Locks and Security 97
Keys 97
Locks 97
Anti-theft system 97
Seating and Safety Restraints 101
Seating 101
Safety restraints 109
Air bags 119
Child restraints 124
Driving 136
Starting 136
Brakes 140
Transmission operation 145
Vehicle loading 149
Trailer towing 151
Roadside Emergencies 158
Getting roadside assistance 158
Hazard flasher switch 159
Fuel pump shut-off switch 160
Fuses and relays 161
Changing tires 168
Jump starting 175
Wrecker towing 180
Customer Assistance 181
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 190
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(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:
•driving with a heavy load.
•towing a trailer up or down steep hills.
•additional engine downhill braking is desired. If towing a trailer, refer
toDriving while you towin theTrailer towingsection.
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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internal transmission damage. Have the fluid checked and, if
water is found, replace the fluid.
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 permissible 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 permissible
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.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle (including occupants 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.
•Trailer 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.
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Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR)
chart (in theTrailer Towingsection) 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.
TRAILER TOWING
Refer to7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s
Guide Supplementfor diesel engine towing information.
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.
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 3.55 4536 (10000) 2313 (5100) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2993 (6600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 3130 (6900) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250
4.2L 3.73 4763 (10500) 2359 (5200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3402 (7500) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-250 HD
4.2L 4.09 4990 (11000) 2586 (5700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3402 (7500) 5.52 (60)
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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 4763 (10500) 2313 (5100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3357 (7400) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-250 HD
4.2L 4.09 4990 (11000) 2540 (5600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5897 (13000) 3356 (7400) 5.52 (60)
Regular Van E-350
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2948 (6500) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3402 (7500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4218 (9300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
Super Van E-350
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2858 (6300) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4173 (9200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-150 8 passenger Wagon
4.2L 3.55 4536 (10000) 2132 (4700) 5.52 (60)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 2767 (6100) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2948 (6500) 5.52 (60)
E-350 7 passenger Wagon
5.4L 3.73 5443 (12000) 2812 (6200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
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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 8 passenger Wagon
5.4L 3.73 5443 (12000) 2858 (6300) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4037 (8900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 12 passenger Wagon
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2722 (6000) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 3.73 5443 (12000) 2812 (6200) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3175 (7000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 4037 (8900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
Super E-350 15 passenger Wagon
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2586 (5700) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3039 (6700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3901 (8600) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) * 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8392 (18500) * 5.52 (60)
E-450 Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
6.8L 4.56 9072 (20000) * 5.52 (60)
E-250/350 Stripped Chassis (single rear wheel; 124wheelbase
for E-250 only)
4.2L 4.10 4990 (11000) 1090 (2400) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 1542 (3400) 5.52 (60)
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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 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 1361 (3000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (dual rear wheel)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 1361 (3000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.56 9072 (20000) * 5.52 (60)
E-550 Cutaway (dual rear wheel)
6.8L 4.88/5.38 9072 (20000) * 5.52 (60)
* Maximum trailer weight for all cutaway (E-350 and E-450) vehicles
must be calculated by subtracting the weight of the vehicle (including
incomplete vehicle weight, and payload which includes second unit
body weight, cargo, and passengers) from the GCW. Otherwise,
maximum trailer weight is 4536 kg (10000 lbs).
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 300 meters (1000
ft) elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your
vehicle can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10 to 15% of the total is on the tongue.
Tie down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
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.
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 only requires 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 capacity.
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