Ford Ecosport: General Information / Description and Operation - Road/Roller Testing

Road or roller testing may be carried out for various reasons and a procedure detailing pre-test checks, engine starting and stopping, pre-driving checks, on-test checks and final checks to be completed on completion of the test is given below.

Unless complete vehicle performance is being checked, the full road test procedure need not be carried out. Instead, those items particularly relevant to the system(s) being checked can be extracted.

Pre-Test Checks

  WARNING: If the brake system hydraulic fluid level is low, pedal travel is excessive or a hydraulic leak is found, do not attempt to road test the vehicle until the reason for the low fluid level, excessive pedal travel or hydraulic leak is found and rectified.

It is suggested that pre-test checks and functional tests of those systems and circuits which affect the safe and legal operations of the vehicle, such as brakes, lights and steering, should always be carried out before the road or roller test.

With the ignition switched off, check:

• the engine oil level.
• the engine coolant level.
• the tires, for correct pressure, compatible types and tread patterns, and wear within limits.
• that there is sufficient fuel in the tank to complete the test.
• all around the engine, transmission and under the vehicle for oil, coolant, hydraulic and fuel leaks. Make a note of any apparent leaks and wipe off the surrounding areas to make it easier to identify the extent of the leak on completion of the test.

Starting the Engine

NOTE: On initial drive away from cold and within the first 1.5 km (1 mile), do not depress the accelerator pedal beyond half travel until the vehicle has attained a minimum speed of 25 km/h (15 miles/h). Never operate at high engine speed or with the accelerator pedal at full travel whilst the engine is cold.

With the ignition switched off, check:

• that the parking brake is applied.
• that the gear lever is in the neutral position.
• that all instrument gauges (except fuel gauge) read zero.

With the ignition switched on, check:

• that the ignition controlled warning lamps are illuminated.
• that the engine temperature gauge registers a reading compatible with the engine temperature.
• that the fuel gauge registers a reading appropriate to the fuel level in the tank.
• the operation of the parking brake warning lamp and fluid level warning indicator.

Road or Roller Testing

NOTICE: If road testing, check the brake operation while still traveling at low speed before continuing with the test. If the brakes pull to one side, or appear to be otherwise faulty, do not continue with the road test until the fault has been found and rectified.

During the road or roller test, check:

• that the clutch pedal operation is not stiff or heavy.
• that the initial gear engagement is smooth and there is no evidence of clutch drag.
• that the parking brake control operates smoothly and releases quickly and completely.
• that the clutch takes up the drive smoothly, without slip or judder.
• that gear changing is smooth with no abnormal noises or vibrations from the transmission.
• the engine power output is satisfactory, full power is achieved, acceleration is smooth and pedal operation is not stiff or heavy, and engine speed returns to idle correctly.
• there is no excessive or abnormally colored smoke from the engine under normal driving, heavy load or overrun conditions.
• that steering operation, including power steering (if equipped), is smooth, accurate, not excessively heavy or with excessive free play or vibration.
• that the steering does not pull to one side and self centers smoothly after cornering.
• that the speedometer, coolant temperature gauge and tachometer (if equipped) register the correct readings and operate correctly.
• that the switches and controls operate smoothly and positively, warning and indicator lamps operate correctly and the direction indicator control self cancels when the steering is returned to the straight ahead position.
• that the heating and ventilation systems operate correctly and effectively.
• the brake operation and efficiency.

Brake Testing

  WARNING: When brake testing, avoid breathing the fumes from hot brakes, this may contain asbestos dust which is hazardous to health. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
For additional information, refer to: Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

NOTICE: Avoid brake testing on busy roads where it may cause inconvenience or danger to other road users.

NOTICE: Brake testing which includes heavy brake applications should not be carried out with new brake pads/discs or linings/drums until the components have bedded-in. New brake friction components will not reach full efficiency until the bedding-in process is complete.

Test the brakes at several speeds within the normal operating range using both light and heavy pedal pressure. Note any tendency to snatch, pull or drag, and any undue delay in application or release.

Allow the vehicle to coast and note any tendency to pull to one side, or evidence that the brakes are binding.

After stopping the vehicle (not immediately after a period of heavy braking), carefully check the brake temperature. A brake disc or brake drum that feels hot or is appreciably hotter than the others, indicates that the brake is binding.

After completion of the test, check for:

• oil, coolant, hydraulic, air and fuel leaks.
• abnormal temperature of any moving components or assemblies, for example wheel hubs, transmission and axle, which might indicate over tightness or lack of lubrication.