
Burnish procedure
For optimal performance of a new parking brake system/new linings
perform the following procedure:
1. Make ten stops from 40 km/h (20 mph) with the parking brake lever
force set at 18kg (40 lbs).
2. While driving the vehicle at 40 km/h (20 mph) apply the parking brake
(with applicable force to set to approximately 18kg [40 lbs.]). Allow the
vehicle to come to a complete stop, release the parking brake.
3. Drive 16.8 km (1.5 miles) to cool the brakes.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 ten times.
AIR BRAKES (if equipped)
Foot service brakes
Air brakes are operated by a
standard dash-mounted foot pedal.
All standard equipment brakes are
designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when
required, occurs whenever the
brakes are applied and released
during forward or reverse operation.
Know the required stopping
distances for all driving conditions
that may be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage
of engine braking power when coming to a stop.
Before descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will
result in abnormally high brake temperatures, excessive lining
wear and increased stopping distances.
Continuous application of the brakes will cause the brakes to
overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
Occasional or intermittent brake squeal may result from environmental
conditions such as cold, hot, wet, snow, salt, mud, etc. This condition will
Driving
87
![FORD F650 2000 10.G Owners Manual When air pressure is insufficient
(below 534 kPa [60 psi]), a warning
light illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the ignition is in the
ON position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake app FORD F650 2000 10.G Owners Manual When air pressure is insufficient
(below 534 kPa [60 psi]), a warning
light illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the ignition is in the
ON position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake app](/manual-img/11/5066/w960_5066-88.png)
When air pressure is insufficient
(below 534 kPa [60 psi]), a warning
light illuminates and a buzzer
sounds when the ignition is in the
ON position.
This condition may be caused by excessive brake applications depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving the vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system. Do not move the
vehicle in this condition because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplement with brakes as required to safely slow the vehicle and avoid
overspeeding the engine.
Air chamber stroke indication
All Ford air chamber push rods have orange stroke indicator stripes that
alert the operator when the braking system requires adjustment or
repair. The orange stripe is painted on the air chamber push rod at the
slack adjuster readjustment stroke dimension.
Air brake inspection and adjustment should be performed by a qualified
service technician in accordance with the instructions in the Ford Truck
Service Manual.
Cam brakes—automatic slack adjusters
Standard air brakes (cam) are
equipped with automatic brake
adjusters. Automatic adjustment
occurs during forward and reverse
brake applications. Inspect brakes
for proper adjustment at the
intervals listed in the vehicle Service
Maintenance Guide.
!
BRAKE
Driving
89

Parking brake control
Pull the yellow parking brake knob
out to apply the parking brake. Push
the knob in to release the parking
brake.
This control is used for
parking only. Do not leave
the vehicle unattended after
setting the parking brake without
placing the transmission in R
(Reverse) for manual transmission
or N (Neutral) for automatic
transmission. Use of wheel chocks
is also recommended in hilly or
off-road usage.
Releasing spring brake with air pressure
The air system in all vehicles with spring-actuated rear wheel parking
brakes is equipped with a tank valve located on the supply or service air
tank for connection to an outside air supply. The valve permits the
system to be recharged with air from an outside source, releasing the
spring-actuated parking brakes. The vehicle may then be towed in an
emergency.
An outside air source can be used only if the protected system is in
operating condition. If air pressure cannot be restored in the protected
air system, the spring-actuated brakes must be released manually.
Releasing spring brake manually
Do not attempt to disassemble the parking brake chamber under
any circumstances. The high spring load may cause serious
injury if the chamber clamps are removed.
If air pressure is released from the spring brake chamber the power
spring applies the brake and, unless air pressure can be re-established,
the spring brake must be released as follows in order to move the
vehicle.
PARKING
BRAKE
PULL TO
RELEASE
APPLY
PUSH TO
Driving
91

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 vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
FUEL CONSUMPTION IMPROVEMENT MEASURES
There are two important factors you can control to improve fuel
economy: the mechanical condition of your vehicle and how you drive it.
A properly maintained vehicle will deliver better performance than a
neglected vehicle. Always follow your maintenance schedule to keep your
vehicle in top operating condition.
Also, your driving habits have a significant influence on use of fuel. By
following these suggestions, you can stretch your fuel use:
•Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
•Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
•Avoid extensive idling.
•Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
Driving
112

