Ford Fusion: Changing a Road Wheel / Changing a Road Wheel Procedure

WARNING: When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the jack, even if the transmission is in park (P).

WARNING: To help prevent your vehicle from moving when changing a wheel, shift the transmission into park (P), set the parking brake and use an appropriate block or wheel chock to secure the wheel diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed. For example, when changing the front left wheel, place an appropriate block or wheel chock on the right rear wheel.

WARNING: Do not work on your vehicle when the jack is the only support. If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be seriously injured.

WARNING: Check that the vehicle jack is not damaged or deformed and the thread is lubricated and clean.

WARNING: Never place anything between the vehicle jack and your vehicle.

WARNING: Never place anything between the vehicle jack and the ground.

WARNING: Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.

WARNING: Park your vehicle so that you do not obstruct the flow of traffic or place yourself in any danger and set up a warning triangle.

WARNING: The jack supplied with this vehicle is only intended for changing wheels. Do not use the vehicle jack other than when you are changing a wheel in an emergency.

WARNING: Always use the jack provided as original equipment with your vehicle. If using a jack other than the one provided, make sure the jack capacity is adequate for the vehicle weight, including any vehicle cargo or modifications. If you are unsure if the jack capacity is adequate, contact the authorized dealer.

WARNING: Use only the specified jacking points. If you use other positions, you may damage the body, steering, suspension, engine, braking system or the fuel lines.

WARNING: Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.

Note: Do not allow passengers to remain in your vehicle when using the jack on the vehicle.

1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate the hazard flashers.
2. Place the transmission in park (P) and turn the engine off. For vehicles with a manual transmission, place the transmission in reverse (R) after you turn the engine off.

   

3. Block both the front and rear of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. For example, if the left front tire is flat, block the right rear wheel.
4. The spare tire, jack, and wrench are in the spare tire compartment under the trunk load floor.
5. Remove the spare tire bolt securing the spare tire by turning it counterclockwise.
6. Remove the spare tire, jack, and wrench from the spare tire compartment.

   

7. Turn the hex nut on the jack counterclockwise to remove the lug wrench from the jack. This lowers the jack and loosens the mechanical lock.

   

8. Unfold the wrench for use.

   

9. If your vehicle has wheel trim covering the lug nuts, use the tool attached to the spare wheel retainer to remove the wheel trim.

   

10. If jacking on the roadside shoulder, set the warning triangle upright on the shoulder in the direction of oncoming traffic if the vehicle has a warning triangle.
11. Loosen each wheel lug nut one-half turn counterclockwise, but do not remove them until you raise the wheel off the ground.

    

12. You can identify the vehicle jacking points by the triangle markings on the molding as shown. The triangle marking may be on the side or the underside of the molding. On vehicles without moldings, a pair of arrows on the metal flange pointing to the jacking point between them identifies the jacking points. The warning label on the jack depicts the details.

    

13. Place the jack at the jacking point next to the tire you are changing. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the wheel is completely off the ground.
14. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
15. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until you lower the wheel. If you are using the temporary tire, the lug nut washers do not appear to be flush with the rim. This is normal only when using the temporary spare tire.
16. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
17. Remove the jack and fully tighten the lug nuts in the order shown.

    

18. To store the folded wrench on the jack, engage the bracket of the jack base on the wrench feature as shown. Swing the wrench upward and adjust the height of the jack until the pin engages the hole. Tighten the hex nut clockwise by hand until secure.

    

19. Put the flat tire, jack and lug wrench away. Make sure the jack is fastened securely before you drive.
20. Unblock the wheel and retrieve the warning triangle.