Lincoln Continental (2020 year). Manual in english — page 12

The scheduled maintenance items listed in
scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of your
vehicle and to its emissions system.

If you use anything other than Lincoln,
Motorcraft or Lincoln-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Lincoln parts should be equivalent to
genuine Lincoln Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.

Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.

An improperly operating or damaged exhaust
system may allow exhaust to enter the
vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly
operating exhaust system inspected and
repaired immediately.

Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are
not permitted to intentionally remove an
emission control device or prevent it from
working. Information about your vehicle’s
emission system is on the Vehicle Emission
Control Information Decal located on or near
the engine. This decal also lists engine
displacement.

Please consult your warranty information for
complete details.

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

Your vehicle has a computer known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that
monitors the engine’s emission control
system. The system protects the environment
by making sure that your vehicle continues
to meet government emission standards. The
OBD-II system also assists a service
technician in properly servicing your vehicle.

When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a malfunction.

Temporary malfunctions may cause the
service engine soon indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:

1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—the

engine may misfire or run poorly.

2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the

engine may misfire or run poorly.

3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed

properly. See Refueling (page 189).

4. Driving through deep water—the

electrical system may be wet.

You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with good
quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet
or letting the electrical system dry out. After
three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the
service engine soon indicator should stay off
the next time you start the engine. A driving
cycle consists of a cold engine startup
followed by mixed city and highway driving.
No additional vehicle service is required.

195

Engine Emission Control

If the service engine soon indicator remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may not
have symptoms that are apparent, continued
driving with the service engine soon indicator
on can result in increased emissions, lower
fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness and lead to more
costly repairs.

Readiness for Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) Testing

Some state and provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to
inspect the emission control equipment on
your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.

If the service engine soon indicator
is on or the bulb does not work,
your vehicle may need service.

See On-Board Diagnostics.

Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if the
service engine soon indicator is on or not
working properly (bulb is burned out), or if
the OBD-II system has determined that some
of the emission control systems have not
been properly checked. In this case, the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has
just been serviced, or the battery has
recently run down or been replaced, the
OBD-II system may indicate that the vehicle
is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if
the vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the
ignition key to the on position for 15 seconds
without cranking the engine. If the service
engine soon indicator blinks eight times, it
means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M
testing; if the service engine soon indicator
stays on solid, it means that your vehicle is
ready for I/M testing.

The OBD-II system checks the emission
control system during normal driving. A
complete check may take several days.

If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, you
can perform the following driving cycle
consisting of mixed city and highway driving:

1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an

expressway or highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at
least four 30-second idle periods.

2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least eight

hours with the ignition off. Then, start the
vehicle and complete the above driving
cycle. The vehicle must warm up to its
normal operating temperature. Once
started, do not turn off the vehicle until
the above driving cycle is complete.

If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing,
you need to repeat the above driving cycle.

196

Engine Emission Control

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNING: Always fully apply the

parking brake and make sure you shift into
park (P). Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury or death.

WARNING: Do not apply the brake

pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals
simultaneously for more than a few
seconds will limit engine performance,
which may result in difficulty maintaining
speed in traffic and could lead to serious
injury.

Note: You may not be able to shift out of
park (P) unless the intelligent access key is
inside your vehicle.

Push Button Shift Transmission

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The transmission selector is
located on the instrument panel next to the
display screen. The gears are selected by
pressing and releasing the PRNDS buttons.

E222846

Every time you select a gear, the button will
light up. The selected gear also appears in
the instrument cluster.

Putting your vehicle in gear:

1. Fully press down on the brake pedal.
2. Press and release the button of the gear

you want to select.

3. The button you select will illuminate and

the selected gear appears in the
instrument cluster.

4. Release the brake pedal and your

transmission will remain in the selected
gear.

Note: If you attempt to leave your vehicle
while it is in gear, your vehicle will
automatically shift into park (P). Safety belt
and door monitors determine your intent and
make the shift for you. During this time, a
message appears in the instrument cluster
prompting you to make the shift to park (P).

