehicles can lose traction in mud. Ifyour vehicle slides, steer in the direction ofthe slide until you regain control of yourvehicle. After driving through mud, cleanoff residue stuck to rotating driveshaftsand tires. Excess residue can cause animbalance that could damage drivecomponents.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck in mud, itcould be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
Water
If you must drive though deep water, driveslowly. The water could limit traction orbrake capability. See Driving ThroughShallow Water (page 280).
When driving though water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thecenter of the wheel.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle asquickly as dry brakes. Apply light pressureto the brake pedal while slowly moving thevehicle to dry the brakes.
Note:Driving through deep water couldcause damage to the transmission. If thefront or rear axle is submerged in water,have the axle lubricant and power transferunit lubricant checked and changed ifnecessary.
DRIVING ON HILLY OR SLOPINGTERRAIN
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 could make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should try to drivestraight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you can use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power causes thetires to slip, spin or lose traction, and youcould lose control of your vehicle. Whendescending a steep hill, do not descendthe hill in neutral. Avoid sudden hardbraking to keep the front wheels rolling andto maintain your vehicle's steering.
Note:Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,apply the brakes steadily. Do not pump thebrakes.
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Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat.
DRIVING IN SAND
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Steadily drive through the terrain. Applythe accelerator slowly and avoid excessivewheel slip. Do not drive your vehicle indeep sand for an extended period of time.This could overheat the system. Amessage appears in the instrument clusterdisplay.
Note:If your vehicle gets stuck driving onhilly or sloping terrain, it could be rocked outby shifting between forward and reversegears, stopping between shifts in a steadypattern. Press lightly on the accelerator ineach gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature, asdamage to the transmission could occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, as damage to thetransmission and tires could occur or theengine could overheat
DRIVING THROUGH SHALLOW
WATER
WARNING: Do not attempt tocross a deep or flowing body of water.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction couldbe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING: Use a floor matdesigned to fit the footwell of yourvehicle that does not obstruct the pedalarea. Failure to follow this instructioncould result in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
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TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
PRECAUTIONS
Use the following guidelines when towingyour vehicle. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in vehicle damagenot covered by the vehicle warranty.
Note:Make sure you properly secure yourvehicle to the tow vehicle.
Note:If you are unsure of the vehicle’sconfiguration, contact an authorized dealer.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - GASOLINE,
FWD
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. Place the front wheels on atwo-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a towdolly, follow the instructions specified bythe equipment provider.
Note:Release the parking brake beforetowing your vehicle. See ManuallyReleasing the Electric Parking Brake(page 194).
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - GASOLINE,
AWD
You cannot recreational tow your vehiclewith all wheels on the ground becausevehicle or transmission damage couldoccur. You must recreational tow yourvehicle with all four wheels off the ground,such as when using a car-hauling trailer.Otherwise, you cannot recreational towyour vehicle.
RECREATIONALLY TOWING
YOUR VEHICLE - HYBRID
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HEV)
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing. An example ofrecreational towing is towing your vehiclebehind a motorhome. These guidelinesensure that you do not damage thetransmission.
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 125).
You can tow your vehicle with all fourwheels on the ground under the followingconditions:
•You switch Neutral Tow on.
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•You release the parking brake.
•You do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
Switching Neutral Tow On
1.Switch your vehicle on in accessorymode.
2.Press the menu button on the steeringwheel to enter the information displaymain menu.
3.Select Settings.
4.Select Neutral Tow.
5.Follow the instructions on theinformation display.
6.Fully press the brake pedal.
7.Shift into neutral (N).
8.Switch the ignition off.
Note:Switching neutral tow on requiresbattery power.
Note:If the parking brake is applied, amessage appears in the information display.
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Note:If your vehicle has an ignition key, youcannot remove the key from the ignitionwhen the transmission is in neutral (N) andyour vehicle is off.
Note:Start the engine and allow it to runfor a few minutes at the beginning of eachday, and every six hours or fewer. With theengine running and your foot on the brake,shift into drive (D) and then into reverse (R)before shifting back into neutral (N). Beforecontinuing to tow, switch neutral tow on.
EMERGENCY TOWING -
GASOLINE
If you need to tow your vehicle, contact aprofessional towing service or, if you are amember of a roadside assistance program,your roadside assistance service provider.
EMERGENCY TOWING -
HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
If your vehicle becomes inoperable withoutaccess to wheel dollies or a vehicletransport trailer, it can be flat-towed withall wheels on the ground, regardless of thepowertrain and transmission configuration,under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•You switch Neutral Tow on.
•You release the parking brake.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (55 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
Switching Neutral Tow On
1.Switch your vehicle on in accessorymode.
2.Press the menu button on the steeringwheel to enter the instrument clusterdisplay main menu.
3.Select Settings.
4.Select Neutral Tow.
5.Follow the instructions on theinformation display.
6.Fully press the brake pedal.
7.Shift into neutral (N).
8.Switch the ignition off.
Note:Failure to follow these instructionscould result in damage to the transmission.
Note:Switching neutral tow on requiresbattery power.
Note: Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 125).
Switching Neutral Tow Off
1.Switch your vehicle on in accessorymode.
2.Fully press the brake pedal.
3.Shift into park (P).
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