Ford Kuga Quick Reference Guide
This guide provides basic instructions for key features of your Ford Kuga. It is a supplement to the Owner's Manual, which contains full instructions and warnings. Always prioritize safe driving and consult the Owner's Manual for comprehensive details.
Important Safety Note: Driving while distracted can lead to loss of vehicle control. Use extreme caution with any device that may divert attention from the road. Prioritize safe operation and use voice-operated systems when possible. Be aware of local laws regarding electronic device use while driving.
Note: This guide may describe features and options not fitted to your specific vehicle. Illustrations may vary across models.
© Ford Motor Company 2015. Part Number: CG3586en 09/2014
At a Glance
Key components of the Ford Kuga:
- A: Air vents
- B: Direction indicators, High beam
- C: Instrument cluster
- D: Wiper lever
- E: Information and entertainment display
- F: Audio unit
- G: Door lock indicator
- H: Hazard warning flasher switch
- I: Parking aid switch
- J: Active park assist switch
- K: Start-stop switch
- L: Heated rear window switch
- M: Heated windshield switch
- N: Climate controls
- O: Start button
- P: Audio control, Voice control, Telephone control
- Q: Ignition switch
- R: Steering wheel adjustment
- S: Horn
- T: Cruise control switches, Adaptive cruise control (ACC) switches
- U: Information display controls
- V: Lighting control, Front fog lamps, Rear fog lamp, Headlamp levelling control, Instrument lighting dimmer
Locking and Unlocking
Double Locking With the Remote Control
Press the lock button twice within three seconds to double lock the vehicle.
Liftgate
Press the liftgate button twice within three seconds to open or close the liftgate.
Remote Control Buttons:
- A: Unlock
- B: Lock
- C: Liftgate
Power Liftgate Hands-Free Feature
To open or close the liftgate hands-free:
- Move your foot under and away from the rear bumper in a kicking motion.
- The liftgate will power open or close.
Notes:
- Ensure a remote control is within 3 feet (1 meter) of the liftgate.
- Manually pushing or pulling the liftgate may activate a bounce-back feature.
- Water splashes may inadvertently open the liftgate. Keep the remote control away from the rear bumper detection area when washing the vehicle.
Keyless Entry
Passive locking and unlocking requires a valid passive key within approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) of the front door handles or liftgate.
Locking Your Vehicle
Touch a locking sensor once to lock the vehicle and arm the alarm. Touch a locking sensor twice within three seconds to double lock and arm the alarm. Two short flashes of the direction indicators confirm successful locking.
Passive Anti-Theft System
Arming the Engine Immobilizer
The engine immobilizer arms automatically after a short time when the ignition is switched off.
Disarming the Engine Immobilizer
The engine immobilizer disarms automatically when the ignition is switched on with a correctly coded key.
Disarming the Alarm
Disarm the alarm by unlocking doors with the key and switching ignition on, or by using the remote control to unlock doors or the luggage compartment lid.
Information Display Control
Press the OK button to acknowledge and remove certain messages from the information display.
Windshield Wipers
The wiper lever controls the following functions:
- Single wipe: A single sweep of the wipers.
- Intermittent wipe: Wipers operate at set intervals. Adjust interval using the control (A: Short, B: Intermittent, C: Long).
- Normal wipe: Standard wiper speed.
- High speed wipe: Fastest wiper speed.
Auto Wipers (If Equipped)
The auto wipers use a rain sensor to operate automatically. Adjust sensor sensitivity using the rotary control:
- High sensitivity (A): Wipers activate with minimal moisture.
- Low sensitivity (C): Wipers activate with significant moisture.
- On (B): Enables auto wiper function.
Keep the exterior windshield clean for optimal sensor performance. Dirt around the interior mirror can affect sensor function.
Auto Lamps
Headlamps turn on and off automatically in low light conditions or during inclement weather.
Headlamp Exit Delay
After switching off the ignition, headlamps can be switched on by pulling the direction indicator lever towards you. A tone sounds. Headlamps switch off automatically after three minutes with a door open, or 30 seconds after the last door is closed. This feature can be cancelled by pulling the lever again or switching the ignition on.
Ambient Lighting (If Equipped)
Customize interior lighting:
- Color palette (A): Press to cycle through color choices.
- Control knob (B): Rotate past the first detent to turn on and adjust brightness.