Understanding the Shift Positions of
your Automatic Transmission

Note: Always come to a complete stop
before putting your vehicle into and out of
park (P).

197

Transmission

Park (P)

With the transmission in park (P), your vehicle
locks the transmission and prevents the
wheels from turning. Always come to a
complete stop before putting your vehicle
into and out of park (P). An audible chime
sounds once you select park (P).

When the ignition is turned off, the vehicle
will automatically shift into park (P). If the
ignition is turned off while the vehicle is
moving, it will first shift into neutral (N) until
a slow enough speed is reached. The vehicle
will then shift into park (P) automatically.

Automatic Return to Park

Note: This feature will not operate when your
vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or neutral
tow.

Your vehicle has a safety feature that will
automatically shift your vehicle into park (P)
when any of the following conditions occur:

•

You turn the ignition off

•

You open the driver's door with your
safety belt unlatched

•

Your safety belt is unlatched while the
driver's door is open

If you turn your vehicle off while moving, your
vehicle will first shift into neutral (N) until it
slows down enough to shift into park (P)
automatically.

Note: If you have waited an extended period
of time (2-15 minutes) before starting your
vehicle, unlatching your safety belt will cause
this feature to activate, even with the driver's
door closed.

Note: This feature may not work properly if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If your
door ajar indicator does not illuminate when
you open the driver’s door or the indicator
illuminates with the driver’s door closed, see
your authorized dealer.

Reverse (R)

With the transmission in reverse (R), your
vehicle will move backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R).

Neutral (N)

With the transmission in neutral (N), you can
start your vehicle and it is free to roll. Hold
the brake pedal down while in this position.

Stay in Neutral mode

Stay in Neutral mode allows your vehicle to
stay in neutral (N) when you exit the vehicle.
Your vehicle must be stationary to enter this
mode.

To enter Stay in Neutral mode:

1. Press the neutral (N) button on your

shifter assembly.

2. A message will appear in your

information display screen prompting you
to press the neutral (N) button again to
enter Stay in Neutral mode.

3. Press the neutral (N) button again to

enter Stay in Neutral mode.

198

Transmission

A message will appear in your information
display screen when your vehicle has
entered Stay in Neutral mode.

Note: During this mode the N button will
flash continuously and your instrument
cluster will display N as the selected gear.

Exiting Stay in Neutral mode

To disable Stay in Neutral mode select
another gear. See the Putting the Vehicle
in Gear for instructions on how to do this.

Entering a Carwash

Note: Always put your vehicle in Stay in
Neutral mode when entering an automatic
car wash. Failure to do this could result in
vehicle damage not covered by warranty.

Drive (D)

The normal driving position for the best fuel
economy.

Sport (S)

Putting the vehicle in sport (S):

•

Provides additional engine braking and
extends lower gear operation to enhance
performance for uphill climbs, hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. This will increase
engine RPM during engine braking.

•

Provides additional lower gear operation
through the automatic transmission shift
strategy.

•

Provides gear selection more quickly and
at higher engine speeds.

SelectShift™ Automatic Transmission

Your vehicle is equipped with a SelectShift
Automatic transmission gearshift lever. The
SelectShift Automatic transmission gives you
the ability to change gears up or down as
desired.

In order to prevent the engine from running
at too low an RPM, which may cause it to
stall, SelectShift still automatically makes
some downshifts if it has determined that
you have not downshifted in time. Although
SelectShift makes some downshifts for you,
it still allows you to downshift at any time as
long as the SelectShift determines that
damage will not be caused to the engine
from over-revving.

Note: Engine damage may occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.

SelectShift does not automatically upshift,
even if the engine is approaching the RPM
limit. It must be shifted manually by pressing
the + button. Notice should be taken of the
shift indicator lamp, which alerts the driver
when to shift to ensure the highest level of
efficiency and fuel economy.

Pull the + paddle on the steering wheel to
activate SelectShift.

•

Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.

•

Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift.

