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208
R
WARNING
If you are driving down a long or steep
hill, shift to a lower gear. Do not apply
your brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
Using the Parking Brake
The parking brake should be used whenever you
park your vehicle.
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
service brake and/or clutch pedals. To set the
parking brake while parking your vehicle, press
the brake pedal with your right foot and hold it
while you push the parking brake pedal down
firmly and fully with your left foot.
Parking Brake
209
R
WARNING
When parking, do not use the gearshift in
place of the parking brake. Turn the key
to LOCK whenever you leave your
vehicle. Always set the parking brake
fully and make sure that the gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual
transmission). Never leave your vehicle
unattended while it is running. If you do
not take these precautions, your vehicle
may move unexpectedly and injure
someone.
When the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the
automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the
manual transmission is in gear.
R
WARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended with
the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake
fully and turn off the ignition when
leaving the vehicle.
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
R
WARNING
If the parking brake is fully released, but
the Brake System light remains on, have
the brakes checked immediately. They
may not be working properly.
210
The parking brake is not designed to stop a
moving vehicle, but you can use the parking
brake to stop your vehicle in an emergency if
the normal brakes fail. However, since the
parking brake applies only the rear brakes, the
stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely
affected.
Driving Under Special Conditions
Tips for Safe Driving
As with any new vehicle, yours may drive and
handle differently from your previous vehicle.
Use care until you become accustomed to its
various features and driving characteristics.
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
Wheel Spin
❑
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
❑
Automatic Overdrive 4R7OW: use 2 (Second)
❑
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
❑
Mazda R2 5-Speed Overdrive Manual: use 2
(Second)
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to drive
away.
211
High Speed Driving
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
R
WARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
Speed limiter
All models are equipped with an electronic
engine control system (EEC) which limits the
maximum engine speed and thus road speed in
top gear. Vehicle operation is normal since the
controlled maximum speed is above posted
highway speeds in North America.
Driving in Bad Weather
Slippery roads
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
❑
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
❑
Drive slower than you normally would.
❑
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
❑
To stop on ice, shift to Neutral below 10 mph
(16 km/h) and gently pump brakes. (Except
with 4WAL)
❑
Consider using one of the lower gears.
❑
For 4x4 vehicles, engage 4WD, and try to
drive slowly away.
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