2008 Ford Ranger Owners Manual

194

904

904

922

4157K or 3157K

Replacing the interior bulbs Check the operation of all bulbs frequently.

Replacing exterior bulbs Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.

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Lights

Replacing headlamp bulbs/front park bulbs/turn signal bulbs To remove the bulb(s): 1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the OFF position, then open the hood. 2. At the back of the headlamp, pry up the two retainer pins to release the headlamp assembly from the vehicle and pull headlamp forward.

3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling rearward.

4. Remove the bulb retaining ring by rotating it counterclockwise and slide the ring off the plastic base.

5. Remove the old bulb by pulling it straight out of the lamp.

Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.

Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.

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Lights

Replacing front sidemarker bulbs 1. Turn the headlamp switch to the OFF position and then open the hood. 2. At the back of the headlamp, pry up the two retainer pins to release the headlamp assembly from the vehicle and pull headlamp forward.

3. Remove bolt(s) from lamp assembly and disengage lamp assembly (it has a snap fit).

4. Rotate bulb socket counterclockwise and remove from lamp assembly. 5. Carefully pull bulb straight out of socket and push in the new bulb. 6. Install the bulb socket in lamp assembly by turning clockwise. Install the new bulb in reverse order.

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Replacing tail lamp/backup lamp bulbs 1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the OFF position and the open the tailgate to expose the lamp assemblies. 2. Remove the four screws and the lamp assembly from vehicle.

3. Rotate bulb socket counterclockwise turn and remove from lamp assembly. 4. Carefully pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.

Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped) 1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the OFF position and remove the bulb socket from the fog lamp by turning counterclockwise. 2. Disconnect the electrical connector. Install the new bulb in reverse order.

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Lights

Replacing high-mount brakelamp bulb 1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the OFF position and remove the two screws and lamp assembly from vehicle. 2. Remove the bulb socket from lamp assembly by rotating it counterclockwise. 3. Carefully pull bulb straight out of socket. Install the new bulb in reverse order. Replacing license plate lamp bulbs 1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the OFF position and reach behind the rear bumper to locate the bulb socket. 2. Twist the socket counterclockwise and remove. 3. Carefully pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.

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MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER Windshield wiper: Rotate the end of the control away from you to increase the speed of the wipers (from desired interval to low or high speed position); rotate towards you to decrease the speed of the wipers.

Windshield washer: Push the end of the stalk: • briefly: causes a single swipe of the wipers without washer fluid. • a quick push and hold: the wipers

will swipe several times with washer fluid.

• a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for up to ten seconds.

Courtesy wipe feature: One extra wipe will happen a few seconds after washing the front window to clear any water that is dripping down from the top of the windshield caused by the washing. Note: Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty. This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry. This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield, always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.

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TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED) To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull and hold the steering wheel release control toward you. 2. Move the steering wheel up or down until you find the desired location. 3. Release the steering wheel release control. This will lock the steering wheel in position.

Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.

CENTER CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These include: • Utility compartment with • Cupholders • Flip up armrest

cassette/compact disc storage

Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects can

injure you in a collision.

AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12VDC) Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert any other object in the power outlet as this will damage the outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.

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The auxiliary power points are located on the instrument panel. Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if equipped). To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s) over the vehicle capacity of 12 VDC/180W. If the power point or cigar lighter socket is not working, a fuse may have blown. Refer to Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel and Fuses and relays in the Roadside Emergencies chapter for fuse ratings and information on checking and replacing fuses. To have full capacity usage of your power point, the engine is required to be running to avoid unintentional discharge of the battery. To prevent the battery from being discharged: • do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is • do not leave battery chargers, video game adapters, computers and other devices plugged in overnight or when the vehicle is parked for extended periods.

not running,

Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used. Cigar/Cigarette lighter (if equipped) Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette lighter socket. Do not hold the lighter in with your hand while it is heating, this will damage the lighter element and socket. The lighter will be released from its heating position when it is ready to be used. Improper use of the lighter can cause damage not covered by your warranty.

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POWER WINDOWS (IF EQUIPPED)

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle and do not let children play with the power windows. They may seriously injure

themselves.

When closing the power windows, you should verify they are free of obstructions and ensure that children and/or pets are not in

the proximity of the window openings.

Press and pull the window switches to open and close windows. • Push down (to the first detent) and hold the switch to open. • Pull up and hold the switch to

close.

One touch down Allows the driver’s window to open fully without holding the control down. Push the switch completely down to the second detent and release quickly. The window will open fully. Momentarily press the switch to any position to stop the window operation.

INTERIOR MIRROR The interior rear view mirror has two pivot points on the support arm which lets you adjust the mirror UP or DOWN and from SIDE to SIDE.

Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in motion.

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EXTERIOR MIRRORS

Power side view mirrors (if equipped)

Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is in motion.

To adjust your mirrors: 1. Rotate the control clockwise to adjust the right mirror and rotate the control counterclockwise to adjust the left mirror. 2. Move the control in the direction you wish to tilt the mirror. 3. Return to the center position to lock mirrors in place.

Fold-away mirrors Pull the side mirrors in carefully when driving through a narrow space, like an automatic car wash.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED) With speed control set, you can maintain a set speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.

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Setting speed control The controls for using your speed control are located on the steering wheel for your convenience. 1. Press the ON control and release it. 2. Accelerate to the desired speed.

on the

3. Press the SET + control and release it. 4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. 5. The indicator light instrument cluster will turn on. Note: • Vehicle speed may vary momentarily when driving up and down a • If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you • If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below

may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.

steep hill.

your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.

Disengaging speed control To disengage the speed control: • Depress the brake pedal or • Depress the clutch pedal (if equipped). Disengaging the speed control will not erase previous set speed. Note: When you use the clutch pedal to disengage the speed control, the engine speed may briefly increase, this is normal.

