1998 FORD E SERIES towing

TheService Engine Soonindicator light illuminates when the ignition is
first turned to the ON position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the
engine is started, one of the engine's emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the Service Engine Soon light illuminates
Light turns on solid:
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause yourService Engine Soonlight to
illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly installing and securely tightening
the gas cap. After three driving cycles without these or any other
temporary malfunctions present, theService Engine Soonlight should
turn off. (A driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by
mixed city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theService Engine Soonlight remains on, have your vehicle serviced
at the first available opportunity.
Light is blinking:
Engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter.
You should drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and
deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced at the first available
opportunity.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Instrumentation
7

(Overdrive)
The normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
(Overdrive) can be deactivated
by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of
the gearshift lever.
The transmission control indicator
light (TCIL) (the word OFF) on the
end of the gearshift lever will
illuminate.
Drive± Not shown on the display. Activate by pressing the Transmission
Control Switch (TCS) on the end of the gearshift lever with the gearshift
in the
position. The TCIL (the word OFF) will illuminate on the
gearshift lever. Transmission operates in gears one through three.
(Drive) provides more engine braking than(Overdrive) and is
useful when:
²driving with a heavy load.
²towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
²additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
toDriving while you towin theTowing a trailerchapter.
To return to
(Overdrive) mode, press the Transmission Control
Switch (TCS). The TCIL (the word OFF) will no longer be illuminated.
Each time the vehicle is started, the transmission will automatically
return to normal overdrive mode.
Every time the vehicle is shut off and restarted, you must press the
transmission control switch to cancel overdrive operation if driving in
overdrive is not desired.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on
slippery roads or to provide
additional engine braking on
downgrades.
OVERDRIVEOFF
OVERDRIVE
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67

1 (First)
Use 1 (Low) to provide maximum
engine braking on steep
downgrades. Upshifts can be made
by shifting to 2 (Second) or to
(Overdrive). Selecting 1 (Low)
at higher speeds causes the transmission to shift to a lower gear, and will
shift to 1 (Low) after vehicle decelerates to the proper speed.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
²Base Curb Weight: Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include passengers or
aftermarket equipment.
²Payload: Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, passengers
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
²GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
²GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): Maximum total weight of
the base vehicle, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. The
GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): Carrying capacity for each
axle system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Label on the driver's door pillar.
²GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): Maximum combined
weight of towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and the
trailer. The GCWR indicates the maximum loaded weight that the
vehicle is allowed to tow.
²Maximum Trailer Weight Rating: Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
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68

²Maximum Trailer Weight: maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including passengers and cargo) is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
²Trailer Weight Range: Specified weight range that the trailer must
fall within that ranges from zero to the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the Safety Compliance Certification Label to find the axle code
number and engine type for your vehicle.
2. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle
ratio.
3. Weigh your vehicle as you customarily operate the vehicle without
cargo. To obtain correct weights, try taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station for trucks.
4. Subtract your loaded vehicle weight from the maximum GCWR on the
following charts. This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow
and must fall below the maximum shown under maximum trailer weight
on the chart.
Driving
69

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Do not drive quickly through standing water, especially if the depth is
unknown. Traction or brake capability may be limited and if the ignition
system gets wet, your engine may stall. Water may also enter your
engine's air intake and severely damage your engine.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
hubs (truck)/wheel rims (car).
Once through the water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop
the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
moving your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake
pedal.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Regular Van E-150
4.2L 3.31 4 082 (9 000) 1 860 (4 100) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.55 4 536 (10 000) 2 313 (5 100) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.31 4 990 (11 000) 2 766 (6 100) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5 216 (11 500) 2 993 (6 600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5 443 (12 000) 3 130 (6 900) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250
4.2L 3.73 4 763 (10 500) 2 359 (5 200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5 897 (13 000) 3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250 HD
4.2L 4.09 4 990 (11 000) 2 586 (5 700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5 897 (13 000) 3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
Super Van E-250
4.2L 3.73 4 763 (10 500) 2 313 (5 100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5 897 (13 000) 3 357 (7 400) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-250 HD
4.2L 4.09 4 990 (11 000) 2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5 897 (13 000) 3 356 (7 400) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-350
5.4L 3.55 5 443 (12 000) 2 948 (6 500) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 3 402 (7 500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6 804 (15 000) 4 218 (9 300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.55 7 258 (16 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-350
5.4L 3.55 5 443 (12 000) 2 858 (6 300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 3 311 (7 300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6 804 (15 000) 4 173 (9 200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.55 7 258 (16 000) 4 445 (9 800) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon E-150 (8 passenger)
4.2L 3.31 4 082 (9 000) 1 678 (3 700) 5.52 (60)
4.2L 3.55 4 536 (10 000) 2 132 (4 700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.31 4 990 (11 000) 2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
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71

Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
4.6L 3.55 5 216 (11 500) 2 767 (6 100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5 443 (12 000) 2 948 (6 500) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon Regular E-350 (12 passenger)
5.4L 3.55 5 443 (12 000) 2 722 (6 000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 3 175 (7 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6 804 (15 000) 4 037 (8 900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.55 7 258 (16 000) 4 309 (9 500) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
Club Wagon Super E-350 (15 passenger)
5.4L 3.55 5 443 (12 000) 2 586 (5 700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 3 039 (6 700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6 804 (15 000) 3 901 (8 600) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)3.55 7 258 (16 000) 4 173 (9 200) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 RV Cutaway (single rear wheel)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 717 (10 400)* 5.52 (60)
E-350 RV Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 1 134 (2 500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 3 629 (8 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 309 (9 500) 5.52 (60)
Driving
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Trailer Towing Table
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Trailer weight
range-kg (lbs.)
(0-Maximum)Maximum
Frontal Area
Of Trailer-m
2
(ft2)
E-350 Commercial Cutaway (single rear wheel)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 717 (10 400)* 5.52 (60)
E-350 Commercial Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 1 225 (2 700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 3 720 (8 200) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.10 9 072 (20 000) 4 400 (9 700) 5.52 (60)
E-Super Duty
6.8L 4.63 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
7.3L
(Diesel)4.63 9 072 (20 000) 4 536 (10 000) 5.52 (60)
E-250/350 Stripped Chassis (single rear wheel)
4.2L 4.09 4 990 (11 000) 1 090 (2 400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 1 542 (3 400) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6 804 (15 000) 2 540 (5 600) 5.52 (60)
E-250/350 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.10 5 897 (13 000) 1 361 (3 000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8 392 (18 500) 3 856 (8 500) 5.52 (60)
Maximum loaded trailer weight of 4 717 kg (10 400 lbs.) on 7.3L E350
RV and commercial cutaways (single rear wheel) applicable to fifth
wheel trailer usage only. Otherwise, maximum trailer weight is 4 536 kg
(10 000 lbs.).
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 300 meters
(1 000 ft) elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for you particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your
vehicle can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
Driving
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