2000 FORD E SERIES brakes

Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure your
trailer lamps conform to local and Federal regulations. See your dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and requires only a
ball with a 25.4 mm (one inch) shank diameter. The bumper has a
2 270 kg (5 000 lb.) trailer weight and 227 kg (500 lb.) tongue weight
capability.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
²Ensure that you turn off your speed control. The speed control may
shut off automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
²Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
²Use D (Drive) or a lower gear when towing up or down steep hills.
This will eliminate excessive downshifting and upshifting for optimum
fuel economy and transmission cooling.
²Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1)
on very steep hills.
Driving
124

Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer into the
water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the trailer is removed
from the water.
Recreational towing (all wheels on the ground)
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle on a
trip behind a Motorhome. Follow these guidelines if you have the need
for recreational towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged.
2WD vehicles (with automatic transmissions)
²Place the transmission in N (Neutral)
²Maximum speed is 56 km (35 mph)
²Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles)
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km (35 mph) must be
exceeded, the drive shaft will have to be removed.
Ford recommends the driveshaft be removed/installed only by a qualified
technician. See your local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
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 (for trucks) or the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars).
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.
Driving through deep water where the transmission/transmission
vent tube is submerged may allow water into the transmission
and cause internal transmission damage.
Driving
126

4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid certified to meet Ford specifications.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specifications
chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
If the level is low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir. In very cold
weather, do not fill the reservoir all
the way.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to
Lubricant specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Maintenance and care
157

Washing your vehicle
Wash your vehicle regularly with
cold or lukewarm water. Never use
strong detergents or soap. If your
vehicle is particularly dirty, use a
quality car wash detergent. Always
use a clean sponge, washing glove
or similar device and plenty of water
for best results. To avoid spots,
avoid washing when the hood is still
warm, immediately after or during
exposure to strong sunlight.
During winter months, it is especially important to wash the vehicle on a
regular basis. Large quantities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove and also cause damage to the vehicle.
Any gasoline spilled on the vehicle or deposits such as bird droppings
should be washed and sponged off as soon as possible. Deposits not
removed promptly can cause damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a car
wash. If you have wax applied to the vehicle at a commercial car wash, it
is recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
After washing, apply the brakes several times to dry them.
Waxing your vehicle
Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis will reduce minor scratches and
paint damage.
Wax when water stops beading on the surface. This could be every three
or four months, depending on operating conditions.
Use only carnauba or synthetic-based waxes. Use a cleaning fluid with a
clean cloth to remove any bugs before waxing your vehicle. Use tar
remover to remove any tar spots.
Avoid getting wax on the windshield, or on any surfaces which appear
coarse or bumpy. If you have wax applied at a commercial car wash, it is
recommended that you clean the wiper blades and windshield as
described inCleaning the wiper blades and windshield.
Maintenance and care
194

Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..........................88
and child safety seats ..............90
description ................................88
disposal ......................................93
driver air bag ............................90
indicator light ......................12,92
operation ...................................90
passenger air bag .....................90
Air cleaner filter ................155,199
Air conditioning ..........................18
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................158
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................109,110
Audio system (see Radio) .........25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, adding ............................165
fluid, checking ........................165
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specification ..................206
Auxiliary power point .................24
Axle
lubricant specifications ...203,206
refill capacities ........................200
traction lok ..............................113
Battery .......................................167
acid, treating emergencies .....167
charging system
warning light .............................12
disconnecting ..........................170
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................167
replacement, specifications ...199
servicing ..................................167
voltage gauge ............................16
Belt minder .................................84
Brakes ........................................109
anti-lock ............................109,110anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ......................10,110
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............200
fluid, specifications ..........203,206
lubricant specifications ...203,206
shift interlock ..........................114
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....200
Cassette tape player ...................36
Child safety restraints ................94
child safety belts ......................94
Child safety seats ........................95
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
tether anchorage hardware .....99
Cleaning your vehicle ...............193
engine compartment ..............195
exterior .............................195,198
exterior lamps .........................196
instrument panel ....................197
instrument panel lens ............197
interior .....................................197
plastic parts ............................196
safety belts ..............................198
washing ....................................194
waxing .....................................194
wheels ......................................195
windows ..................................198
wiper blades ............................196
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............18
Clock .............................28,35,45,55
Controls
power seat .................................72
Coolant
checking and adding ..............158
refill capacities .................161,200
specifications ...................203,206
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................59
Index
223

engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................15
engine oil pressure gauge ........15
fuel gauge ..................................14
odometer ...................................16
speedometer .............................14
trip odometer ............................16
GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating) .....118
calculating ...............................120
definition .................................118
driving with a heavy load ......118
location ....................................118
GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) .............118
calculating ........................118,120
definition .................................118
driving with a heavy load ......118
location ....................................118
Hazard flashers .........................128
Headlamps ...................................17
aiming ......................................193
bulb specifications ..................193
daytime running lights .............17
flash to pass ..............................18
high beam ............................13,17
replacing bulbs ................188,190
turning on and off ....................17
warning chime ..........................14
Heating ........................................18
auxiliary heater and air
conditioner ................................23
heater only system ...................18
heating and
air conditioning system ............20
Hood ..........................................151
Ignition .......................................206
positions of the ignition ...........58
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..95
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................187Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................197
cluster .................................10,197
lighting up
panel and interior .....................18
location of components ............10
Jump-starting your vehicle ......144
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............14
positions of the ignition ...........58
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................193
cargo lamps ...............................18
daytime running light ...............17
headlamps .................................17
headlamps, flash to pass ..........18
instrument panel, dimming .....18
interior lamps ...........................65
replacing bulbs ..188,190,191,192
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................59
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) .....10,110
brake ..........................................10
charging system ........................12
check coolant ............................13
engine oil pressure ...................13
high beam .................................13
safety belt .................................12
service engine soon ..................10
turn signal indicator .................13
Load limits .................................118
GAWR ......................................118
GVWR ......................................118
trailer towing ..........................118
Loading instructions .................119
Lubricant specifications ....203,206
Lumbar support, seats ...............73
Mirrors
side view mirrors (power) .......67
Index
225