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Resuming a set speed Press the RES (resume) control and release it. This will automatically return the vehicle to the previously set speed.

Increasing speed while using speed control There are three ways to set a higher speed: • Press and hold the SET + control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. • Press and release the SET + control to operate the Tap-Up function. Each tap will increase the set speed by 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

• Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET + control.

Reducing speed while using speed control There are three ways to reduce a set speed: • Press and hold the CST - control until you get to the desired speed, then release the control. • Press and release the CST -

control to operate the Tap-Down function. Each tap will decrease the set speed by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). • Depress the brake pedal or the clutch pedal (if equipped) until the desired vehicle speed is reached, press the SET + control.

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Turning off speed control There are two ways to turn off the speed control: • Press the speed control OFF • Turn OFF the ignition. Note: When you turn off the speed control or the ignition, your speed control set speed memory is erased.

control.

BEDRAILS (IF EQUIPPED) • This bedrail is for appearance use only.

To help prevent injury, do not use bedrail to retain cargo.

• Retain cargo with the pickup tiedown hooks.

BED EXTENDER (IF EQUIPPED) Your vehicle may be equipped with a bed extender designed to extend the pickup box for larger loads. To extend the bed extender: 1. Lower tailgate. 2. Pull the lever on each side of the bed extender to release it from the pickup box. 3. Lift the bed extender over onto the tailgate.

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4. Evenly push down on the bed extender and push the lever in on each side locking it in place. To stow the bed extender, follow steps one through four in reverse order. The bed extender may be used to secure a load of up to 100 lb (46
kg) on the tailgate. The bed extender should always be kept in the stowed position with the tailgate closed when not in use. Activating bed extender Theft Deterrent Device: The following procedure can be done with the bed extender in the stowed or extended position. 1. Locate the Phillips head screw in the middle of the vertical brace in front of the locking clip. 2. Turn the screw counterclockwise until you hear an audible click. 3. To deactivate, turn the screw clockwise until the locking clip moves freely. To remove the bed extender: 1. Extend the bed extender. 2. Pull the lever on each side of the bed extender to unlock it. Make sure the locking clip screws are loose before removing the bed extender. 3. Press the locking clips below the middle bar and lift the bed extender out of the channels on the “D” pillar. To install the bed extender, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

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Locks and Security

KEYS The key operates all locks on your vehicle. You should always carry a second key with you in a safe place in case you require it in an emergency. If your vehicle is equipped with the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system, your keys are coded to your vehicle; using a non-coded key will not permit your vehicle to start. If you lose your dealer supplied keys, replacement keys are available through your authorized dealer.

POWER DOOR LOCKS (IF EQUIPPED) Press the control to unlock or lock all the doors.

REMOTE ENTRY SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and with RS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. The typical operating range for your remote entry transmitter is approximately 33 feet (10 meters). A decrease in operating range could be caused by: • weather conditions, • nearby radio towers, • structures around the vehicle, or • other vehicles parked next to your vehicle.

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a key.

Your vehicle is equipped with a remote entry system which allows you to: • unlock the vehicle doors without • lock all the vehicle doors without • activate the personal alarm.

a key.

• If

and release to unlock the driver’s door. Note: The interior

If there are problems with the remote entry system, make sure to take ALL remote entry transmitters with you to your authorized dealer in order to aid in troubleshooting the problem. Unlocking the doors 1. Press lamps will illuminate. 2. Press doors. Locking the doors • Press

and release to lock all the doors. The park lamps will flash once to confirm lock; if any of the doors are not properly closed, the lamps will not flash.

and release again within three seconds to unlock all the

is pressed a second time within three seconds, the lamps will

flash again and the horn will chirp to confirm all doors are locked and closed. If either door is ajar the lamps will not flash and the horn will chirp twice.

Car finder twice within three seconds. The horn will chirp and the turn Press lamps will flash. It is recommended that this method be used to locate your vehicle, rather than using the panic alarm. Sounding a panic alarm Press to activate the alarm. The horn will sound and the parklamps will flash for approximately 3 minutes. Press again or turn the ignition to the 4 (ON) position to deactivate, or wait for the alarm to timeout in 3
minutes.

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Note: The panic alarm will only operate when the ignition is in the 2
(LOCK) or 3 (OFF) position.

Replacing the battery The remote entry transmitter uses one coin type three-volt lithium battery CR2032 or equivalent. To replace the battery: 1. Twist a thin coin between the two halves of the remote entry transmitter near the key ring. DO NOT TAKE THE RUBBER COVER AND CIRCUIT BOARD OFF THE FRONT HOUSING OF THE REMOTE ENTRY TRANSMITTER.

2. Do not wipe off any grease on the battery terminals on the back surface of the circuit board.

3. Remove the old battery. Note: Please refer to local regulations when disposing of transmitter batteries. 4. Insert the new battery. Refer to the diagram inside the remote entry transmitter for the correct orientation of the battery. Press the battery down to ensure that the battery is fully seated in the battery housing cavity. 5. Snap the two halves back together. Note: Replacement of the battery will not cause the remote transmitter to become deprogrammed from your vehicle. The remote transmitter should operate normally after battery replacement.

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Replacing lost remote entry transmitters If you would like to have your remote entry transmitter reprogrammed because you lost one, or would like to buy additional remote entry transmitters, you can either reprogram them yourself, or take all remote entry transmitters to your authorized dealer for reprogramming. How to reprogram your remote entry transmitters You must have all remote entry transmitters (maximum of four) available before beginning this procedure. Note: Ensure the brake pedal is not depressed during this sequence. To reprogram the remote entry transmitters: 1. Ensure the vehicle is electronically unlocked. 2. Put the key in the ignition. 3. Turn the key from the 2 (LOCK) position to 3 (OFF). 4. Cycle eight times rapidly (within 10 seconds) between the 3 (OFF) position and 4 (ON). Note: The eighth turn must end in the 4 (ON) position. 5. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been activated. 6. Within 20 seconds press any button on the remote entry transmitter. Note: If more than 20 seconds have passed you will need to start the procedure over again. 7. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that this remote entry transmitter has been programmed. 8. Repeat Step 6 to program each additional remote entry transmitter. 9. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position after you have finished programming all of the remote entry transmitters. Note: After 20
seconds, you will automatically exit the programming mode. 10. The doors will lock, then unlock, to confirm that the programming mode has been exited.