199

Transmission

E144821

SelectShift in drive (D):
•

Provides a temporary manual mode for
performing more demanding maneuvers
where extra control of gear selection is
required (for example, when towing or
overtaking). This mode will hold a
selected gear for a temporary period of
time dependent on driver inputs (for
example, steering or accelerator pedal
input).

SelectShift in sport (S):
•

Provides a permanent manual gear
selection where full control of gear
selection is required.

To exit SelectShift mode, shift the
transmission into drive (D).

Upshift to the recommended shift speeds
according to the following chart:

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel economy)

Speed

Gear Upshift

To

From

15 mph (24 km/h)

2

1

25 mph (40 km/h)

3

2

40 mph (64 km/h)

4

3

45 mph (72 km/h)

5

4

50 mph (80 km/h)

6

5

200

Transmission

The instrument cluster displays your currently
selected gear. If a gear is requested but not
available due to vehicle conditions (low
speed, too high engine speed for requested
gear selection), the current gear will flash
three times.

Note: At full accelerator pedal travel the
transmission will auto downshift to ensure
maximum performance.

Brake-Shift Interlock Override

WARNING: When doing this

procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which means
your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid
unwanted vehicle movement, always fully
apply the parking brake prior to doing this
procedure. Use wheels chocks if
appropriate.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle

until you verify that the stoplamps are
working.

WARNING: If the parking brake is

fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.

Note: See your authorized dealer as soon
as possible if this procedure is used.

Note: For some markets this feature is not
available.

Note: This feature only operates if your
12-volt battery has power. If the vehicle
battery voltage is not sufficient, use an
external 12 volt power source (for example,
jumper cables, a battery charger or jump
pack) to operate interlock override switch.

Use the brake-shift interlock override to
move your transmission from the park
position in the event of an electrical
malfunction. If your vehicle has a dead
battery, you need to use an external power
source.

1. Apply the parking brake and turn your

ignition off before performing this
procedure.

E222739

2. Locate your brake-shift interlock access

slot. The slot is located in your center
console storage bin. The access slot
does not have a label.

Note: Make sure that you correctly identify
the access hole as to not cause damage to
the center console.

201

Transmission

3. Using a tool, press and hold the brake

shift interlock switch. The shift buttons
on the instrument panel will flash when
your vehicle is in override mode.

4. With the override switch still held, press

the neutral (N) button to shift from park.

5. Release the override button.

6. Your vehicle will remain in neutral for

wrecker towing purposes or can be
shifted to the desired gear and driven (if
possible).

7. Release the parking brake.

Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning

This feature increases durability and provides
consistent shift feel over the life of your
vehicle. A new vehicle or transmission may
have firm or soft shifts. This operation will
not affect function or durability of your
transmission and is normal. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, the
strategy must be relearned whenever the
battery is disconnected or a new battery is
installed.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow

Note: Do not rock your vehicle if your engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to your transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to your transmission
and tires may occur, or your engine may
overheat.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you can help rock your vehicle out by shifting
between forward and reverse gears,
stopping between shifts in a steady pattern.
Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

202

Transmission

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) uses all four wheels
to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot. The AWD system is
active all the time and requires no input from
the operator.

Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with
Dynamic Torque Vectoring. This feature uses
all four wheels to power the vehicle and
independently controls the torque to each
rear wheel. In addition, the system has the
ability to over speed the outside rear wheel
in a turn. This increases traction and
handling performance, allowing the vehicle
to travel through road conditions and have
path following capability superior to
conventional two-wheel drive and AWD
vehicles. The Dynamic Torque Vectoring
system is active all the time and requires no
input from the operator.

Note: Your AWD vehicle is not intended for
off-road use. The AWD feature gives your
vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in
which driving surfaces are relatively level,
obstruction-free and otherwise similar to
normal on-road driving conditions. Operating
your vehicle under other than those
conditions could subject the vehicle to
excessive stress which might result in
damage which is not covered under your
warranty.

