Ford Fusion Hybrid (2014 year). Manual — part 47

E142443

The system uses radar sensors which are
located behind the bumper fascia on each
side of your vehicle. Do not allow these
areas to become obstructed by mud, snow
or bumper stickers, as this can cause
degraded system performance.

If the system detects a degraded
performance condition, a message warning
of a blocked sensor or a message warning
of low visibility will appear in the
information display and the alert indicator
illuminates in the appropriate mirror(s).
The information display warning can be
cleared but the alert indicator remains
illuminated.

When the blockage is removed, the system
can be reset in two ways:

•

when at least two objects are detected
while driving, or

•

turn the ignition from on to off, then
back on.

If the blockage is still present after the key
cycle, the system senses again that it is
blocked after driving in traffic.

Reasons for messages being displayed

Clean the fascia area in

front of the radar or remove

the obstruction.

The radar

surface is

dirty or

obstructed

Drive normally in traffic for
a few minutes to allow the

radar to detect passing

vehicles so it can clear the

blocked state.

The radar

surface is

not dirty or
obstructed

No action required. The

system automatically

resets to an unblocked

state once the rainfall or

snowfall rate decreases or

stops. Do not use BLIS or

cross traffic alert in these

conditions.

Heavy rain-

fall/snow-

fall inter-

feres with

the radar

signals

System Limitations

The BLIS and cross traffic alert systems
do have their limitations; situations such
as severe weather conditions or debris
build-up on the sensor area may limit
vehicle detection.

The following are other situations that may
limit the BLIS:

•

Certain maneuvering of vehicles
entering and exiting the blind zone.

•

Vehicles passing through the blind zone
at very fast rates.

•

When several vehicles forming a
convoy pass through the blind zone.

The following are other situations that may
limit the cross traffic alert system:

•

Adjacently parked vehicles or objects
obstructing the sensors.

•

Approaching vehicles passing at
speeds greater than 15 mph (24 km/h).

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Driving Aids

•

Driving in reverse faster than 5 mph (8
km/h).

•

Backing out of an angled parking spot.

False Alerts

Note: If a trailer is connected to the vehicle
the BLIS system may detect the trailer
causing a false alert. You may want to turn
the BLIS off manually.

There may be certain instances when
either the BLIS or cross traffic alert
systems illuminate the alert indicator with
no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of
false alerts are normal; they are temporary
and self-correct.

System Errors

If either system senses a problem with the
left or right sensor, the BLIS telltale will
illuminate and a message will appear in
the information display.

All other system faults will only be
displayed by a message in the information
display.

Switching the Systems Off and On

One or both systems can be switched off
temporarily by using the information
display control. See General Information
(page 85). When the BLIS is switched off,
you will not receive alerts and a telltale
illuminates in the information display.

Note: The CTA system always switches on
whenever the ignition is switched on.
However, the BLIS system will remember
the last selected on or off setting.

One or both systems cannot be switched
off when MyKey is used. See Principle of
Operation (page 50).

One or both systems can also be switched
off permanently at your authorized dealer.
Once switched off, switching it back on
must also be done at your authorized
dealer.

STEERING

Electric Power Steering

WARNINGS

The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to

ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.

The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to

ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
off the engine. After at least 10 seconds,
reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the information display for a
steering message. If a steering message
returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked.

Obtain immediate service if a system
error is detected. You may not notice
any difference in the feel of your

steering, but a serious condition may exist.
Failure to do so may result in loss of
steering control.

Your vehicle is equipped with an electric
power-assisted steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.

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Driving Aids

If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving (or if the ignition is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually,
but it takes more effort. Extreme
continuous steering may increase the effort
it takes for you to steer. This occurs to
prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering
system. If this should occur, you will neither
lose the ability to steer the vehicle
manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving
maneuvers will allow the system to cool
and 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 crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.

Adaptive Learning

The EPS system adaptive learning helps
correct for road irregularities and improves
overall handling and steering feel. It
communicates with the vehicle's brake
system to help operate advanced stability
control and accident avoidance systems.
Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed,
the vehicle must be driven a short distance
before the strategy is relearned and all
systems are reactivated.

COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

(If

Equipped)

WARNINGS

This system is designed to be a
supplementary driving aid. It is not
intended to replace the driver’s

attention, and judgment, or the need to
apply the brakes. This system does NOT
activate the brakes automatically. Failure
to press the brake pedal to activate the
brakes may result in a collision.

The collision warning system with
brake support cannot help prevent
all collisions. Do not rely on this

system to replace driver judgment and the
need to maintain distance and speed.

Note: The system does not detect, warn or
respond to potential collisions with vehicles
to the rear or sides of the vehicle.

Note: The collision warning system is active
at speeds above approximately 5 mph (8
km/h).

E156130

This system is designed to alert the driver
of certain collision risks. A radar detects if
your vehicle is rapidly approaching another
vehicle traveling in the same direction as
yours.

E156131

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Driving Aids

If it is, a red warning light illuminates and
an audible warning chime sounds.

The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light
illuminates, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking. This
may be apparent to the driver. The system
does not automatically activate the brakes
but, if the brake pedal is pressed, full force
braking is applied even if the brake pedal
is lightly pressed.

Using the Collision Warning System

WARNING

The collision warning system’s brake
support can only help reduce the
speed at which a collision occurs if

the driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The
brake pedal must be pressed just like any
typical braking situation.

The warning system sensitivity can be
adjusted to one of three possible settings
by using the information display control.
See General Information (page 85).

Note: If the system cannot be turned off in
a vehicle equipped with MyKey®, See
Principle of Operation (page 50).

Note: If collision warnings are perceived as
being too frequent or disturbing then the
warning sensitivity can be reduced, though
the manufacturer recommends using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer
and later system warnings. See General
Information (page 85).

Blocked Sensors

E145632

If a message regarding a blocked sensor
appears in the information display, the
radar signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensors are located behind
a fascia cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. When the sensors are
obstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot be
detected and the collision warning system
does not function. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for this
message being displayed.

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