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Illuminated entry The interior lamps illuminate when the remote entry system is used to unlock the door(s) or sound the personal alarm. The illuminated entry system will turn off the interior lights if: • the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, or • the remote transmitter lock control is pressed, or • after 25 seconds of illumination. The inside lights will not turn off if: • they have been turned on with the dimmer control, or • any door is open. The battery saver will shut off the interior lamps after several minutes if they are left on accidentally.

SECURILOCK™ PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to help prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a “no-start” condition. Your vehicle comes with two coded keys; additional coded keys may be purchased from your authorized dealer. The authorized dealer can program your spare keys to your vehicle or you can program the keys yourself. Refer to Programming spare keys for instructions on how to program the coded key. Note: The SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection. Note: Large metallic objects, electronic devices that are used to purchase gasoline or similar items, or a second coded key on the same key chain may cause vehicle starting issues. You need to prevent these objects from touching the coded key while starting the engine. These objects will not cause damage to the coded key, but may cause a momentary issue if they are too close to the key when starting the engine. If a problem occurs, turn the ignition off, remove all objects on the key chain away from the coded key and restart the engine.

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Anti-theft indicator The anti-theft indicator is located in the instrument cluster.

Vehicles equipped with the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system behave as follows: • When the ignition is in the 1(OFF/LOCK) position, the indicator will flash once every 2 seconds for a total of 10 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock™ system is functioning as a theft deterrent.

• When the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for 3 seconds to indicate a programmed key has been validated and the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system has enabled the engine.

Vehicles without the SecuriLock™ Passive Anti-theft system behave as follows: • When the ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, the indicator will • When the igniton is in the 3 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for

not flash.

3 seconds to indicate the engine is enabled.

Replacement keys If your keys are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key, you will need to have your vehicle towed to an authorized dealer. The key codes need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys will need to be programmed. Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any inconveniences. Please visit an authorized dealer to purchase additional spare or replacement keys.

Programming spare keys You can program your own coded keys to your vehicle. Please read and understand the entire procedure before you begin. Tips: • A maximum of eight keys can be coded to your vehicle. • Only use Securilock™ keys. • You must have two previously programmed coded keys (keys that already operate your vehicle’s engine) and the new unprogrammed key(s) readily accessible.

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Locks and Security • If no previously programmed coded keys are available, you must take

your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the spare key(s) programmed.

1. Insert a previously programmed coded key into the ignition. 2. Turn the ignition from the 3
(OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 4
(ON) position for at least one second, but no more than 10
seconds. 3. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position, and remove the coded key from the ignition. 4. Within ten seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the other previously programmed coded key into the ignition. 5. Turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second but not more than 10 seconds. 6. Turn the ignition to the 3 (OFF) position, and remove the second key from the ignition. 7. Within twenty seconds of removing the previously programmed coded key, insert the unprogrammed key (new/valet key) into the ignition. 8. Turn the ignition from the 3 (OFF) position to the 4 (ON) position. Keep the ignition in the 4 (ON) position for at least one second. 9. Your new unprogrammed key is now programmed. If the key has been successfully programmed it will start the vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. If the key was not successfully programmed, it will not start your vehicle’s engine and the theft indicator light will flash on and off rapidly. If failure repeats, bring your vehicle to your authorized dealer to have the new key(s) programmed. To program additional new unprogrammed key(s), repeat this procedure from Step 1 for each additional key.

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Seating and Safety Restraints

SEATING

Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal injuries in the

event of a collision.

Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.

Before returning the seatback to its original position, make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the seatback.

After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Adjusting the front manual seat

Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the vehicle is moving.

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion and affect the

decision of the front passenger sensing system, resulting in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your seatback, with your feet on the floor.

To reduce the risk of possible serious injury: Do not hang objects off seat back or stow objects in the seatback map pocket (if

equipped) when a child is in the front passenger seat. Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between the seat and the center console (if equipped). Check the “passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for proper airbag status. Refer to Front passenger sensing system section for additional details. Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front passenger seat sensing system.

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Lift the release bar to move seat forward or backward. Ensure that the seat is locked into place.

Pull lever located at the side of the seat cushion up to adjust seatback.

60/40 seat (if equipped) To gain access to the storage compartment in your armrest (if equipped), lift the latch to open lid. The 60/40 seat cupholder (if equipped) is detachable for cleaning. • Firmly grasp the bottom of the

cup holder and pull up.

To re-attach: • Slide the cupholder over the two pins located on the front of the 60% • Press down until it is firmly latched into place.

driver’s seat.

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Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped) Turn the lumbar support control clockwise to increase firmness. Turn the lumbar support control counterclockwise to increase softness.

Passenger side rear access Pull up on the recliner handle. The seat will lean forward. Lift the release bar to move the seat forward to access the rear area of the cab.

To return seat to original position, slide the seat bottom back, then push the seatback up to lock it in place. The seat will lock, and you will have to use the release bar to move the seat back to the original position.

REAR SEATS

Center facing jump seat (2 door SuperCab) (if equipped) To open, pull inboard and down on the seat strap. To stow the seat, pull seat bottom back to the fully upright position.

Do not install a child seat in the center facing jump seats as there are no child restraints recommended for use in this seating

position.

