2001 FORD F250 brakes

If your vehicle is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS), apply the brakes as you normally would. In order to allow the
ABS to operate properly, keep steady pressure on the brake pedal.
When driving on snow or ice with either braking system, allow more
stopping distance and drive slower than usual. Consider using one of the
lower gears.
VEHICLE LOADING
Before loading a vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms:
•Base Curb Weight:Weight of the vehicle including any standard
equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc. It does not include occupants or
aftermarket equipment.
•Payload:Combined maximum allowable weight of cargo, occupants
and optional equipment. The payload equals the gross vehicle weight
rating minus base curb weight.
•GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight):Base curb weight plus payload
weight. The GVW is not a limit or a specification.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum permissable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum permissable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer
•Maximum 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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Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling cargo and people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1.
Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart to find the maximum GCWR for your type engine and rear axle ratio.
2. 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.
3. 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 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.
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TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a
Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth
wheel 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.
2nd unit bodies are not included in
maximum trailer weight ratings.
Weight of additional “body” must be
subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight could result in engine damage, transmission/axle damage,
structural damage, loss of control, and personal injury.
F-250 w/manual transmission
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg (lbs.)Maximum trailer
weight - kg (lbs.)
1
5.4L 3.73 6 124 (13 500) 4 536 (10 000)
5.4L 4.10 6 804 (15 000) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 3.73 7 484 (16 500) 4 536 (10 000)
6.8L 4.30 8 165 (18 000) 4 536 (10 000)
1Conventional/Class IV trailer hitch only. Fifth wheel trailer maximum
weights can be calculated by subtracting GVW from GCWR.
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Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 2.
Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle
is higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the
load equalizing hitch and may cause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
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BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Brake fluid should be checked and
refilled as needed. Refer to the
scheduled maintenance guide for
the service interval schedules.
1. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specification ESA-M6C25–A. Refer toLubricant
specificationsin theCapacities and specificationschapter.
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.
M
A
X
Maintenance and care
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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) and fold in the side
view mirrors 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.
Underbody
Flush the complete underside of vehicle frequently. Keep body drain
holes unplugged. Inspect for road damage.
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.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................80
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........................107
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............................107
disposal ....................................111
driver air bag ..........................109
indicator light ...................11, 111
operation .................................109
passenger air bag ...................109
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................112
Air cleaner filter .......217–218, 249
Air conditioning ..........................29
Ambulance packages ....................4
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................206
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................131–132
Audio system (see Radio) ...35, 56
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................137
fluid, adding ............................214
fluid, checking ........................214
fluid, refill capacities ..............249
fluid, specification ..................256
Auxiliary power point ...........29, 83
Axle
lubricant specifications ..253, 256
refill capacities ........................249
traction lok ..............................134
B
Battery .......................................219acid, treating emergencies .....219
charging system
warning light .............................13
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................219
replacement, specifications ...249
servicing ..................................219
voltage gauge ............................19
Belt minder ...............................103
Brakes ........................................131
anti-lock ...........................131–132
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light .........13, 132
brake warning light ..................12
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............249
fluid, specifications .........253, 256
lubricant specifications ..253, 256
parking ....................................133
pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) ...............................26
shift interlock ..........................136
Break-in period .............................3
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....249
Certification Label ....................261
Child safety restraints ..............117
child safety belts ....................117
Child safety seats ......................118
attaching with tether straps ..122
in front seat ............................119
in rear seat ..............................119
tether anchorage hardware ...122
Cleaning your vehicle ...............243
engine compartment ..............246
exterior ............................244–245
exterior lamps .........................246
Index
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calculating .......................154, 156
definition .................................154
driving with a heavy load ......154
location ....................................154
H
Hazard flashers .........................168
Headlamps ...................................24
aiming ......................................243
autolamp system .......................24
daytime running lights .............25
flash to pass ..............................25
high beam ...........................13, 25
replacing bulbs ...............237–238
turning on and off ....................24
warning chime ..........................15
Heating ........................................29
heater only system ...................29
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................31
Hood ..........................................199
I
Ignition .................................71, 256
removing the key ....................144
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................118
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................236
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................247
cluster ................................10, 247
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................26
location of components ............10J
Jack ............................................179
positioning ...............................179
storage .....................................179
Jump-starting your vehicle ......191
K
Keys
key in ignition chime ...............15
positions of the ignition ...........71
removing from the ignition ....144
L
Lamps
autolamp system ...............24, 237
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................243
cargo lamps ...............................26
daytime running light ...............25
fog lamps ...................................26
headlamps .................................24
headlamps, flash to pass ..........25
instrument panel, dimming .....26
replacing bulbs ...............237–242
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................72
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
air bag ........................................11
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ....13, 132
brake ..........................................12
charging system ........................13
check coolant ............................14
cruise indicator .........................14
door ajar ....................................14
engine oil pressure ...................14
high beam .................................13
low fuel ......................................10
Index
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