Tips & User Guide

About This Manual

This manual provides answers to your questions during daily maintenance and vehicle usage. The aim is to assist you to operate your vehicle with confidence.

Warning: Always drive with care and attention when using and operating the controls and features on your vehicle.

Note: This manual describes product features and options available throughout the range, sometimes even before they are generally available. It may describe options not fitted to your vehicle.

Note: Some of the illustrations in this manual may be used to for different models, so many appear different to your vehicle. However, the essential information in the illustration is always correct.

Note: Always use and operate your vehicle in line with all applicable laws and regulation.

Modern vehicles include advanced technology and safety features. It is important to become familar with the vehicle’s structural characteristics and learn proper operating skills. This manual is used to introduce you to some of the main functional features and common approaches to using a vehicle.

Note: The information in this manual is for your reference only and not a replacement to your owner’s manual. We recommend you to know your vehicle by reading the owner’s manual, which will provide you with the details and standard configurations of your vehicle, especially with important information about how to operate the vehicle properly and drive safely.

Replacement Parts Recommendation

Your vehicle has been built to the highest standards using quality parts. As a result, you can enjoy driving it for many years. We recommend that you demand the use of Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts whenever your vehicle requires scheduled maintenance or repair. You can clearly identify Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts by looking for the Ford, FoMoCo or Motorcraft branding on the parts or their packaging.

Headlamps

Brightness is a main criterion for headlamps. Being too bright or too dull can affect road safety. In terms of durability, the internal reflector panel of genuine headlamps is designed to be durable and resistant to ageing so that it maintains consistent brightness, while many non-genuine lamps wear quickly.

Engine & Oil Filter

We recommend that you ask your Ford Dealer for advice on parts and accessories suitable for your vehicle and have them fitted at a Ford authorised dealership.

Brake pad or disk

Non-genuine brake pads often cannot meet Ford requirements, which can cause overheating and lead to brake failure or losing the ability to brake. Cracks can appear on non genuine brake discs, which could affect braking performance and road safety.

Safety Belts

The enormous inertial force generated by a vehicle collision or sudden emergency braking can result in the driver and the passengers impacting with items inside the vehicle such as the steering wheel, windshield glass of safety backs. Safety belts can assist in restraining the driver or passengers in their seats. Moreover, the buffering function of safety belts can absorb considerable kinetic energy, and reduce the degree of injuries to the driver or passengers.

Warning: Insert the tongue into the buckle until an audible click is heard. If you do not hear a click the safety belt has not been inserted correctly.

Note: Refer to your owner’s manual for safety belt instructions.

Only when the safety belt and the airbag are used together can they provide optimum protection.

Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on fitment and usage of child safety restraints.

Inspect the condition of the safety belts regularly. For example, functioning of the pretensioner, smooth operation of the safety belt buckles, smoothness of the belt surface, proper operation of the adjusting devices, the warning chime and dash light. If any damage or abnormal operation is found, have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Ford dealer as soon as possible.

Adult safety belts should not be used on a child. Instead, a specially installed child safety restraint should be used.

Locks

Check your vehicle is locked before leaving it unattended.

Do not leave your keys in the vehicle.

All the doors will lock automatically when the vehicle is driven at or above 7Km/h (4.3 mph). This function can be enabled or disabled.

If the central locking function fails to operate, the doors can be individually locked using the key in the position shown.

All the doors can still be opened manually from the inside even when the vehicle has been locked. This is a safety feature to enable the passengers in the vehicle to open the doors in an emergency.

Note: Refer to your owner’s manual for locking and unlocking instructions.

Steering Wheel

Why does the steering wheel make a noise when turned to full lock?

When the steering wheel is turned to its end, the power steering pump releases its pressure to avoid damaging the power steering system. A sound may be heard during pressure release, this is normal.

Do not turn and hold the steering wheel to its end for a long period of time. This will affect the service lifetime of the power steering oil pump.

Windows and Mirrors

Switch on the ignition to operate the power windows. The power window switch is an electronic appliance, it should be protected from water ingress to avoid the failure of the switch.

Do not operate the power windows unless they are free from obstruction.

Note: If you operate the switches often during a short period of time, the system might become inoperative for a certain period of time to prevent damage to the window winding system.

Note: It is recommended to close the windows and moonroof to reduce wind noise, improve passenger comfort, A/C performance and fuel consumption during driving.

Under what conditions will the noises be more audible while driving?

Driving on a concrete road.
Driving through tunnels or between barriers.
Driving through strong winds and in cold weather.
Driving at high speed.
Driving over speed humps.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure

Why is the interior noisy whilst driving?

