tow FORD TRANSIT 2018 Owner's Manual

Glow Plug Indicator
If it illuminates, wait until it turns
off before starting.
Water In Fuel Warning Lamp If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates there is
excess water in the fuel filter.
This occurs when approximately 7 fl oz
(200 ml) of water accumulates in the fuel
filter water trap. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Alternatively you may be able to drain the
fuel filter water trap.
See
Draining the Fuel Filter Water Trap
(page 242).
Note: If it illuminates when the engine is
running after draining the fuel filter water
trap, this indicates a fuel filter service is
required. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.
Direction Indicator It illuminates when you switch a
direction indicator or the hazard
flashers on. Flashes during
operation. An increase in the rate of
flashing warns of a failed indicator bulb.
Note: An increase in the rate of flashing
could also indicate that the trailer tow
system has detected a fault that requires
service. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible.
Door Ajar It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on and remains on if
any door or the hood is open. Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Lamp If it illuminates when your vehicle
is moving, this indicates that the
engine is overheating. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and
switch the engine off. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Engine Warning Lamps Powertrain Warning Lamp
If it illuminates when the engine is running
this indicates a malfunction. Drive in a
moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration). Continuing
to drive your vehicle may cause reduced
power or the engine to stop. Switch the
ignition off and attempt to restart the
engine. Have your vehicle checked as soon
as possible. Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If it illuminates when the engine is running
this indicates a malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have
your vehicle immediately serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether your vehicle is
ready for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
96
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Instrument Cluster

Stability Control and Traction
Control Indicator
Flashes during operation.
If it does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, or remains
on when the engine is running, this
indicates a malfunction. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Note: The system automatically turns off
if there is a malfunction.
See Stability Control (page 161). See
Traction Control (page 160).
Stability Control and Traction
Control Off Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the system off.
Tow/Haul Warning Lamp It illuminates when you switch
the system on.
If it flashes when the engine is
running this indicates a malfunction and
could lead to transmission damage that
may not be covered by the vehicle
Warranty. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Airbag Secondary Warning
Sounds when the airbag system and the
airbag warning lamp requires service.
Door Ajar
Sounds when a door is not fully closed and
your vehicle is moving. Exterior Lamps On
Sounds when you open the driver door and
the exterior lamps are on.
Transmission Selector Lever Not
in park (P)
Sounds when you open the driver door and
the transmission is not in park (P).
Key in Ignition
Sounds when the driver door is open and
the key is in the ignition.
Parking Brake On
Sounds when the parking brake is on and
your vehicle is moving. If the warning
chime remains on after you have released
the parking brake, the system has detected
a fault that requires service. Have your
vehicle immediately checked.
Seatbelt Reminder
WARNING:
Do not sit on top of a
fastened seatbelt to prevent the seatbelt
reminder from coming on. The occupant
protection system will only provide
optimum protection when you use the
seatbelt properly.
Sounds when a seatbelt is unfastened in
an occupied seat and your vehicle is
moving.
98
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Instrument ClusterE138639 E130458 E161509

•
Adjust the temperature control to the
MAX A/C position.
• Adjust the fan speed to the lowest
speed setting.
Side Window Defogging in Cold
Weather
• Adjust the air distribution control to the
instrument panel and windshield air
vents positions.
• Press the
A/C button.
• Adjust the temperature control to the
desired setting.
• Adjust the fan speed to the highest
setting.
• Direct the instrument panel side air
vents toward the side windows.
• Close the instrument panel vents.
Maximum Cooling Performance in
Instrument Panel or Instrument
Panel and Footwell Positions
• Adjust the temperature control to the
lowest setting.
• Press the
A/C and recirculated air
buttons.
• Adjust the fan speed to the highest
setting initially and then adjust it to suit
the desired comfort level.
REAR PASSENGER CLIMATE
CONTROLS
Adjusting the Blower Motor Speed Directing Air to the Overhead Air
Vents
When you direct air to the
overhead air vents, the system
distributes cold air. Directing Air to the Footwell Air
Vents When you direct air to the
footwell air vents, the system
distributes hot air.
Directing Air to the Overhead Air
Vents and the Footwell Air Vents When you direct air to the
Overhead and footwell air vents,
the system distributes warm air.
HEATED WINDOWS AND
MIRRORS
Heated Rear Window
(If Equipped)
Note: Make sure the engine is running
before operating the heated windows.
Note: The heated rear window button is
located on the instrument panel, near the
instrument cluster. Press the button to clear the
heated rear window of thin ice
and fog. The heated rear
window will automatically turn off after a
short period of time.
Note: Do not use razor blades or other
sharp objects to clean or remove decals
from the inside of the heated rear window.
The vehicle warranty does not cover
damage caused to the heated rear window
grid lines.
Heated Exterior Mirrors When you switch the heated rear
window on, the heated exterior
mirrors will automatically turn
on.
Note: Do not remove ice from the mirrors
with a scraper or adjust the mirror glass
when it is frozen in place.
111
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Climate Control E72507

1. Lift the handle.
2. Move the seat back backward or
forward to attain the desired position.
3. Release the handle. Adjusting the Armrest 1. Raise the armrest fully.
2. Lower the armrest to the stowed
position.
3. Raise the armrest to attain the desired
position.
POWER SEATS (If Equipped) WARNING:
Do not adjust the driver
seat when your vehicle is moving. WARNING:
Do not place cargo or
any objects behind the seat backrest
before returning it to the original position. WARNING:
The driver seat has
removable stop bolts on the track to
enable access to the vehicle battery. See
Changing the 12V Battery
(page 244).
116
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- SeatsE175474 3
E95256
1
2