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Center facing jump seat (4 door SuperCab) (if equipped) To open, pull seat assembly down, then raise seatback. To stow the seat, fold seat back down and raise seat assembly to the fully upright position.

Do not install a child seat in the center facing jump seats

as there are no child restraints recommended for use in this seating position.

Booster seats must be installed only in seating positions equipped with a combination lap/shoulder belt.

SAFETY RESTRAINTS

Personal Safety System™ The Personal Safety System™ provides an improved overall level of frontal crash protection to front seat occupants and is designed to help further reduce the risk of airbag-related injuries. The system is able to analyze different occupant classifications and conditions and crash severity before activating the appropriate safety devices to help better protect a range of occupants in a variety of frontal crash situations. Your vehicle’s Personal Safety System™ consists of: • Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints. • Front outboard safety belts with pretensioners, energy management • Driver’s seat position sensor. • Front crash severity sensor. • Front passenger sensing system • Passenger Airbag Off indicator light. • Restraints Control Module (RCM) with impact and safing sensors.

retractors, and safety belt usage sensors.

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• Restraint system warning light and back-up tone. • The electrical wiring for the airbags, crash sensor(s), safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt usage sensors, driver seat position sensor, and indicator lights.

How does the Personal Safety System™ work? The Personal Safety System™ can adapt the deployment strategy of your vehicle’s safety devices according to crash severity and occupant classification and conditions. A collection of crash and occupant sensors provides information to the Restraints Control Module (RCM). During a crash, the RCM may activate the safety belt pretensioners and/or either none, one, or both stages of the dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints based on crash severity and occupant classification and conditions. The fact that the pretensioners or airbags did not activate for both front seat occupants in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the Personal Safety System™ determined the accident conditions (crash severity, belt usage, etc.) were not appropriate to activate these safety devices. Front airbags and pretensioners are designed to activate only in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollovers, side-impacts, or rear-impacts unless the collision causes sufficient longitudinal deceleration. Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints The dual-stage airbags offer the capability to tailor the level of airbag inflation energy. A lower, less forceful energy level is provided for more common, moderate-severity impacts. A higher energy level is used for the most severe impacts. Refer to Airbag Supplemental Restraints section in this chapter. Front crash severity sensor The front crash severity sensor enhances the ability to detect the severity of an impact. Positioned up front, it provides valuable information early in the crash event on the severity of the impact. This allows your Personal Safety System™ to distinguish between different levels of crash severity and modify the deployment strategy of the dual-stage airbags and safety belt pretensioners. Driver’s seat position sensor The driver’s seat position sensor allows your Personal Safety System™ to tailor the deployment level of the driver dual-stage airbag based on seat position. The system is designed to help protect smaller drivers sitting close to the driver airbag by providing a lower airbag output level.

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Front passenger sensing system For airbags to do their job they must inflate with great force, and this force can pose a potentially deadly risk to occupants that are very close to the airbag when it begins to inflate. For some occupants, like infants in rear-facing child seats, this occurs because they are initially sitting very close to the airbag. For other occupants, this occurs when the occupant is not properly restrained by safety belts or child safety seats and they move forward during pre-crash braking. The most effective way to reduce the risk of unnecessary injuries is to make sure all occupants are properly restrained. Accident statistics suggest that children are much safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front.

Air bags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active air bag. If you must

use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

Always transport children 12 years old and under in the back seat and always properly use appropriate child restraints.

The front passenger sensing system can automatically turn off the passenger front airbag when a rear facing child seat, a forward-facing child restraint, or a booster seat is detected. Even with this technology, parents are STRONGLY encouraged to always properly restrain children in the rear seat. The sensor also turns off the airbag when the passenger seat is empty to prevent unnecessary replacement of the airbag(s) after a collision. When the front passenger seat is occupied and the sensing system has turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag, the “pass airbag off” indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal airbag is off. See Front passenger sensing system in the Airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) section of this chapter. Front safety belt usage sensors The front safety belt usage sensors detect whether or not the driver and front outboard passenger safety belts are fastened. This information allows your Personal Safety System™ to tailor the airbag deployment and safety belt pretensioner activation depending upon safety belt usage. Refer to Safety belt usage sensors later in this chapter.

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Front outboard safety belt pretensioners The safety belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are designed to tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body during frontal collisions. This helps increase the effectiveness of the safety belts. In frontal collisions, the safety belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of sufficient severity, together with the front airbags. Front outboard safety belt energy management retractors The front safety belt energy management retractors allow webbing to be pulled out of the retractor in a gradual and controlled manner in response to the occupant’s forward momentum. This helps reduce the risk of force-related injuries to the occupant’s chest by limiting the load on the occupant. Refer to Energy management retractors section in this chapter. Determining if the Personal Safety System™ is operational The Personal Safety System™ uses a warning light in the instrument cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to the Warning lights and chimes section in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety System™ is not required. The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s), safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, front passenger sensing system, and the driver seat position sensor. In addition, the RCM also monitors the restraints warning light in the instrument cluster. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following. • The warning light will either flash or stay lit. • The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

turned on.

periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Personal Safety System™ serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

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Safety restraints precautions

Always drive and ride with your seatback upright and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag

supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas

are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a safety belt.

Each seating position in your vehicle has a specific safety belt assembly which is made up of one buckle and one tongue that

are designed to be used as a pair. 1) Use the shoulder belt on the outside shoulder only. Never wear the shoulder belt under the arm. 2) Never swing the safety belt around your neck over the inside shoulder. 3) Never use a single belt for more than one person.

Do not attempt to open the rear door when the rear safety belt is buckled as damage to the belt may occur.

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Combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle.

