Lincoln MKS (2016 year). Manual — part 9

WARNINGS

Do not use personal electronic devices
while refueling.

Use the following guidelines to avoid
electrostatic charge build-up when filling an
ungrounded fuel container:

•

Place approved fuel container on the
ground.

•

Do not fill a fuel container while it is in
your vehicle (including the cargo area).

•

Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with
the fuel container while filling.

•

Do not use a device that would hold the
fuel pump handle in the fill position.

Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel System

WARNING

The fuel system may be under pressure.
If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel
filler door, do not refuel until the sound

stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which
could cause serious personal injury.

When fueling your vehicle:

1.

Put the vehicle in position P and switch
the ignition off.

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2. Press the center-rear edge of the fuel

filler door and release to open.

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Note: Hold the handle of the fuel filler nozzle
higher while you insert the nozzle for easier
access.

3. Slowly insert the fuel filler nozzle fully into

the fuel system to open both doors. Leave
the nozzle fully inserted until you have
stopped pumping fuel.

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Note: Allow about five to ten seconds after
pumping fuel before removing the fuel filler
nozzle. This allows residual fuel to drain back
into the fuel tank and not spill onto the vehicle.

4. After you have stopped pumping fuel,

slowly remove the fuel filler nozzle.

Note: A fuel spillage concern may occur if
overfilling the fuel tank. Do not overfill the tank
to the point that the fuel is able to bypass the
fuel filler nozzle. The overfilled fuel may run
down the drain located below and in front of
the fuel filler door.

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Fuel and Refueling

5. To close the fuel filler door, press the

center-rear edge of the fuel filler door and
then release. The fuel door will latch
closed.

If the fuel fill inlet did not close properly, a
Check Fuel Fill Inlet message may appear
on the instrument cluster.

At the next opportunity, do the following:

1.

Safely pull off the road.

2. Put the vehicle in position P and switch

the ignition off.

3. Open the fuel filler door and remove any

visible debris from the fuel fill opening.

4. Insert the fuel fill nozzle, or the fuel fill

funnel provided with the vehicle, several
times to allow the inlet to close properly.
This will dislodge any debris preventing
the inlet from sealing.

If this action corrects the problem, the
message may not reset immediately. It may
take several driving cycles for the message
to turn off. A driving cycle consists of an
engine start-up (after four or more hours with
the engine off) followed by city or highway
driving. Continuing to drive with the message
on may cause the service engine soon lamp
to turn on as well.

FUEL CONSUMPTION

Empty reserve is the amount of fuel
remaining in the tank after the fuel gauge
indicates empty. The amount of usable fuel
in the empty reserve varies and should not
be relied upon to increase driving range.

•

The usable capacity of the fuel tank is the
amount of fuel that can be added into
the tank after the gauge indicates empty.

•

The advertised capacity is the total fuel
tank size. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 296). It is the
combined usable capacity plus the empty
reserve.

•

Due to the empty reserve, you may not
be able to refuel the full amount of the
advertised capacity of the fuel tank even
when the fuel gauge reads empty.

Filling the Tank

For consistent results when refueling:
•

Turn the ignition off before fueling; an
inaccurate reading results if the engine is
left running.

•

Use the same fill rate (low-medium-high)
each time the tank is filled.

•

Allow no more than one automatic
shut-off when refueling.

Results are most accurate when the filling
method is consistent.

Calculating Fuel Economy

Do not measure fuel economy during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km) of driving (this is your
engine’s break-in period). A more accurate
measurement is obtained after 2,000 mi
(3,200 km) to 3,000 mi (4,800 km). Also,
fuel expense, frequency of fill ups or fuel
gauge readings are not accurate ways to
measure fuel economy.

1.

Fill the fuel tank completely and record
the initial odometer reading.

2. Each time you fill the fuel tank, record the

amount of fuel added.

3. After at least three fill ups, fill the fuel

tank and record the current odometer
reading.

4. Subtract your initial odometer reading

from the current odometer reading.

To calculate L/100 km (liters per 100
kilometers) fuel consumption, multiply the
liters used by 100, then divide by kilometers
traveled. To calculate MPG (miles per
gallon) fuel consumption, divide miles
traveled by gallons used.

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Fuel and Refueling

Keep a record for at least one month and
record the type of driving (city or highway).
This provides an accurate estimate of your
vehicle’s fuel economy under current driving
conditions. Keeping records during summer
and winter will show how temperature
impacts fuel economy.

Conditions

•

Heavily loading your vehicle reduces fuel
economy.

•

Carrying unnecessary weight in your
vehicle may reduce fuel economy.

•

Adding certain accessories to your vehicle
such as bug deflectors, rollbars or light
bars, running boards and ski racks may
reduce fuel economy.

•

Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.

•

Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures.

•

Fuel economy may decrease when driving
short distances.

•

You will get better fuel economy when
driving on flat terrain than when driving
on hilly terrain.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

WARNINGS

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle
in dry grass or other dry ground cover.
The emission system heats up the

engine compartment and exhaust system,
which can start a fire.

Exhaust leaks may result in entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes
into the passenger compartment. If you

smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately.
Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.

Your vehicle is equipped with various
emission control components and a catalytic
converter that will enable your vehicle to
comply with applicable exhaust emission
standards.

To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue
to work properly:
•

Use only the specified fuel listed.

•

Avoid running out of fuel.