•
Make sure the system is unplugged and
properly stowed before starting and
driving your vehicle. Make sure the
protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
• Make sure the heater system is
checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are
clean and dry prior to use. Clean them with
a dry cloth if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours
of energy per hour of use. The system does
not have a thermostat. It achieves
maximum temperature after
approximately three hours of operation.
Using the heater longer than three hours
does not improve system performance and
unnecessarily uses electricity.
130
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Starting and Stopping the Engine

Do not use alcohol based fuel additives to
correct fuel gelling. This may damage the
fuel injectors or fuel system. This may also
degrade vehicle performance and could
lead to fuel system damage that may not
be covered by the vehicle Warranty. Only
use an anti-gel and performance
improvement product. We recommend
Motorcraft® Anti-Gel & Performance
Improver.
Diesel Fuel Additives
It should not be necessary to add any
aftermarket additives to your fuel if you
use a high quality diesel fuel that conforms
to ASTM industry specifications.
Aftermarket additives can damage the fuel
injector system or engine.
Use Motorcraft Cetane Booster or an
equivalent cetane booster additive if you
suspect fuel has low cetane. Use
Motorcraft Anti-Gel & Performance
Improver or an equivalent additive if there
is fuel gelling during cold weather.
Do not use alcohol-based additives to
improve cetane quality, to prevent fuel
gelling or any other use. The use of alcohol
additives may result in damage to the fuel
injectors and system.
The vehicle Warranty may not cover repairs
needed to correct the effects of using any
aftermarket product that does not meet
Ford specifications.
FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 180).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com.
134
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Fuel and RefuelingE161513

Note:
Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
FUEL QUALITY - E85
Choosing the Right Fuel - Flex Fuel
Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following
identifiers:
• Yellow fuel filler cap.
• Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.
• Yellow fuel filler housing.
• Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler
door. Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 180).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com.
Note: Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
135
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Fuel and RefuelingE161513

•
Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for
climactic conditions.
Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you
correct the concern, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,
Prohibited Tampering Acts and
Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The preceding statements
concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance, and the noise warranty
found in the Warranty Guide, are
applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER -
3.5L/3.7L WARNING: Do not park, idle or drive
your vehicle on dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats
up the engine compartment and exhaust
system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is very
high. Never work around or attempt to
repair any part of the exhaust system until
it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short period
of engine operation and stays hot after the
engine is switched off.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards.
To avoid damaging the catalytic converter:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See
Catalytic Converter
(page 142).
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Do not use leaded fuel.
Note: Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
On-Board Diagnostics System
Your vehicle has an on-board diagnostics
system that monitors the emission control
system. If any of the following warning
lamps illuminate, this may indicate that
the on-board diagnostics system has
detected an emission control system
malfunction. Engine coolant temperature
warning lamp.
Battery charging condition
warning lamp.
142
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

WARNING: The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is very
high. Never work around or attempt to
repair any part of the exhaust system until
it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the diesel oxidation
catalytic converter or the diesel particulate
filter. The diesel oxidation catalytic
converter and the diesel particulate filter
heat up to very high temperatures after
only a short period of engine operation and
remain hot after you switch the engine off.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a diesel particulate filter
that enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. It filters
harmful diesel particulates, for example
soot from the exhaust gas.
To avoid damaging the diesel particulate
filter:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 196).
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Do not ignore warning lamps or
information messages regarding
exhaust system cleaning and
regeneration.
Note: This could result in damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
On-Board Diagnostics System
Your vehicle has an on-board diagnostics
system that monitors the emission control
system. If any of the following warning
lamps illuminate, this indicates that the
on-board diagnostics system has detected
an emission control system malfunction. Engine coolant temperature
warning lamp.
Ignition warning lamp.
Malfunction indicator lamp.
Powertrain warning Lamp.
Water in fuel warning lamp.
If you continue to drive your vehicle when
the warning lamp is illuminated, the engine
could stop without warning. This could
result in damage not covered by the vehicle
Warranty. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible.
See
Warning Lamps and Indicators
(page 95).
Diesel Particulate Filter Automatic
Regeneration WARNING:
Do not park or idle your
vehicle over dry leaves, dry grass or other
combustible materials. The regeneration
process creates very high exhaust gas
temperatures and the exhaust will radiate
a considerable amount of heat during and
after regeneration and after you have
switched the engine off. This is a potential
fire hazard. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is very
high. Never work around or attempt to
repair any part of the exhaust system until
it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the diesel oxidation
146
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- Engine Emission Control

4. Move the white lever toward the rear
of your vehicle.
5. Shift into neutral (N).
6. Replace the gearshift lever housing cover.
7. Apply the brake pedal and switch the ignition on.
8. Release the parking brake.
Note: Alternatively, we recommend that
you seek advice from your dealer.
Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning
This feature may increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life
of your vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm shifts, soft
shifts or both. This operation is considered
normal and does not affect function or
durability of the transmission. Over time,
the adaptive learning process fully updates
transmission operation. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud
or Snow
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you may rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
TOW/HAUL WARNING: Do not use tow/haul
when the road surface is slippery. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle. WARNING:
Do not use diesel engine
exhaust braking when the road surface is
slippery. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle. To activate tow/haul, press the
button near the gearshift lever
once. The TOW HAUL indicator
light illuminates in the instrument cluster.
154
2018 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, JK3J 19A321 AA enUSA, Edition date: 201705, Third-Printing- TransmissionE174827 E161509