Note: When an AWD system fault is present,
the warning AWD Malfunction Service
Required displays in the information display.
The AWD system is not functioning correctly
and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When
this warning displays, have your vehicle
serviced at an authorized dealer.

Note: The AWD OFF message may also
appear in the information display if the AWD
system overheats and defaults to front-wheel
drive. This may occur if the vehicle is
operated in extreme conditions with
excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand.
To resume normal AWD function as soon as
possible, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.
After the engine has been restarted and the
AWD system has adequately cooled, the
AWD OFF message will turn off and normal
AWD function returns. If the engine is not
stopped, the AWD OFF message turns off
when the system cools and normal AWD
function returns.

203

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

All-Wheel Drive Messages

Action / Description

AWD Messages

Displays when the system automatically disables to protect itself. This
may be caused by operating the vehicle with the compact tire installed,
if the system is overheating or if there is an issue with another vehicle
system preventing AWD operation. The system resumes normal
operation and clears this message after cycling the ignition on and
off and driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed, after
the system is allowed to cool or after the other vehicle system issues
are resolved.

AWD OFF

Displays in conjunction with the powertrain malfunction or reduced
power light when the system is not operating properly. If the message
stays on or continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.

AWD Malfunction Service Required

204

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

Operating AWD Vehicles With Spare
or Mismatched Tires

WARNING: Only use replacement

tires and wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type (such as
P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season
versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The recommended tire
and wheel size may be found on either the
Safety Compliance Certification Label
(affixed to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver’s seating position), or the Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of
the driver’s door. If this information is not
found on these labels, then you should
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the
safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.

A spare tire of a different size other than the
tire provided should never be used. The
AWD system may disable automatically and
enter front-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components if a non-full sized tire
is installed. This condition may display an
AWD OFF message in the information
display. If there is an AWD OFF message in
the information display from using a non-full
sized spare tire, this indicator should turn off
after reinstalling the repaired or replaced
normal road tire and cycling the ignition off
and on. It is recommended to reinstall the
repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible.

Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front
and rear axles (for example, 17 inch low
profile tires on the front axle and 22 inch high
profile tires on the rear axle) could cause the
AWD system to stop functioning and default
to front-wheel drive or damage the AWD
system. However, the AWD system is
capable of tolerating any combination of new
and worn tires of the same original tire size.
For example, using 3 worn tread tires and 1
new tread tire all of the same original tire
size, can be tolerated by the AWD system.

Driving In Special Conditions With All-
Wheel Drive (AWD)

AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on
sand, snow, mud and rough roads and have
operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on
and off the highway.

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Lower gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.

Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.

Basic operating principles in special
conditions

•

Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.

•

Be extremely careful when driving on
pavement made slippery by loose sand,
water, gravel, snow or ice.

205

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the
Pavement

•

If your vehicle goes off the edge of the
pavement, slow down, but avoid severe
brake application, ease the vehicle back
onto the pavement only after reducing
your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the
road surface.

•

It may be safer to stay on the apron or
shoulder of the road and slow down
gradually before returning to the
pavement. You may lose control if you
do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.

•

It often may be less risky to strike small
objects, such as highway reflectors, with
minor damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the pavement
which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover.
Remember, your safety and the safety of
others should be your primary concern.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

WARNING: Always set the parking

brake fully and make sure you shift the
gearshift lever to park (P). Switch the
ignition off and remove the key whenever
you leave your vehicle.

WARNING: If the parking brake is

fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.

WARNING: Do not spin the wheels

at over 34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

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 few minutes or damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it
may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts, in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, it
may be beneficial to disengage the
AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
system while attempting to rock the vehicle.

Emergency Maneuvers

•

In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be
made, remember to avoid "over-driving"
your vehicle (that is, turn the steering
wheel only as rapidly and as far as
required to avoid the emergency).
Excessive steering will result in less
vehicle control, not more. Additionally,
smooth variations of the accelerator
and/or brake pedal pressure should be
utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering,

206

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

acceleration or braking which could result
in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal
injury. Use all available road surface to
return the vehicle to a safe direction of
travel.

