1996 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

53
*
[DR11100( ALL)06/94]
Forced Downshifts
*
[DR11200( ALL)04/95]
To gain extra acceleration injOverdrive or
Drive (O/D OFF), push the accelerator to the
floor. The transmission will automatically
downshift to the appropriate gear: third, second
or first.
*
[DR11235( ALL)03/94]
Power Braking
*
[DR11275( ALL)03/94]
Increasing the engine speed above idle without
vehicle movement (such as holding the brake) in
a forward or reverse gear causes transmission
stall.
*
[DR11285( ALL)03/94]
NOTE: Continued operation in the stall
condition can result in transmission
overheat, malfunction or fluid
expulsion.
%
*
[DR15915( ALL)01/95]
Steering Your Vehicle
%*
[DR15945( ALL)01/95]
Your vehicle comes with power steering. Power
steering uses energy from the engine to help
steer your vehicle.
%*
[DR15950( ALL)04/95]
If the amount of effort needed to steer your
vehicle changes at a constant vehicle speed, have
the power steering system checked. If the power
steering system breaks down (or if the engine is
turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually
but it takes more effort.
*
[DR15960( ALL)01/95]
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme
right or left for more than five seconds if the
engine is running. This can damage the power
steering pump.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

54
*
[DR15985( ALL)05/90]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, sliding into
curbs on icy roads, or a collision
involving the front end, observe the
steering wheel alignment. If the spokes
of the steering wheel seem to be in a
different position while going straight
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
*
[DR21400( ALL)03/95]
Brakes
[DR21410( M)06/90]
Your vehicle is equipped with the following
features:
[DR21420( M)06/90]
q
Front self-adjusting disc brakes.
[DR21430( M)06/90]
q
Rear self-adjusting disc brakes.
[DR21440( M)06/90]
q
Independent front and rear hydraulic brake
circuits with a common fluid reservoir and
fluid level sensor in the master cylinder.
[DR21450( M)06/90]
q
Hydro boost.
[DR21460( M)06/90]
q
Parking brake.
*
[DR21500( ALL)01/93]
Front Disc Brakes
*
[DR21600( ALL)03/94]
The front disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of caliper slide rails and inspection
for pad wear.
*
[DR22035( M)07/93]
Rear Disc Brakes
*
[DR22050( EFM)04/95]
The rear disc brakes are self-adjusting. They do
not require service other than periodic
lubrication of the caliper slide rails and
inspection for pad wear.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

55
*
[DR22100( ALL)11/89]
Hydraulic Power Brakes
[DR22250( M)06/90]
The hydraulic brake system is made up of two
independent hydraulic circuits. One hydraulic
circuit supplies fluid to the front disc brakes and
the other hydraulic circuit supplies fluid to the
rear disc brakes. These two circuits are supplied
by a common hydraulic brake fluid reservoir,
with a fluid level sensor.
*
[DR22300( ALL)11/89]
The brake light in the instrument cluster will
light for low brake fluid in the common brake
fluid reservoir.
*
[DR22400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
An increase in pedal travel will result in
reduced braking capability. The brake
system should be checked immediately.
[DR22430( E M)04/95]
Hydraulic Brake Booster System
(Hydro Boost)
[DR22460( E M)04/95]
The Hydro Boost system receives its source of
power from the power steering system pump.
%*
[DR23000(BE M)12/89]
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well or Pedal is
ªLowº
*
[DR23250( ALL)11/89]
If during normal operation the brake pedal
seems ªlowº, it may indicate the need for a
brake system inspection and/or service. You
should have your brakes checked as soon as
possible.
*
[DR23300( ALL)02/95]
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes annoyingly loud or increases
significantly in frequency of occurrence, return
the vehicle to your dealer for inspection.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

