
If the steering wanders or pulls
This condition can be caused by any of the following conditions:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²Front end out of alignment
²Total vehicle out of alignment (i.e. rear axle[s] out of alignment with
front axle)
²Improper adjustment in the steering gear
²Vehicle overloaded or unevenly loaded
²High crosswinds
²High crown in center of road
²Components in steering linkage loose or worn
²Wheel bearings improperly adjusted
²Excessive lash in steering shaft or universal joints
If the vehicle steers hard
Hard steering can be caused by any of the following conditions:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
²Vehicle overload
²Misalignment of the front tires
²Lack of lubricant in the front spindle bearings or linkage components
²Low oil level in the power steering system
²Broken or loose power steering pump direct drive connection
²Malfunctioning relief valve in power steering gear or steering pump
²Malfunctioning power steering pump
²Restriction in power steering lines
²Improperly set turn stops
²Air entrapped in power steering system fluid
AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The on-highway air suspension system is designed to provide a superior
ride, outstanding driver comfort while minimizing wear on the cab, frame
and payload.
The height control valve automatically keeps the vehicle at a constant
level due to load changes and uneven road surfaces.
Driving
125

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:
²Avoid changes in speed as much as possible.
²Anticipate changing traffic conditions. Sudden stops and fast
acceleration waste fuel.
²Avoid extensive idling.
²Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal.
WINTER FRONTS
If using an aftermarket winter front (not recommended), it must have a
permanent opening directly in line with the center of the fan drive. The
minimum opening size must be at least 774 square cm (120 square inches).
The use of an aftermarket winter front or other air flow restriction
device mounted in front of the radiator is not recommended on vehicles
equipped with chassis mounted air-to-air aftercooling. Air flow restriction
will cause high exhaust temperatures, power loss, excessive fan usage
and a reduction in fuel economy.
Driving
141

Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle's fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style Ð 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
²Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
²
Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel economy.
²Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
²Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
²Slow down gradually.
²Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 88 km/h [55 mph] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 105 km/h [65 mph]).
²Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
Conditions
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Flat terrain driving improves fuel economy over hilly roads.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the accelerator.
²Close windows for highway driving.
Maintenance and care
191

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.
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.
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.
Repairing paint chips
Minor scratches or paint damage from road debris may be repaired with the
Ultra Touch Prep and Finishing Kit (#F7AZ-19K507±BA), Lacquer Touch-up
Paint (#ALBZ-19500±XXXXA), or Exterior Acrylic Spray Lacquer
(#ALAZ-19500±XXXXA) from the Ford Car Care Chemicals line. Please note
that the part numbers (shown as XXXX above) will vary with your vehicle's
specific coloring. Observe the application instructions on the products.
Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect remains, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout immediately.
Maintenance and care
197

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
207

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:
²Short trips oflessthan 16 km (ten miles) when outside temperatures
remain below freezing.
²Operating duringhot weatherin stop-and-go ªrush hourº traffic.
²Operating in severe dust conditions.
²Extensive idling, or low speed operation such as door-to-door delivery
service.
²High speed operation with a fully loaded vehicle (max. GVW).
²Snowplowing.
Perform the following:
²Change engine oil and oil filter every three months, 8 000 km
(5 000 miles) or 125 hours of engine service.
²If 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.
²Lube the manual transmission and the rear axle every 48 279 km
(30 000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
²See the Allison, Cummins and Caterpillar Operator's Manual.
General maintenance information
211

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:
²Frequent brake applications while fully loaded.
²Operation on hilly or mountainous terrain.
²Frequent operation on dirt, gravel or mud.
Some aftermarket brake linings also require more frequent inspections.
General maintenance information
212

The use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without proper conversion may
damage the effectiveness of your emission control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of
Canada is not responsible for any damage caused by use of improper
fuel.
In the United States, using leaded fuel may also result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into the U.S.
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in
Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the
nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, write or call:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
WORLDWIDE DIRECT MARKET OPERATIONS
1555 Fairlane Drive
Fairlane Business Park #3
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (313) 594-4857
FAX: (313) 390-0804
If you are in another foreign country, contact the nearest Ford
dealership. If the dealership employees cannot help you, they can direct
you to the nearest Ford affiliate office.
If you buy your vehicle in North America and then relocate outside of
the U.S. or Canada, register your vehicle identification number (VIN) and
new address with Ford Motor Company Worldwide Direct Market
Operations.
FORD CAR CARE PRODUCTS FOR YOUR VEHICLE
Ford has many quality products available from your dealer to clean your
vehicle and protect its finishes. These quality products have been
specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom
designed to complement the style and appearance of your vehicle. Each
product is made from high quality materials and that meet or exceed
Ford's rigid specifications. For best results, use the following or products
of equivalent quality:
Ford Custom Clearcoat Polish*
Ford Custom Silicone Gloss Polish
Ford Custom Vinyl Protectant* (not available in Canada)
Motorcraft Vinyl Conditioner (Canada only)
Customer assistance
233