•

In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.

•

If the vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (that is, from concrete
to gravel) there will be a change in the
way the vehicle responds to a maneuver
(steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.

Sand

Most of the time traction control improves
tire traction by managing wheel slip through
Brake, Engine, and AWD calibrations.
However, during low speed driving, disabling
traction control in deep sand can help keep
the wheels moving to maintain vehicle
momentum.

When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and
avoid spinning the wheels.

Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand for
an extended period of time. This could cause
the AWD system to overheat and default to
front-wheel drive. If this occurs, an AWD OFF
message displays in the information display.
To resume normal AWD function as soon as
possible, stop the vehicle in a safe location
and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes.
After the engine has been restarted and the
AWD system has adequately cooled, the
AWD OFF message turns off and normal
AWD function returns. In the event the
engine is not stopped, the AWD OFF
message turns off when the system cools
and normal AWD function returns.

When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use L (Low)
gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.

Under severe operating conditions, the A/C
may cycle on and off to protect overheating
of the engine.

Avoid excessive speed because vehicle
momentum can work against you and cause
the vehicle to become stuck to the point that
assistance may be required from another
vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with
caution.

Mud and Water

If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may be
limited.

When driving through water, determine the
depth; avoid water higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of
the hubs (for trucks) (if possible) and proceed
slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the
vehicle may stall.

207

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by moving your vehicle slowly
while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction
in slick mud. As when you are driving over
sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does
slide, steer in the direction of the slide until
you regain control of the vehicle.

After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires. Excess
mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts
causes an imbalance that could damage
drive components.

Note: Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission.

If the front or rear axle is submerged in water,
have the power transfer unit (PTU) or rear
axle serviced by an authorized dealer.

Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain

Note: Avoid driving crosswise or turning on
steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing
traction, slipping sideways and possibly
rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill,
determine beforehand the route you will use.
Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without
the aid of an observer.

Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down a
hill or steep incline, you should always try to
drive straight up or straight down.

When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in
a lower gear rather than downshifting to a
lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling.

If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround
because you might roll over. It is better to
back down to a safe location.

Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause the
tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.

E143949

Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating. Do
not descend in neutral; instead, disengage
overdrive or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden
hard braking as you could lose control. The
front wheels have to be turning in order to
steer the vehicle.

208

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore
apply the brakes steadily. Do not “pump” the
brakes.

Driving on Snow and Ice

WARNING: If you are driving in

slippery conditions that require tire chains
or cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end
of your vehicle slides while cornering, steer
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle.

Note: Your vehicle may have original
equipment tires designed to optimize the
performance of your vehicle in dry or wet
summer road conditions. If your vehicle is
equipped with such tires, we recommend
using a dedicated set (all 4 tires) of winter
tires in snow and ice conditions. Do not mix
winter tires and performance tires between
axles or degraded traction and handling
characteristics could result.

Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.

AWD vehicles have advantages over
two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.

Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.

209

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

E223901

A

B

Direction of travel.

A

Steering wheel rotation.

B

Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and ice.
Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily
when starting from a full stop.

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an
AWD vehicle may accelerate better than a
two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it
won’t stop any faster, because as in other
vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels.
Do not become overconfident as to road
conditions.

Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for stopping.
Drive slower than usual and consider using
one of the lower gears. In emergency
stopping situations, apply the brake steadily.
Since your vehicle is equipped with a four
wheel (ABS), do not “pump” the brakes. See
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
(page 213).

Maintenance and Modifications

The suspension and steering systems on
your vehicle have been designed and tested
to provide predictable performance whether
loaded or empty and durable load carrying
capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do
not make modifications such as adding or
removing parts (such as lowering kits or
stabilizer bars) or by using replacement parts
not equivalent to the original factory
equipment.

Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the
center of gravity can make it more likely the
vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of
control. Ford Motor Company recommends
that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such
as ladder or luggage racks).

210

All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)