When the car is moving with the windows or moonroof opened, the passenger compartment becomes a vacuum. The air flow around the car body, together with the vacuum creates a resonance which generates noise.

Child Safety Lock

If there are children sitting in the back seats, please make sure that the child safety locks are turned on to avoid any risk of an accident caused by children pulling the inside door handles.

Warning: You cannot open the doors from inside if you have put the child safety locks on.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

General information

Note: The operation of the cooling fan is normal even after the engine is switched off. This is to reduce the engine coolant temperature.

If the engine coolant temperature is higher than the optimum temperature after stopping the engine, the cooling fan could continue to operate. This will prevent any damage to the engine due to overheating and will increase its service life time.

Note: When running, petrol engines are quieter than diesel engines.

Note: Increased idle speed is normal in a cold engine.

The idle speed is automatically increased when the engine is cold, this assists in heating the catalytic converter and ensures that vehicle emissions are kept to an absolute minimum.

The idle speed will slowly decrease to the normal level as the catalytic converter warms up and the engine reaches optimum temperature.

Fuel & Refueling

Warning: Safety precautions

Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or mishandled.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
Turn off your cellphone before entering a fuel filling station.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (capless system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.
Avoid fueling your vehicle when the outside temperature is high, this may lead to increased fuel evaporation and could cause serious personal injury.
The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can produce static electricity, which can cause fire if fuel is pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.

Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:

Automotive fuels can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline is highly toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for hours.

Warning: Ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene, which is a cancer-causing agent.

Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove contact lenses (if worn), flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Failure to seek proper medical attention could lead to permanent injury.

Warning: Always switch off the engine and do not smoke while refueling. Never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck.

Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed through the skin. If fuel is splashed on the skin, clothing or both, promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Repeated or prolonged skin contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes skin irritation.

Warning: Avoid inhaling fuel vapors.

Breathing gasoline vapors or skin contact could cause an adverse reaction. In sensitive individuals, serious personal injury or sickness may result. If fuel is splashed on the skin, promptly wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Consult a physician immediately if you experience an adverse reaction.

Refueling

Note:

Do not attempt to start the engine if you have filled the fuel tank with the incorrect fuel. This could damage the engine. Have the system checked by a properly trained technician immediately.

The best time to refuel the vehicle is when the atmospheric temperature is cooler. This will avoid fuel evaporating due to heat while filling.

Do not always completely fill up your fuel tank unless it is for long distance driving. A filled-up tank will increase the load and consume extra fuel.

The fuel pump is installed inside the fuel tank, so that it can dissipate its heat through the fuel. To prevent damage to the fuel pump, always fill the fuel tank before it is empty.

Avoid Refueling when the fuel tank at the station is being filled. This will surge up the deposits which may cause blockages in your vehicle’s fuel system and lead to poor engine operation and other failures.

Fuel consumption: Drive Start

Electronically controlled and fuel injected modern engines can properly monitor air flow and intake air temperature. Therefore it is not necessary to preheat the engine. Drive normally during a cold start to let the engine achieve its normal working temperature quickly.

Steady Speed

Maintain a constant speed during driving. Even when you need to accelerate, do it gradually. If you step hard on the accelerator, the quantity of fuel injection will increase rapidly, increasing the fuel consumption and emissions. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden acceleration.

Avoid High Speed

Driving at a high speed on the freeway, will increase air resistance and fuel consumption. The most fuel efficient speed on the freeway is between 80 km/h (50 mph) to 100 km/h (62 mph). Ensure all the windows are closed to aid fuel consumption.

Warning Do not exceed the maximum front and rear axle loads for your vehicle.

Unnecessary items carried in the vehicle will add extra weight causing increased fuel consumption.

Regular Maintenance and Care

Good maintenance of the engine and proper tire pressure will significantly influence fuel consumption. There are many other aspects of your vehicle that need regular inspection and maintenance. Visit an Authorized Ford dealer periodically for better maintenance and care of your vehicle.

Brakes

ABS warning lamp

If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a malfunction. You will continue to have normal braking (without ABS). Have the system checked by a properly trained technician as soon as possible.

Braking noise

Note: When the brake is applied, noise may be heard. This is normal. These noises are due to cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud.

Disc brakes

Wet brake discs result in reduced braking efficiency. Dab the brake pedal when driving in heavy rain or from a car wash to remove the film of water from the brake discs.

Parking brakes

The parking brake dragline will slightly increase in length due to the continuous usage as it is made of metal wires which may stretch. This is normal and does not affect the braking performance.