- Search mode (C): Press to switch on all interior lamps and ambient lighting. Press again to turn off interior lamps and revert ambient lighting to the last selected color.
Ambient lighting activates when the ignition is on, headlamps are on, and the outside ambient light level is low.
Power Windows
To reduce wind noise, slightly open the opposite window if only one window is open.
Global Opening
- Press and release the remote unlock button.
- Press and hold the remote unlock button for at least three seconds to open all windows.
Press the lock or unlock button to stop the opening function.
Global Closing
Vehicles Without Keyless Entry: Press and hold the remote lock button for at least three seconds to close all windows.
Vehicles With Keyless Entry: Press and hold the driver's door handle for at least three seconds to close all windows.
Press the lock or unlock button to stop the closing function.
Moonroof (If Equipped)
Opening and Closing the Sunscreen
Press the rear of the control to open; press the front to close.
Opening and Closing the Moonroof
Press the rear of the control to open; press the front to close.
Clock
Type 1: Adjust the clock using buttons H or M on the information and entertainment display while the ignition is on.
Type 2: Use the information display to adjust the clock.
Trip Computer
Displays information such as "Fuel Used" and estimated distance the vehicle can travel on remaining fuel.
Manual Climate Control
Controls for interior climate:
- A Fan speed control: Adjusts air volume.
- B Recirculated air: Switches between outside and recirculated air.
- C Temperature control: Adjusts air temperature.
- D Air conditioning: Switches A/C on or off.
- E Air distribution control: Selects air flow direction.
Defrosting and Demisting the Windshield
Select windshield air vent distribution. The air conditioning may switch on automatically above 4°C (39°F) if the blower is on. An indicator illuminates when defrosting/demisting is active.
Automatic Climate Control
Features for automatic climate management:
- A AUTO: Selects automatic operation.
- B Fan speed: Controls air volume.
- C On and off button: Powers the system on/off.
- D MAX Defrost: Directs air to windshield vents.
- E MAX A/C: Directs maximum A/C to instrument panel vents.
- F Recirculated air: Switches between outside and recirculated air.
- G Windshield: Directs air to windshield vents.
- H Instrument panel: Directs air to instrument panel vents.
- I Footwell: Directs air to footwell vents.
- J Air conditioning: Switches A/C on or off.
Recommended settings: AUTO, 22°C.
Mono Mode
Links driver and passenger temperature settings. Adjusting the driver's side setting also adjusts the passenger side. To switch Mono Mode back on, press and hold the AUTO button.
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate
Manual Climate Control Recommendations
- Cooling: Fan speed setting 2, temperature midway to cold, air distribution to instrument panel vents.
- Heating: Fan speed setting 2, temperature midway to hot, air distribution to footwell and windshield vents.
Heated Windows and Mirrors
Heated Windshield: Activates the heated windshield element.
Heated Rear Window: Activates the heated rear window element.
Heated Exterior Mirror (If Equipped): Both mirrors are heated to clear ice, mist, and fog when the heated rear window is active.
Head Restraints
Adjusting the Head Restraint
Pull the head restraint up to raise it.
Tilting the Head Restraint
For extra comfort, tilt the head restraint forward:
- Adjust the seat back to an upright position.
- Pivot the head restraint forward towards your head.
To return the head restraint to the un-tilted position, pivot it forward past the furthest tilt point.
Rear Seats
Folding the Seatback
Instructions for folding the rear seatback are provided.
Keyless Starting
To start the vehicle without a key:
- Hold the passive key near the symbol on the steering column.
- Use the start button to switch the ignition on and start the vehicle.
Failure to Start
If unable to start, ensure the passive key is correctly positioned near the steering column.
Brakes
Emergency Brake Assist
Detects heavy braking and provides maximum braking efficiency to potentially reduce stopping distances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Helps maintain steering control and vehicle stability during emergency stops by preventing brake lock-up.
Diesel Particulate Filter
During regeneration (cleaning process), you may notice a hot metallic odor or clicking sounds. These are normal due to high temperatures.
Cruise Control
Allows maintaining a set speed without using the accelerator pedal. Usable above 20 mph (30 km/h).
Using Cruise Control
- Switching On: Press the cruise control button.
- Setting a Speed: Accelerate to the desired speed, then press and release SET+. Take your foot off the accelerator; an indicator will appear in the instrument cluster.
- Changing Set Speed: Use buttons A (Accelerate) and B (Decelerate).
