
Exhaust brake operating characteristics
When you remove your feet from both the accelerator and clutch pedals
and the exhaust brake switch is in the ON position, the exhaust brake is
activated. The following conditions should exist if the brake is operating
properly:
²A slight change in the sound of the engine when the exhaust brake is
activated.
²Exhaust smoke appears normal.
²Engine temperature remains in the normal operating range.
²Road speed usually decreases when the exhaust brake is applied
during a descent, except when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load or
the grade is extremely steep. In these instances, you may need to
apply the service brakes occasionally.
²During a descent, the tachometer usually shows a drop in RPM
depending on the grade and the vehicle load.
²Do not expect a retarding effect similar to sudden hard application of
the service brakes. The exhaust brake retards the vehicle with a
smooth braking effect.
²Depending on the grade and vehicle load, you may or may not feel the
retarding force acting against your body when the brake is applied.
The brake's retarding force is actually preventing the vehicle from
going much faster.
Make sure the exhaust brake is turned off before shutting off the engine.
Installing an exhaust or auxiliary brake should never allow the
engine to exceed maximum governed speeds under any
conditions.
Air brake reservoir draining
Failure to drain air brake reservoirs can result in a reduction or
loss of braking ability due to fluid accumulation in the reservoir
and/or possible freeze-up during cold weather.
Driving
129

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
130
![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
131

Air suspension dump valve
The dump valve switch activates the
dump valve. The dump valve
releases air from the air springs and
lowers the rear suspension, allowing
you to back under a low trailer
when necessary.
DRIVING WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (IF EQUIPPED)
Allison automatic transmission
Do not allow your vehicle to coast in N (Neutral). Transmission
braking is not available in N (Neutral). Allowing the vehicle to
coast in N (Neutral) could result in loss of vehicle control and severe
transmission damage.
The Allison automatic transmissions are a torque converter type, full
power shifting and fully automatic. They also have the added flexibility
of manually selecting and holding in the lower drive ranges which permit
the drive selection of the most suitable gear range to match varying road
and load conditions. To prevent destructive overspeeding of the engine,
the hold feature is not infinite, resulting in upshifts from the hold range
to the next higher range at some speed above the no-load governed
speed of the engine.
Allison AT-545
These transmissions have no P (Park) position. Before leaving
the driver's seat, always shift into N (Neutral) and set the
parking brake. Shut off the engine and remove your ignition key.
Always use wheel chocks for hilly or off-road parking. Unexpected and
possibly sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are
not taken.
This transmission provides four forward speeds and one reverse range.
Driving
132

3. After starting, run the engine at about 1,000 RPM for 3±5 minutes.
Do not operate the starter longer than 30 seconds. Wait at least
two minutes between starting attempts to allow the starter to
cool. If the engine does not start after several attempts, call for
road service.
Removing the jumper cables
1. Remove the ground connection
from the disabled vehicle first,
followed by the cable on the
negative (-) battery terminal of the
booster vehicle.
2. Remove the cable from the
positive (+) terminal of the
discharged battery and then from
the positive (+) terminal of the
booster battery.
3. After the disabled vehicle has
been started, allow it to idle for a
while so the engine can ªrelearnº its
idle conditions.
WRECKER TOWING
Always unload your vehicle before towing it. The recommended method
of towing is with the drive wheels off the ground.
Before towing, make sure:
²the parking brake is released.
²if air pressure has been lost, to release the brakes manually.
Improper towing of the vehicle will not allow sufficient lubrication of the
transmission which may cause serious damage to internal transmission
components. Always follow the outlined towing procedures.
42
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Roadside Emergencies
163

IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle's applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 29 000 km (18 000 miles), whichever occurs
first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity
likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a
defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of
the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of
more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)
If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect which could cause a crash,
or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying Ford Motor Company.
Customer Assistance
172

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
178

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.
²Steady 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.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
204