Corrosion on brake disk

Brake discs are made of iron and if they are not used for long time, they might show some corrosion. This is normal and does not affect the braking performance.

The corrosion will be removed once the vehicle has been driven.

Brake disk heating

Normal brake operation involves friction between the brake disk and the brake pad. This is a process of converting kinetic energy into heat energy, so the brake disk will generate heat.

Warning: Do not touch the brake disc or brake when it is hot.

Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes

The ABS will not eliminate the risks when:

You drive too close to the vehicle in front of you.
The vehicle is aquaplaning.
You take corners too fast.
The road surface is poor.

Warning: Do not touch the brake disc or brake when it is hot.

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

Warning: Do not touch the brake disc or brake when it is hot.

Parking brakes

Vehicle With Automatic Transmission

Warning: Always set the parking brake fully and leave your vehicle with the transmission selector lever in position P.

Note:

If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing uphill move the transmission selector lever to position P and turn the steering wheel away from the curb.
If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing downhill move the transmission selector lever to position P and turn the steering wheel toward the curb

Vehicle With Manual Transmission

Note:

If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing uphill select first gear and turn the steering wheel away from the curb.
If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing downhill select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel toward the curb.

All Vehicles To apply the parking brake:

Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
Pull the parking brake lever up to its fullest extent.

To release the parking brake:

Press the brake pedal firmly.
Pull the lever up slightly.
Press the release button and push the lever down.

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

Transmission

Manual Transmission Reverse gear

A new vehicle has to experience a breaking-in period. You will feel some resistance and hear some noise when engaging reverse gear. The reverse gear is different from other gears and the frictional resistance is higher. Proper engaging of the gears can reduce noise. To avoid shifting noise when engaging reverse gear, wait approximately three seconds with the clutch depressed while the vehicle is stationary. Proper handling of your vehicle will protect the transmission and reduce clutch and tire wear.

Warning: Engage reverse gear only when the vehicle is stationary.

Note: Do not drive your vehicle with the clutch partially depressed. This will damage the clutch and consume more fuel.

Neutral gear

With the transmission in neutral, the engine auxiliary braking will be absent resulting in increased braking distance.

When neutral is engaged, the vehicle will be in idle mode. The fuel consumed in idle mode is often more than when the vehicle is going downhill with the gears engaged. So driving downhill with the vehicle in neutral gear will not save fuel.

Note: Engage neutral gear only when the vehicle is stationary.

Driving Hints

Warning: Never cross a fast-flowing deep stream, as your vehicle could be swept away.

Note:

Drive through water in an emergency only, and not as part of normal driving.
Engine damage can occur if water enters the air filter.
Always try to determine the depth before driving the vehicle through water.

In an emergency, the vehicle can be driven through water to a maximum depth shown at a maximum speed of 7 km/h (4 mph).

When driving in water, maintain a low speed and do not stop the vehicle. After driving through water, and as soon as it is safe to do so:

Depress the brake pedal lightly and check that full brake function is achieved.

Check that the horn works.
Check that the vehicle’s lights are fully operational.
Check the power assistance of the steering system.

Audio System

Note:

Irregular shaped CDs and CDs with a scratch protection film or self adhesive labels attached should not be used. Warranty claims, where this type of disc is found to be inside an audio unit returned for repair, will not be accepted.
Do not insert foreign objects into any of the unit disc drives or media card slots.
Do not insert more than one disc into the unit disc drive.
Use only 12 cm (4.7 inches) discs or 8 cm (3.1 inches) discs with a suitable adaptor.

FM Signals Disturbed

Similar to light, FM signals cannot make turns but can be reflected. So, unlike AM signals, they cannot be transmitted to a long distance on the ground. So the receiving distance of FM radio signals is not as far as that of AM radio signals. In addition, the quality of FM reception is also affected by the atmospheric conditions.

Multiple Signal Noise

FM signals can be reflected by obstacles, so you may receive direct signals and reflected signals at the same time, which will cause slight delayed receiving and you may hear broken or distorted sounds. This can also happen near the launch tower of the radio station.

Shivering or jumping noises

FM signals are transmitted in direct lines, so their strength will be reduced when they travel through a valley or in between tall buildings or when they bump into other obstacles. When cars travel through these areas, some noises may be received.

AM Station services

AM signals can evade objects such as buildings and mountains, and reflect back to the ground from the ionosphere. So AM signals can travel further than FM signals. Sometimes one may receive sounds sent from two radio stations at the same time in the same frequency.

Strong Signal Noise

When driving near the launch tower, signals become very strong and you may hear some noises or broken sounds.