2. To unfasten, push the release button and remove the tongue from the buckle.

Lap belts Adjusting the front center seat and rear center facing jump seat lap belts (if equipped) The lap belt does not adjust automatically.

The lap belt should fit snugly and as low as possible around the hips, not across the waist.

Insert the tongue into the correct buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from). To lengthen the belt, turn the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull across your lap until it reaches the buckle. To tighten the belt, pull the loose end of the belt through the tongue until it fits snugly across the hips.

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Shorten and fasten the belt when not in use. For the rear jump seat, shorten and fold the belt into the seat when not in use.

Energy Management Feature • This vehicle has a safety belt system with an energy management

feature at the front outboard seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.

• This energy management system has a retractor assembly that is

designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant’s chest.

The front outboard safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts. The front passenger outboard safety belt has two types of locking modes described below:

Vehicle sensitive mode This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder belt length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of approximately 5 mph (8
km/h) or more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and passengers.

Automatic locking mode The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. In this mode, the shoulder belt is automatically pre-locked. The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt. This mode should be used any time a child safety seat is installed in a passenger front seat. Refer to Safety restraints for children or Safety seats for children later in this chapter.

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How to use the automatic locking mode • Buckle the combination lap and

shoulder belt.

• Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire belt is pulled out.

• Allow the belt to retract. As the belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the safety belt is now in the automatic locking mode.

How to disengage the automatic locking mode Disconnect the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.

After any vehicle collision, the safety belt system at all outboard seating positions (except driver, which has no “automatic locking

retractor” feature) must be checked by an authorized dealer to verify that the “automatic locking retractor” feature for child seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all safety belts should be checked for proper function.

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BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED if the safety belt assembly “automatic locking retractor” feature or any other safety belt function is not operating properly when checked authorized dealer.

Failure to replace the Belt and Retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.

Safety belt pretensioner Your vehicle is equipped with safety belt pretensioners at the driver and front outboard passenger seating positions. The safety belt pretensioner is a device which removes excess webbing from the safety belt system. The safety belt pretensioner uses the same crash sensor system as the front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS). When the safety belt pretensioner deploys, webbing from the lap and shoulder belt is tightened. Refer to the Safety belt maintenance section in this chapter.

The driver and front passenger safety belt system (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be replaced if the

vehicle is involved in a collision that results in deployment of front airbags and safety belt pretensioners.

Front safety belt height adjustment Your vehicle has safety belt height adjustments for the driver and front outboard passenger. Adjust the height of the shoulder belt so the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. • Regular Cab and 4–door Super

Cab

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To lower the shoulder belt height, push the button and slide the height adjuster down. To raise the height of the shoulder belt, push the button and slide the height adjuster up. Pull down on the height adjuster to make sure it is locked in place.

Position the safety belt height adjusters so that the belt rests across the middle of your shoulder. Failure to adjust the safety

belt properly could reduce the effectiveness of the seat belt and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Safety belt extension assembly If the safety belt is too short when fully extended, there is a 8 inch (20
cm) safety belt extension assembly that can be added (part number 611C22). This assembly can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended.

Do not use extensions to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.

Safety belt maintenance Inspect the safety belt systems periodically to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, tears or cuts. Replace if necessary. All safety belt assemblies, including retractors, buckles, front safety belt buckle assemblies, buckle support assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if

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equipped), child safety seat tether anchors, and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Ford Motor Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use in vehicles involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor and an authorized dealer finds that the belts do not show damage and continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted. The energy absorbing functions may have been activated in a collision so the restraints should be examined; if the front airbags have deployed, the pretensioners have also deployed and must be replaced — regardless of whether there was an occupant in the passenger seat or not.

Failure to inspect and if necessary replace the safety belt assembly under the above conditions could result in severe

personal injuries in the event of a collision.

Refer to Interior in the Cleaning chapter.

Safety belt warning light and indicator chime The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts. Conditions of operation If... The driver’s safety belt is not buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position... The driver’s safety belt is buckled while the indicator light is illuminated and the warning chime is sounding... The driver’s safety belt is buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position...

Then... The safety belt warning light illuminates 1-2 minutes and the warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.

The safety belt warning light and indicator chime remain off.

The safety belt warning light and warning chime turn off.

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Belt-Minder姞 The Belt-Minder威 feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning light in the instrument cluster when the driver’s and front passenger’s safety belt is unbuckled. The Belt-Minder威 feature uses information from the front passenger sensing system to determine if a front seat passenger is present and therefore potentially in need of a warning. To avoid activating the Belt-Minder威 feature for objects placed in the front passenger seat, warnings will only be given to large front seat occupants as determined by the front passenger sensing system. Both the driver’s and passenger’s safety belt usages are monitored and either may activate the Belt-Minder威 feature. The warnings are the same for the driver and the front passenger. If the Belt-Minder威 warnings have expired (warnings for approximately 5 minutes) for one occupant (driver or front passenger), the other occupant can still activate the Belt-Minder威 feature.

If... The driver’s and front passenger’s safety belts are buckled before the ignition switch is turned to the ON position or less than 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned ON... The driver’s or front passenger’s safety belt is not buckled when the vehicle has reached at least 3 mph (5 km/h) and 1-2 minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to ON...

The driver’s or front passenger’s safety belt becomes unbuckled for approximately 1 minute while the vehicle is traveling at least 3 mph (5 km/h) and more than 1-2
minutes have elapsed since the ignition switch has been turned to ON...

Then... The Belt-Minder威 feature will not activate.

The Belt-Minder威 feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until the safety belts are buckled. The Belt-Minder威 feature is activated - the safety belt warning light illuminates and the warning chime sounds for 6 seconds every 30 seconds, repeating for approximately 5 minutes or until the safety belts are buckled.