- Canceling: Pull CAN towards you or tap the brake pedal.
- Resuming: Pull RES towards you.
Hill Start Assist
Assists in pulling away on slopes. The vehicle remains stationary for 2-3 seconds after releasing the brake pedal, allowing time to move to the accelerator. Brakes release automatically when sufficient drive is developed.
Lane Keeping System
Detects lane markings and warns if the vehicle drifts unintentionally. A vibration in the steering wheel also provides a warning.
Lane Keeping Alert
Press the button twice to switch the system on/off. Set vibration intensity and system sensitivity via the information display.
Lane Keeping Aid
Press the button three times to switch the system on/off. Set system sensitivity (intervention timing) via the information display.
Rear Under Floor Storage
Adjustable Load Floor
The front of the load floor can be positioned on ledges behind the rear seats (high position) or below them (low position).
Luggage Covers
Cargo Shade Installation
Insert the ends of the cargo shade into mounting features behind the rear seat. Pull the rear edge rearward until it clicks into place.
Breaking-In
A ticking sound may be heard when slowing down during the first 2000 miles (3000 km). This is normal for new diesel engines adjusting.
Economical Driving
Tips to improve fuel consumption:
- Tire Pressures: Check regularly for optimal economy.
- Gear Shifting: Use the highest appropriate gear for road conditions.
- Anticipation: Adjust speed and distance to avoid heavy braking or acceleration.
- Efficient Speed: Higher speeds consume more fuel; reduce cruising speed on open roads.
Maintenance
Warning: Keep hands and clothing clear of the engine cooling fan, which may continue to run after the engine is switched off.
Towing Points
The towing eye is located inside the foam box in the spare wheel well. Remove the cover and install the towing eye.
Temporary Mobility Kit
Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary mobility kit instead of a spare tire, designed to repair one damaged tire.
Inflating the Tire Using the Kit
- Open the kit lid.
- Peel off the speed limit label (max 50 mph / 80 km/h) and attach it to the instrument panel, ensuring it doesn't obscure visibility.
- Take out the hose (C) and power plug (G).
- Unscrew the orange cap (D) and bottle lid (J).
- Screw the sealant bottle (K) clockwise into the holder (E) until fully tight.
- Remove the valve cap from the damaged tire.
- Detach the protective cap (A) from the hose (C) and screw the hose firmly onto the tire valve.
- Ensure the compressor switch (H) is at position 0.
- Insert the power plug (G) into the cigar lighter socket or auxiliary power point.
- Start the engine.
- Move the compressor switch (H) to position 1.
- Inflate the tire for a maximum of 10 minutes to a pressure of 1.8 bar (26 psi) to 3.5 bar (51 psi). Move the switch (H) to 0 and check pressure with gauge (F).
- Remove the power plug (G) from the socket.
- Quickly unscrew the hose (C) from the valve and replace the protective cap (A). Re-fasten the valve cap.
- Leave the sealant bottle (K) in the holder (E). Ensure the kit, bottle lid, and cap are stored safely and accessibly.
- Immediately drive approximately 2 miles (3 km) to allow the sealant to distribute and seal the damage.
Components: A: Protective cap, B: Pressure relief valve, C: Hose, D: Orange cap, E: Bottle holder, F: Pressure gauge, G: Power plug with cable, H: Compressor switch, I: Label, J: Bottle lid, K: Sealant bottle.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This system warns you when tire pressure is significantly low. A warning lamp illuminates.
Action: Stop safely, check tires, and inflate to the correct pressure.
Consequences of Under-inflation: Overheating, tire failure, reduced fuel efficiency, reduced tire life, affected handling/stopping.
Note: TPMS is a driver assistance feature, not a substitute for correct tire maintenance. Always maintain correct tire pressures.
Understanding the TPMS
The system measures tire pressure and sends readings to the vehicle. It detects significantly low pressure and illuminates the warning lamp.
If the Warning Lamp is On:
- Check tires for flatness.
- Repair any flat tires.
- Check and inflate all tires to the correct pressure.
- Perform the TPMS reset procedure.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Reset Procedure
Perform this after tire replacement or pressure adjustments.
Carrying Out the Reset:
- Check and inflate all tires to the correct pressure.
- Use the information display controls (steering wheel or instrument panel).
- Navigate to: Settings > Driver assist > Tire Monitor.
- Press and hold the OK button until confirmation appears, or use the dedicated reset button if available.