Driving style—good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Conditions
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12–16 km (8–10 miles) of driving.
•Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the accelerator.
•Close windows for highway driving.
EXTERIOR BULBS
Check operation of lamps, safety equipment and warning signals
It is a good safety practice to check operation of headlamps, parking
lamps, turn signals, clearance and marker lamps, instrument panel and
control lamps each day.
Replacing headlamp bulbs
To remove the headlamp bulbs:
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in OFF position.
Maintenance and care
159

GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
The Scheduled Maintenance Services listed in this section are required
because they are considered essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company recommends you perform the Owner Maintenance
Services listed in this section. These services are matters of day-to-day
care that are important to the proper operation of your vehicle. In
addition to the conditions described in the Owner Maintenance Checklist,
be alert for any unusual noise, vibration or other indication that your
vehicle may need service and attend to it promptly.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to Ford specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and
built for best performance in your vehicle. Using these parts for
replacement is your assurance that Ford-Built quality stays in your
vehicle.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance or replacement of the emission control devices (or
systems) in your new Ford Motor Company vehicle (or engine) may be
performed at your expense. These services may be performed by any
automotive repair establishment or individual using automotive parts
equivalent to those with which your vehicle or engine was originally
equipped. If any parts other than Ford, Motorcraft, or Ford authorized,
remanufactured parts are used for maintenance replacements (or for the
service) of components effecting the emission control, the owner should
be assured that such parts are warranted by their manufacturer to be
equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company Parts in performance and
durability. Please consult your warranty information booklet for complete
warranty information.
Authorized dealer maintenance
Your authorized dealer specializes in knowing all about Ford Motor
Company vehicles rather than knowing a little about all makes.
There are Ford or Ford of Canada dealer service shops ready to serve
you wherever you drive in the U.S. or Canada. They stock Ford and
Motorcraft parts, and Ford Chemicals and lubricants. You can be
confident that these meet the same exacting design and quality
standards as those used to build the vehicle originally. Dealer Service
Technicians have available training in the latest product developments
and service techniques.
General maintenance information
175

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Maintenance service adjustments must conform to specifications
contained in this manual, and those shown on the Important Engine
Information Decal. The following services are to be performed at
scheduled intervals because they are considered essential to the life and
performance of your vehicle. Ford recommends that you perform
maintenance on all designated items to achieve best vehicle operation.
Scheduled maintenance beyond 160 930 km (100 000 miles) should be
continued as before 160 930 km (100 000 miles).
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If your driving habitsfrequentlyinclude one or more the following
conditions:
•Short trips oflessthan 16 km (ten miles) when outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
•Operating duringhot weatherin stop-and-go“rush hour”traffic.
•Operating in severe dust conditions.
•Extensive idling, or low speed operation such as door-to-door delivery
service.
•High speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle (max. GVW).
•Snowplowing.
Perform the following:
•Change engine oil and oil filter every three months, 8 000 km (5 000
miles) or 125 hours of engine service.
•If operating in severe dust conditions, replace the air cleaner filter
more often than regular intervals as determined by the air filter
restriction indicator. Make sure that the air filter restriction indicator
is in good working order.
•Lube the manual transmission and the rear axle every 48 279 km
(30 000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
•See the Allison, Cummins and Caterpillar Operator’s Manual.
General maintenance information
179

AIR BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
Failure to maintain proper air brake adjustment can result in
reduction or loss of braking ability.
Air brake inspection and adjustment should be performed by a qualified
service technician in accordance with the instructions in the Ford Truck
Service Manual.
Cam brakes - automatic slack adjusters
Inspect standard air brakes equipped with automatic slack adjusters for
proper brake adjustment every four months or 32 000 km (20 000 miles)
whichever occurs first.
However, more frequent inspection is required if your vehicle’s brakes
are subjected to heavy use or adverse operating conditions such as:
•Frequent brake applications while fully loaded.
•Operation on hilly or mountainous terrain.
•Frequent operation on dirt, gravel or mud.
Some aftermarket brake linings also require more frequent inspections.
General maintenance information
180