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The following are reasons most often given for not wearing safety belts (All statistics based on U.S. data): Reasons given... “Crashes are rare events”

Consider... 36700 crashes occur every day. The more we drive, the more we are exposed to “rare” events, even for good drivers. 1 in 4 of us will be seriously injured in a crash during our lifetime. 3 of 4 fatal crashes occur within 25
miles (40 km) of home. We design our safety belts to enhance comfort. If you are uncomfortable - try different positions for the safety belt upper anchorage and seatback which should be as upright as possible; this can improve comfort. Prime time for an accident. Belt-Minder威 reminds us to take a few seconds to buckle up. Safety belts, when used properly, reduce risk of death to front seat occupants by 45% in cars, and by 60% in light trucks. Nearly 1 of 2 deaths occur in single-vehicle crashes, many when no other vehicles are around. Possibly, but a serious crash can do much more than wrinkle your clothes, particularly if you are unbelted. Set the example, teen deaths occur 4
times more often in vehicles with TWO or MORE people. Children and younger brothers/sisters imitate behavior they see.

“I’m not going far”

“Belts are uncomfortable”

“I was in a hurry”

“Safety belts don’t work”

“Traffic is light”

“Belts wrinkle my clothes”

“The people I’m with don’t wear belts”

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Reasons given... “I have an airbag”

“I’d rather be thrown clear”

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Consider... Airbags offer greater protection when used with safety belts. Frontal airbags are not designed to inflate in rear and side crashes or rollovers. Not a good idea. People who are ejected are 40 times more likely to DIE. Safety belts help prevent ejection, WE CAN’T “PICK OUR CRASH”.

Do not sit on top of a buckled safety belt or insert a latchplate into the buckle to avoid the Belt-Minder威 chime. To do so may

adversely affect the performance of the vehicle’s air bag system.

One time disable If at any time the driver/front passenger quickly buckles then unbuckles the safety belt for that seating position, the Belt-Minder威 is disabled for the current ignition cycle. The Belt-Minder威 feature will enable during the same ignition cycle if the occupant buckles and remains buckled for approximately 30 seconds. Confirmation is not given for the one time disable. Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder姞 feature The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder威 are deactivated/activated independently. When deactivating/activating one seating position, do not buckle the other position as this will terminate the process. Read Steps 1 - 4 thoroughly before proceeding with the deactivation/activation programming procedure. Note: The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder威 features must be disabled/enabled separately. Both cannot be disable/enabled during the same key cycle.

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The driver and front passenger Belt-Minder威 features can be deactivated/activated by performing the following procedure: Before following the procedure, make sure that: • The parking brake is set • The gearshift is in P (Park) (automatic transmission) • The ignition switch is in the OFF position • The driver and front passenger safety belts are unbuckled

While the design allows you to deactivate your Belt-Minder威, this system is designed to improve your chances of being safely

belted and surviving an accident. We recommend you leave the Belt-Minder威 system activated for yourself and others who may use the vehicle. To reduce the risk of injury, do not deactivate/activate the Belt-Minder威 feature while driving the vehicle.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN (or ON) position. DO NOT START THE ENGINE. 2. Wait until the safety belt warning light turns off (Approximately 1
minute). • Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt

warning light turns off.

3. For the seating position being disabled, at a moderate speed, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt nine times, ending in the unbuckled state. Step 3 must be completed within 50 seconds after the safety belt warning light turns off. • After Step 3, the safety belt warning light will be turned on for three

seconds.

4. Within approximately seven seconds of the light turning off, buckle then unbuckle the safety belt. • This will disable the Belt-Minder威 feature for that seating position if it is currently enabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds. • This will enable the Belt-Minder威 feature for that seating position if it is currently disabled. As confirmation, the safety belt warning light will flash four times per second for three seconds, followed by three seconds with the light off, then followed by the safety belt warning light flashing four times per second for three seconds again.

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AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)

inflators and airbags).

The airbag supplemental restraint system is designed to work in conjunction with the safety belts to help protect the driver and front outboard passenger from certain upper body injuries. The term “supplemental restraint” means the airbags are intended as a supplement to the safety belts. Airbags alone cannot protect as well as airbags plus safety belts in impacts for which the airbags are designed to deploy, and airbags do not offer any protection in crashes for which they do not deploy. The airbag supplemental restraint system consists of: • driver and passenger dual stage airbag modules (which include the • one or more impact and safing sensors. • the same indicator light, RCM (restraints control module) and • Front passenger sensing system • Passenger airbag off indicator light. The airbag supplemental restraints are an integral part of the Personal Safety System. They are designed to be deployed in cases where the Personal Safety System has determined the occupant conditions and crash severity are appropriate to activate these devices. Refer to the Personal Safety System section in this chapter.

diagnostic unit used for the Personal safety system.

Important supplemental restraint system (SRS) precautions The supplemental restraint system is designed to work with the safety belt to help protect the driver and right front passenger from certain upper body injuries. Airbags DO NOT inflate slowly or gently and the risk of injury from a deploying airbag is greatest close to the trim covering the airbag module.

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Rear facing child seats should NEVER be placed in

front of an active airbag.

All occupants of the vehicle, including the driver, should always properly wear their safety belts, even when an air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) is provided.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches)

between an occupant’s chest and the driver air bag module.

Never place your arm over the air bag module as a deploying air bag can result in serious arm fractures or other injuries.

Steps you can take to properly position yourself away from the airbag: • Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the • Recline the seat slightly (one or two degrees) from the upright

pedals comfortably.

position.

Do not put anything on or over the airbag module. Placing objects on or over the airbag inflation area may cause those

objects to be propelled by the airbag into your face and torso causing serious injury.

Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the Airbag Supplemental Restraint System or its fuses. See your authorized

dealer.

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The front passenger airbag is not designed to offer protection to an occupant in the center front seating position.

Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of the vehicle (including frame, bumper, front end body structure and tow

hooks) may affect the performance of the airbag system, increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of the vehicle.

Additional equipment may affect the performance of the airbag sensors increasing the risk of injury. Please refer to the Body

Builders Layout Book for instructions about the appropriate installation of additional equipment.

Children and airbags For additional important safety information, read all information on safety restraints in this guide.

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat. NEVER place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the seat all the way back.

Booster seats must be installed only in seating positions equipped with a combination lap/shoulder belt.

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained.

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How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work? The airbag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains sufficient longitudinal deceleration. The fact that the airbags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Airbags are designed to inflate in frontal and near-frontal collisions, not rollover, side-impact, or rear-impacts. The airbags inflate and deflate rapidly upon activation. After airbag deployment, it is normal to notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt propellant. This may consist of cornstarch, talcum powder (to lubricate the bag) or sodium compounds (e.g., baking soda) that result from the combustion process that inflates the airbag. Small amounts of sodium hydroxide may be present which may irritate the skin and eyes, but none of the residue is toxic. While the system is designed to help reduce serious injuries, it may also cause minor abrasions, swelling or temporary hearing loss. Because airbags must inflate rapidly and with considerable force, there is the risk of death or serious injuries such as fractures, facial and eye injuries or internal injuries, particularly to occupants who are not properly restrained or are otherwise out of position at the time of airbag deployment. Thus, it is extremely important that occupants be properly restrained as far away from the airbag cover as possible while maintaining vehicle control.

Several airbag system components get hot after inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.

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If the airbag has deployed, the airbag will not function again and must be replaced immediately. If the airbag is not replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a collision.

Determining if the system is operational The SRS uses readiness lights in the instrument cluster or a tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer to Airbag readiness in the Instrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not required. A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: • The readiness lights will either • The readiness lights will not illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.

• A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat

flash or stay lit.

periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a collision.

Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners) See your authorized dealer. Airbags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel.

Front passenger sensing system The front passenger sensing system will turn off the front passenger’s frontal air bag under certain conditions. The driver’s frontal air bag is not part of the front passenger sensing system. The front passenger sensing system works with sensors that are part of the front passenger’s seat and safety belt. The sensors are designed to detect the presence of a properly seated occupant and determine if the front passenger’s frontal air bag should be enabled (may inflate) or not.

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The front passenger sensing system is designed to meet the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 208
and is designed to turn off the front passenger’s frontal air bag if: • the front passenger seat is unoccupied, or has small/medium objects in • the system determines that a small child is present in a rear-facing child seat that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. • the system determines that a small child is present in a forward-facing

the front seat,

child restraint that is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions,

• the system determines that a small child is present in a booster seat, • a front passenger takes his/her weight off of the seat for a period of

time,

Even with Advanced Restraints Systems, children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the back seat (if equipped).

When the front passenger seat is occupied and the sensing system has turned off the passenger’s frontal air bag, the ⬙passenger air bag off⬙ or ⬙pass air bag off⬙ indicator will light and stay lit to remind you that the front passenger frontal air bag is off. When the front passenger seat is not occupied (empty seat) or in the event that the front passenger frontal air bag is enabled (may inflate), the indicator light will be unlit. The indicator light is located in the center stack of the instrument panel. To confirm the ⬙pass airbag light⬙ is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position. The front passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the front passenger’s frontal air bag when a rear facing child seat, a forward-facing child restraint, or a booster seat is detected. If the child restraint has been installed and the indicator is not lit, then turn the vehicle off, remove the child restraint from the vehicle and reinstall the restraint following the child restraint manufacturer’s directions. The front passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the right front passenger’s frontal air bag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the front passenger seat.

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When the passenger sensing system has allowed the air bag to be enabled, the indicator will be unlit and stay unlit to remind you that the air bag is enabled (may inflate). If a person of adult-size is sitting in the front passenger’s seat, but the ⬙passenger air bag off⬙ or ⬙pass air bag off⬙ indicator is lit, it could be that the person isn’t sitting properly in the seat. If this happens, turn the vehicle off and ask the person to place the seatback in the full upright position, then sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for about two minutes. This will allow the system to detect that person and then enable the passenger’s air bag. If the indicator lamp remains lit even after this, then the occupant should be advised to ride in the back seat.

Pass Airbag Off Indicator Lamp Unlit Lit

Occupant

Passenger Airbag

Lit

Disabled

Disabled Disabled

Empty seat Small child in child safety seat or booster Small child with safety belt buckled or unbuckled Adult After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on safety belts, it’s very important that they continue to sit upright, with their back against the seatback, with their feet comfortably extended on the floor while the vehicle is still in motion. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury in a crash event. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased.

Enabled

Unlit

Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion and affect the

decision of the front passenger sensing system, resulting in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your seatback, with your feet on the floor.

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In case there is a problem with the passenger sensing system, the airbag readiness lamp in the instrument cluster will stay lit. Do NOT attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle immediately to the dealer.

The front passenger airbag is not designed to offer protection to an occupant in the center seating position.

An out of position front center occupant could affect the decision of the front passenger sensing system.

If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer Assistance section of this Owner’s Guide. The front passenger sensing system may detect small or medium objects placed on the seat cushion. For most objects that are in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag will be disabled. Even though the passenger airbag is disabled, the ⬙pass airbag off⬙ light may or may not be illuminated according to the table below. Pass Airbag Off Indicator Lamp Unlit

Passenger Airbag

Objects

Disabled

Small (i.e. 3 ring binder, small purse, bottled water) Medium (i.e. heavy briefcase, fully packed luggage) Empty seat, or small to medium object with safety belt buckled

Lit

Lit

Disabled

Disabled

Any alteration/modification to the front passenger seat may affect the performance of the front passenger sensing system.