•

Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high
speeds.

•

Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.

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 Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service of
components affecting emission control, such
non-Ford parts should be equivalent to
genuine Ford 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.

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Fuel and Refueling

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 134).

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.

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.

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Fuel and Refueling

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.

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Fuel and Refueling

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

WARNINGS

Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in
Park (P). Turn the ignition to the off

position and remove the key whenever you
leave your vehicle.

Do not apply the brake pedal and
accelerator pedal simultaneously.
Applying both pedals simultaneously

for more than three seconds will limit engine
rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead
to serious injury.

Understanding the Positions of Your
Automatic Transmission

Putting your vehicle in gear:

1.

Fully press down the brake pedal.

2. Press and hold the button on the front of

the gearshift lever.

3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired

gear.

4. Release the button and your transmission

will remain in the selected gear.

P

R

N

D

S

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Park (P)

This position locks the transmission and
prevents the front wheels from turning. Come
to a complete stop before putting your
vehicle into and out of Park (P)

Reverse (R)

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

Drive (D)

The normal driving position for the best fuel
economy. Transmission operates in gears
one through six.

Sport (S)

Moving the gearshift lever to Sport (S):
•

Provides additional grade (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.

•

Gears are selected more quickly and at
higher engine speeds.

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Transmission

SelectShift Automatic™
Transmission

(If Equipped)

Your SelectShift Automatic transmission
gives you the ability to change gears
manually.

With your vehicle in Drive (D), the paddle
shifters provide temporary manual control.
They allow you the ability to shift gears
quickly, without taking your hands off the
steering wheel.

You can achieve extensive manual control
by moving the gearshift lever to the Sport (S)
position.

•

Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.

•

Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift.

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The system determines when temporary
manual control is no longer in use and returns
to automatic control.

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

Upshifts when accelerating (recommended

for best fuel economy)

Shift from:

15 mph (24 km/h)

1 - 2

25 mph (40 km/h)

2 - 3

40 mph (64 km/h)

3 - 4

45 mph (72 km/h)

4 - 5

50 mph (80 km/h)

5 - 6

The instrument cluster will display your
currently selected gear.

The transmission will automatically upshift
if your engine speed is too high or downshift
if your engine speed is too low.

Note: The system will stay in manual control
until you move the gearshift lever to another
position. For example, Drive (D).

Note: Engine damage may occur if excessive
engine revving is held without shifting.

Brake-Shift Interlock

WARNINGS

Do not drive your vehicle until you verify
that the brake lamps are working.

When doing this procedure, you will be
taking the vehicle out of park which
means your vehicle can roll freely. To

avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always
fully set the parking brake prior to doing this
procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.

If the parking brake is fully released, but
the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer.

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

Note: For some markets this feature will be
disabled.

Use the brake shift interlock lever to move
the gearshift lever from the park position in
the event of an electrical malfunction or if
your vehicle has a dead battery.

Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
off before performing this procedure.

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Transmission

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1.

Remove the side panel on the left side of
the gearshift lever.

2. Locate the brake shift interlock lever on

the left side of the gearshift assembly.

3. Apply the brake pedal. Using a

screwdriver (or similar tool), press down
and hold the brake shift interlock lever
while pulling the gearshift lever out of
Park (P) and into Neutral (N).

4. Install the side panel in reverse order.

5. Apply brake pedal, start your vehicle, and

release the parking brake.

Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning

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

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow

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

Note: Do not rock your 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, 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.

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Transmission

USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

All-wheel drive 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 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 Check AWD displays in the
information display. The AWD system is not
functioning correctly and defaults 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.

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All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

All-Wheel Drive Messages

Action / Description

AWD Messages

Displayed when the system has been automatically disabled to protect
itself. This is caused by operating the vehicle with the compact spare
tire installed or if the system is overheating. The system will resume
normal function and clear this message after cycling the ignition on
and off and driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.

AWD OFF

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

Check AWD

Operating AWD Vehicles With Spare
Tires

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.

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All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

Operating AWD Vehicles With
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. Additionally the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer
case or power transfer unit failure. If you have
questions regarding tire replacement, contact
your authorized dealer 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.

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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

WARNINGS

Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the transmission is in P
(Park). Turn the ignition to the lock

position or turn the vehicle off using the
start/stop button and remove the key
whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but
the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized dealer.

Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(56 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,

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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.

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.

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All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

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.

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“Tread Lightly” is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities in
our nations wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and
the Bureau of Land Management in
encouraging you to help preserve our national
forest and other public and private lands by
“treading lightly.”

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.

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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.

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

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All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

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 the vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the
slide until you regain control of the vehicle.

Note: Excessive tire slippage can cause
driveline damage.

AWD vehicles have advantages over 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.

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 150).

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).

Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may
void the warranty, increase your repair cost,
reduce vehicle performance and operational
capabilities and adversely affect driver and
passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended
if the vehicle is subjected to off-highway
usage.

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All-Wheel Drive

(If Equipped)

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 Alloy Wheels (page 268).

Note: Depending on applicable laws and
regulations in the country for which your
vehicle was originally built, your brake lamps
may flash during heavy braking. Following this,
your hazard lights may also flash when your
vehicle comes to a stop.

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See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 85).

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 transmission 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. If the anti-lock brake
system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective.

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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

Note: When the system is operating, 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.

The anti-lock braking system will 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.

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Brakes