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Drain all the air brake reservoirs
daily, completely to 0 kPa/psi, by
opening the draincock at the bottom
of the tanks. Close draincock after
complete draining. Air tanks
equipped with automatic moisture
ejector valves may also be drained
manually as required to maintain a
dry air system. Contact your dealer
if you are unsure of the air reservoir
locations or the draining procedure.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.
Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. This action
could damage the power steering pump.
Suspension and steering
The suspension and steering linkage in your vehicle should be inspected
periodically for the following:
²Spring leaf damage
²Spring sag
²Abnormal looseness
²Damaged seals
The following changes indicate a need to inspect and service your
vehicle:
²Changes in steering action
²Hard steering
²Excessive free play
²Unusual sounds when turning or parking
If the steering wanders or pulls
This condition can be caused by any of the following conditions:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
Driving
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![FORD F650 2002 10.G Owners Manual 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
² FORD F650 2002 10.G Owners Manual 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
²](/manual-img/11/5068/w960_5068-130.png)
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
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²The hazard lights control is
located on top of the steering
column.
²Depress hazard lights control to
activate all hazard flashers
simultaneously.
²Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Fuses
If electrical components in the
vehicle are not working, a fuse may
have blown. Blown fuses are
identified by a broken wire within
the fuse. Check the appropriate
fuses before replacing any electrical
components.
Note:Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified amperage
rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire
damage and could start a fire.
15
Roadside Emergencies
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Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey Ð Ð Ð
3A Violet Violet Ð Ð Ð
4A Pink Pink Ð Ð Ð
5A Tan Tan Ð Ð Ð
7.5A Brown Brown Ð Ð Ð
10A Red Red Ð Ð Ð
15A Blue Blue Ð Ð Ð
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural Ð Ð Ð
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A Ð Ð Orange Green Green
50A Ð Ð Red Red Red
60A Ð Ð Blue Ð Yellow
70A Ð Ð Tan Ð Brown
80A Ð Ð Natural Ð Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
Roadside Emergencies
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²To tow a vehicle on the front wheels,the steering wheel must be
in the straight ahead position. Secure the steering wheel with a
holding device (such as provided by a towing company).
²To tow a vehicle on the rear wheels,it will be necessary to remove
the drive axles or disconnect the driveshaft. If the drive axles are
removed, the ends of the axle housing must be sealed to prevent the
loss of axle lubricant during towing.
²To tow a vehicle with an inoperative rear axle,the rear wheels
must be raised onto a dolly or tow the vehicle on the front wheels.
²If your vehicle is equipped with tow hooks,chains must be
fastened directly to the tow hooks on the vehicle.
²If your vehicle is not equipped with tow hooks,chains must be
routed under the bottom edge of the bumper with a protection bar to
protect the bumper, and attached to the vehicle chassis. Under no
circumstances is the vehicle to be lifted or towed by attaching chains
directly to the bumper.
Raising the vehicle
Never lift the vehicle by the bumper. When raising the vehicle, attach
chains to or place the jack(s) directly beneath the main structural
members of the vehicle.
Push-starting your vehicle
Avoid attempting to start a vehicle by pushing. Instead, use jumper
cables as described underJump starting your vehiclein this chapter.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission cannot be started by pushing.
Roadside Emergencies
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Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
Cleaning the instrument cluster lens
Wipe the cluster area with a soft, damp cotton towel. Dry the area with a
clean, dry towel.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR FABRIC, CARPETS AND CLOTH SEATS
Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Remove light stains
and soil with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
Never saturate the seat covers with cleaning solution.
Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which
can stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardent
abilities of the seat materials.
If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first with
Spot and Stain Remover (F3AZ-19521±WA). Follow up by recleaning the
area with Extra Strength Upholstery Cleaner (E8AZ-19523±AA).
CLEANING LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles with leather seating surfaces have
a clear, protective coating over the leather.
To clean the leather seats, simply use a soft cloth with Deluxe Leather
and Vinyl Cleaner (F2AZ-19521±WA). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
It is recommended that you use the Deluxe Leather Care Kit
(F8AZ-19G253±AA), available from your authorized Ford, Lincoln or
Mercury dealer. The mild cleaner and special pad available in the kit
cleans the leather and maintains its natural beauty. For best results,
follow the instructions printed on the cleaner label. Regular cleaning of
your leather upholstery helps maintain its resiliency and color.
Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions,
solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or
oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners. These products may
cause premature wearing of the clear, protective coating.
Cleaning
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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.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Checking power steering fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. Refer
to the scheduled maintenance guide for the recommended service
intervals. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONtAT F.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission)
and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the top of the power
steering fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the dipstick from the
reservoir and wipe the dipstick
clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
²If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 20ÉC - 49ÉC (68ÉF
- 120ÉF) (fluid cool or warm to
the touch), check the COLD side
of the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range
²If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
ADD MAX. COLDFULL
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²If the fluid temperature is at
approximately 80ÉC - 110ÉC
(176ÉF - 230ÉF) (fluid too hot
to touch), check the HOT side of
the dipstick. The fluid level
should be within the FULL range.
²If the fluid level is below the ADD
line, add fluid in small amounts,
continuously checking the level until it reaches the proper level.
A low fluid level may indicate a leak in the power steering system.
Inspect the power steering system and repair the leak. If necessary, see
your dealer or a qualified service technician.
To avoid damage to the power steering system,do notoperate the
vehicle with a low power steering fluid level.
Whenever the dipstick is installed, make sure it is properly seated and
tightened securely.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toLubricant Specificationsin this chapter.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
ADD MAX. HOTFULL
Maintenance and Specifications
206