Ford Transit (2018 year). Manual — part 37

The tow/haul feature:
•

Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency
of transmission shifting.

•

Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which will slow your vehicle and
assist you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a grade.

•

Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided will vary
based upon the amount the brake
pedal is pressed.

The tow/haul feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using
tow/haul.

To deactivate the tow/haul feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button near the gearshift lever twice. The
TOW HAUL light will deactivate. Tow/haul
also deactivates when you power down
your vehicle.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.

Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels
(page 259).

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See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 90).

Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.

Brake Over Accelerator

In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Move the gearshift lever to park (P),
switch the engine off and apply the parking
brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for
any interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.

Brake Assist

Brake assist detects when you brake
rapidly by measuring the rate at which you
press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal, and can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations.

Anti-lock Brake System

This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking.

This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not

illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer.

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If the system is disabled, normal
braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates

when you release the parking brake, have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer.

HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

The anti-lock braking system does not
eliminate the risks when:
•

You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.

•

Your vehicle is hydroplaning.

•

You take corners too fast.

•

The road surface is poor.

Note: If the system activates, the brake
pedal may pulse and may travel further.
Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You
may also hear a noise from the system. This
is normal.

PARKING BRAKE - VEHICLES
WITH: MECHANICAL PARKING
BRAKE

Center Parking Brake

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To apply the parking brake:

1.

Press the foot brake pedal firmly.

2. Pull the parking brake lever up to its

fullest extent.

To release the parking brake:

1.

Press the foot brake pedal firmly.

2. Pull the parking brake lever up slightly.

3. Press the release button and push the

parking brake lever down.

Note: If you park your vehicle facing uphill
turn the steering wheel away from the curb.

Note: If you park your vehicle facing
downhill turn the steering wheel toward the
curb.

Note: Do not press the release button while
pulling the parking brake lever up.

PARKING BRAKE - VEHICLES
WITH: PUSH DOWN PARKING
BRAKE

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To apply the parking brake:

1.

Firmly press the brake pedal.

2. Pull the parking brake lever upward to

its fullest extent.

Note: Do not press the release button when
pulling the parking brake lever upward.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing uphill, shift into park (P) and turn the
steering wheel away from the curb.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and
facing downhill, shift into park (P) and turn
the steering wheel toward the curb.

Note: When applied, you can lower the
parking brake lever to the completely down
position. Push the parking brake lever
downward without pressing the release
button. A warning lamp illuminates to
confirm the parking brake is still applied.

To release the parking brake:

1.

Firmly press the brake pedal.

2. Pull the parking brake lever upward to

its fullest extent.

3. Press the release button and push the

parking brake lever downward.

HILL START ASSIST

WARNINGS

The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave your
vehicle, always apply the parking

brake.

You must remain in your vehicle
when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for

controlling your vehicle, supervising the
system and intervening, if required. Failure
to take care may result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, serious personal
injury or death.

The system will turn off if a
malfunction is apparent or if you rev
the engine excessively. Failure to

take care may result in the loss of control
of your vehicle, serious personal injury or
death.

The system makes it easier to pull away
when your vehicle is on a slope without the
need to use the parking brake.

When the system is active, your vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows time to move your foot
from the brake to the accelerator pedal.
The system releases the brakes
automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down the slope. This
is an advantage when pulling away on a
slope, for example from a car park ramp,
traffic lights or when reversing uphill into
a parking space.

Note: The system will not operate if the
parking brake is applied.

Note: There is no warning light to indicate
the system is either on or off.

Using Hill Start Assist

1.

Press the brake pedal to bring your
vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep
the brake pedal pressed.

2. If the sensors detect that your vehicle

is on a slope, the system will activate
automatically.

3. When you remove your foot from the

brake pedal, your vehicle will remain
on the slope without rolling away for
approximately two to three seconds.
This hold time will automatically be
extended if you are in the process of
driving off.

4. Drive off in the normal manner. The

system will release the brakes
automatically.

Note: When you remove your foot from the
brake pedal and press the pedal again when
the system is active, you will experience
significantly reduced brake pedal travel. This
is normal.