Weak Signal Noise

Radio signals become weaker the further the distance from the launch tower. You may experience pauses in transmission or hear noises.

Radio Station Drifting Noise

When driving near launch towers of two radio stations sending out strong signals with similar frequencies, sounds originally heard from one station may temporarily disappear while those from the second station are being received. At the same time there may be some noises due to the interference.

Connectivity

Note: As various standards exist, manufacturers are able to implement a variety of profiles in their Bluetooth devices. Because of this, an incompatibility can occur between the Bluetooth device and the system, which in some cases may limit system functionality. To avoid this situation, only recommended devices should be used.

Climate Control

Hints on controlling the interior climate

Open all the windows and moonroof to allow the hot air trapped inside the vehicle to escape.

Manual climate control

Selecting the A/C MAX will provide maximum occupant cooling. To switch the A/C off press the A/C button again.

Automatic climate control

Press the AUTO button, set the temperature to the desired level. In NON-AUTO mode, set the temperature and fan speed to the preferred setting.

Three to five minutes after switching on the A/C, it is recommended to set the circulation mode to interior circulation. This will assist with cooling and prevent undesirable odor inside the vehicle.

When the desired cooling level is reached, Set the air distribution control, blower and air vents to suit your requirements.

Heated windows

In certain weather conditions, a layer of mist may appear on the inner side of the vehicle window due to the difference in the inside and outside temperature of the vehicle. The mist can obstruct the view of the driver and severely affect road safety.

Note: The heated windows operate only when the engine is running.

On vehicles with Manual Climate control

When the temperature is above 4C, the air conditioning will switch on automatically. Make sure that the blower is on. The indicator in the switch will illuminate during defrosting and demisting.

Heated-exterior-mirrors

Electric exterior mirrors are fitted with a heating element that will defrost or demist the mirror glass. They will switch on automatically when you switch on the heated rear window.

On vehicles with Manual Climate control

Press the windshield defogging button. Outside air will flow into the vehicle and Air conditioning is automatically selected. As long as air distribution is set to this position, you cannot select recirculated air. The blower speed and the temperature control operate automatically and cannot be adjusted manually. The blower is set to high speed and the temperature to High.

When you select windshield defogging, the heated screens switch on automatically and switch off after a short time.

To return to auto mode, press the Auto.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there an odor when the climate control is used?

All new vehicles will have a distinct odor. Open the windows for ventilation during the first two months and the odor will gradually reduce.Use the outside air circulation mode regularly. Clean or replace the climate control filter if necessary during regular maintenance.

What are the causes for odor inside the vehicle?

Damp or soaked interior.
Improperly sealed food stored inside the vehicle.
Excessive use of perfume.
Extended use of A/C re-circulation mode.
Smoking inside the vehicle without proper ventilation.
Poorly maintained climate control system.

How to reduce the odor inside the vehicle?

Park the vehicle in direct sun light for a day to dry the interior of vehicle.
Open all the windows and set the fan speed and temperature to high.
Use the outside air circulation mode to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. Note: If the odor persists, the climate control system may need to be cleaned thoroughly.
Have the system checked by a properly trained technician.

Why is there no warm air coming from the heater immediately after starting the vehicle?

Air gets heated in the heater core through the heat transferred from engine coolant. Efficient heat transfer will take place only when the engine coolant reaches its optimum temperature.

Note: If the odor persists, the climate control system may need to be cleaned thoroughly. Have the system checked by a properly trained technician.

Lighting

Why do the headlamps occasionally mist up?

Mist formation is common and unavoidable. It appears when there is a temperature difference inside and outside the head lamp.

Does the mist in the lamp have any impact on the lamp brightness?

No, the lamp brightness will not be affected. Tests shows that plating on the reflecting mirror does not peel off or crack which ensures good lighting performance.

Why do lamps on many latest model vehicles tend to mist easily?

All lamps will mist up, but the mist inside head lamps that have patterns is hard to see. To improve vehicle appearance, late model vehicles do not have these patterns so the mist is more visible.

Will the mist disappear?

When the lamp is switched off, the temperature inside the lamp will decrease, excess water will drain out through the ventilation pipe and the mist will disappear.

Book a Service

Lao Ford City Vientiane

Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM

Souphanouvong Avenue, Khunta Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital

021-241-108,
021-244-408

Google Map

Lao Ford City Savannakhet

Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM

Kaisone Phomvihan Road KM7, Oudomvilay Village, Kaisone Phomvihan District, Savannakhet Province

030-2003-002

Google Map

Lao Ford City Luang Prabang