56 %
*
[DR24000( ALL)01/93]
Stopping Distances
*
[DR24100( ALL)11/89]
Stopping distances vary with different loads and
driving conditions. Use caution when
encountering new conditions and acquaint
yourself with vehicle performance. Take full
advantage of engine braking power when
slowing down.
%*
[DR24200( ALL)01/95]
Applying the Brakes
*
[DR24300( ALL)05/95]
Apply the brake pedal gradually. Use the
ªsqueezeº technique Ð push on the brake pedal
with a steadily increasing force. This allows the
wheels to continue to roll while you are slowing
down, which lets you steer properly.
*
[DR24400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. This will increase your
vehicle's stopping distance and may also
cause brake damage.
*
[DR24500( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
[DR24550( M)06/90]
When front or rear brake linings are replaced, it
is essential that authorized Ford service
replacement or equivalent linings be installed.
This will assure that the vehicle stopping
distances are not adversely affected and will
maintain the proper balance between front and
rear wheel braking.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

57
%*
[DR24600( ALL)03/95]
Using the Parking Brake
[DR24830( E M)06/92]
The parking brake pedal is suspended just below
the bottom of the instrument panel to the left of
the service brake. 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 with your left
foot.
[DR24860( M)06/90]
The BRAKE warning light will go on as soon as
you start to move the parking brake pedal. The
brake will not prevent the vehicle from moving
unless you push it down firmly and fully.
Remove your foot from the service brake pedal
and make sure there is no vehicle movement.
*
[DR24920(B FM)07/91]
one third page art:0020893-A
Parking Brake
*
[DR24960( E M)05/95]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[DR25000(B FM)03/93]
To release the parking brake, press the service
brake pedal with your right foot and pull the
parking brake release lever.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

58
*
[DR25050( ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
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.
*
[DR25100( ALL)01/95]
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 transmission
mounted parking brake assembly, the stopping
distance will increase greatly and the handling
of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
[DR25130( M)06/90]
Checking Parking Brake and Transmission
Park Mechanism
[DR25160( M)06/90]
Periodically check the holding ability of the
parking brake by stopping on a steep hill and
restraining the vehicle by using only the parking
brake with the transmission in N (Neutral).
Check the holding ability of the P (Park)
mechanism (automatic transmissions) by
releasing all brakes after moving the
transmission selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

59
%*
[DR25200( ALL)01/95]
Driving Under Special Conditions
*
[DR25250( ALL)01/95]
Tips for Safe Driving
*
[DR25301( ALL)05/95]
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.
*
[DR25350( ALL)03/95]
Operate your vehicle within reasonable limits.
Sudden acceleration, deceleration, turning, or
combinations of these maneuvers can cause a
vehicle to behave differently than anticipated.
*
[DR25501( ALL)02/95]
Wheel Spin
*
[DR25550( ALL)11/92]
q
Extreme acceleration can cause the rear
wheels to spin, perhaps resulting in reduced
steering control.
*
[DR25601( ALL)05/90]
If the wheels spin during vehicle start-up, shift
to a different gear:
*
[DR25800( ALL)03/93]
q
Electronic 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
E4OD: use 2 (Second)
*
[DR26301( ALL)01/89]
Move forward slowly and evenly. If this does
not work, try rocking the vehicle.
%*
[DR26550( ALL)05/90]
High Speed Driving
*
[DR26575( ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying
posted speed limits.
*
[DR26601( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
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.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995

60 %
*
[DR26701( ALL)01/95]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[DR26750( ALL)01/95]
Slippery roads
*
[DR26801( ALL)03/95]
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads:
*
[DR26850( ALL)03/95]
q
Do not quickly move the steering wheel
unless necessary.
*
[DR26901( ALL)01/95]
q
Drive slower than you normally would.
*
[DR26951( ALL)01/95]
q
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[DR27001( M)10/94]
q
Pump the brake pedal steadily and evenly to
avoid locking your front wheels
*
[DR27025( ALL)05/95]
q
To stop on ice, shift to N (Neutral) below 10
mph (16 km/h) and gently pump brakes.
*
[DR27050( ALL)02/93]
q
Consider using one of the lower gears.
*
[DR27201( E M)01/93]
RWARNING
To avoid skidding and losing control on
slippery roads, do not downshift into First
(1) when you are moving faster than
20 mph (32 km/h).
%*
[DR27651( ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR27675( ALL)06/92]
Never attempt to cross water that is fast flowing
or of unknown depth.
*
[DR27701( ALL)05/90]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel hubs.
*
[DR27750( ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
File:ltdrm.ex
Update:Tue Jun 20 16:46:11 1995