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SAFETY RESTRAINTS FOR CHILDREN See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children. Also see Airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) in this chapter for special instructions about using airbags.

Important child restraint precautions You are required by law to use safety restraints for children in the U.S. and Canada. If small children ride in your vehicle (generally children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 lb. [18 kg] or less), you must put them in safety seats made especially for children. Many states require that children use approved booster seats until they are eight years old. Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regarding the safety of children in your vehicle.

Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from

injury in a collision.

Always follow the instructions and warnings that come with any infant or child restraint you might use.

Do not install a child seat in a center facing jump seat.

Children and safety belts If the child is the proper size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and airbag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child’s face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit.

Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle.

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Child booster seats Children outgrow a typical convertible or toddler seat when they weigh 40 lb. (18 kg) and are around 4 years of age. Although the lap/shoulder belt will provide some protection, these children are still too small for lap/shoulder belts to fit properly, which could increase the risk of serious injury in a crash. To improve the fit of both the lap and shoulder belt on children who have outgrown child safety seats, Ford Motor Company recommends use of a belt-positioning booster. Booster seats position a child so that safety belts fit better. They lift the child up so that the lap belt rests low across the hips and the knees bend comfortably. Booster seats may also make the shoulder belt fit better and more comfortably. Try to keep the belt near the middle of the shoulder. When children should use booster seats Children need to use booster seats from the time they outgrow the toddler seat until they are big enough for the vehicle seat and lap/shoulder belt to fit properly. Generally this is when they weigh about 80 lb. (36 kg) (about 8 to 12 years old). Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions: • Can the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips? • Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest? • Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

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Types of booster seats There are two types of belt-positioning booster seats: • Those that are backless.

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield and use the lap/shoulder belt. If a seating position has a low seat back and no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (top of ear level) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seat back and lap/shoulder belts.

• Those with a high back.

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

Either type can be used at any seating position equipped with lap/shoulder belts if your child is over 40 lb. (18 kg).

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Children and booster seats vary widely in size and shape. Choose a booster that keeps the lap belt low and snug across the hips, never up across the stomach, and lets you adjust the shoulder belt to cross the chest and rest snugly near the center of the shoulder. The drawings below compare the ideal fit (center) to a shoulder belt uncomfortably close to the neck and a shoulder belt that could slip off the shoulder.

If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition.

The importance of shoulder belts Using a booster without a shoulder belt increases the risk of a child’s head hitting a hard surface in a collision. For this reason, you should never use a booster seat with a lap belt only. It is best to use a booster seat with lap/shoulder belts in the back seat- the safest place for children to ride.

Move a child to a different seating location if the shoulder belt does not stay positioned on the shoulder during use.

Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the booster seat.

Never put the shoulder belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it eliminates the protection for the upper part of

the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a collision.

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Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child. They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a

collision.

SAFETY SEATS FOR CHILDREN

Child and infant or child safety seats Use a safety seat that is recommended for the size and weight of the child. Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision. When installing a child safety seat: • Review and follow the information

presented in the airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) section in this chapter. • Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from).

• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the buckle. • Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button, to prevent accidental unbuckling. • Place seat back in upright position. • Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. Refer to Automatic

locking mode (passenger side front and outboard rear seating positions) (if equipped) section in this chapter.

• Top tether anchors can be used for children up to 27 kg (60 pounds) in a child restraint, and to provide upper torso restraint for children up to 36 kg (80 pounds) using an upper torso harness and a belt-positioning booster.

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Ford recommends the use of a child safety seat having a top tether strap. Install the child safety seat in a seating position with a tether anchor. For more information on top tether straps, refer to Attaching child safety seats with tether straps. in this chapter.

Carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions included with the safety seat you put in your vehicle. If you do not install and use the safety seat properly, the child may be injured in a sudden stop or collision.

Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts 1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

Rear facing child seats should NEVER be placed in front of an active airbag.

2. Pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together.

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3. While holding the shoulder and lap belt portions together, route the tongue through the child seat according to the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure the belt webbing is not twisted.

4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until you hear and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is latched securely by pulling on it.

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is extracted and a click is heard.

6. Allow the belt to retract. The belt will click as it retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode.

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7. Pull the lap belt portion across the child seat toward the buckle and pull up on the shoulder belt while pushing down with knee on the child seat.

8. Allow the safety belt to retract to remove any slack in the belt. 9. Before placing the child in the seat, forcibly tilt the seat forward and back to make sure the seat is securely held in place. To check this, grab the seat at the belt path and attempt to move it side to side and forward. There should be no more than one inch of movement for proper installation. 10. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt out). If the retractor is not locked, unbuckle the belt and repeat Steps 2
through 9. Check to make sure the child seat is properly secured before each use.

Attaching child safety seats with tether straps Most new forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap which goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact the manufacturer of your child seat for information about ordering a tether strap. The tether anchors in your vehicle are located on the back of the front seat cushion.

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The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions (shown from top view): • Bucket seats

• 60/40 seats

Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate tether anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work properly if attached

somewhere other than the correct tether anchor.

1. Position the child safety seat on the front seat cushion. 2. Route the child safety seat tether strap over the back of the seat.

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3. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position. The tether anchor is located on the rear lower portion of the passenger seat.

4. Clip the tether strap to the anchor.

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Center seating location

When installing a child safety seat in the front center position, route the tether strap over the center arm rest and clip it to the center anchor.

If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a collision.

5. Install the child safety seat tightly using the safety belt. Follow the instructions in this chapter. 6. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being injured in a collision greatly increases.

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Tires, Wheels and Loading

NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS Utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than passenger cars in the various driving conditions that are encountered on streets, highways and off-road. Utility vehicles and trucks are not designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious injury or

death from a rollover or other crash you must: • Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers; • Drive at safe speeds for the conditions; • Keep tires properly inflated; • Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and