2003 FORD E-150 brakes

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.
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.
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Driving
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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.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1)
on very steep hills.Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•
The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions,
at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider refilling your rear
axle with synthetic gear lube. Refer to theMaintenance and
specificationschapter for the lubricant specification.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
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5. Recheck the fluid level on the dipstick. Do not add fluid if the level is
between the arrows in the FULL COLD range.
6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir.
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels below the“MAX”line
that do not trigger the brake system
warning lamp are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range,
the performance of your brake system could be compromised, seek
service from your dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for maintenance
intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with universal joints
equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
MAX
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................93
and child safety seats ..............95
description ................................93
disposal ......................................97
driver air bag ............................95
indicator light ...........................97
operation ...................................95
passenger air bag .....................95
Air cleaner filter .......203–204, 210
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................184
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................116–117
Audio system
(see Radio) ................16, 18, 21, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................120
fluid, adding ............................201
fluid, checking ........................201
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
fluid, specification ..................218
Auxiliary power point .................67
Axle
lubricant specifications ..215, 218
refill capacities ........................211
traction lok ..............................118
B
Battery .......................................179
acid, treating emergencies .....179
disconnecting ..........................181
jumping a disabled battery ....152
maintenance-free ....................179replacement, specifications ...210
servicing ..................................179
BeltMinder ...................................89
Brakes ........................................116
anti-lock ...........................116–117
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................117
fluid, checking and adding ....201
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
fluid, specifications .........215, 218
lubricant specifications ..215, 218
parking ....................................117
shift interlock ..........................119
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................57
C
Calculating load ........................126
Capacities for refilling fluids ....211
Cassette tape player ...................25
CD-single premium .........16, 18, 21
Cell phone use ............................67
Child safety restraints ................98
child safety belts ......................98
Child safety seats ......................101
in front seat ............................103
in rear seat ..............................103
tether anchorage hardware ...105
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............168
exterior ....................................171
instrument panel ....................170
interior .....................................170
interior trim ............................170
plastic parts ............................169
safety belts ..............................170
washing ....................................167
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
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J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......152
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........113
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................57
cargo lamps ...............................55
daytime running light ...............54
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........55
instrument panel, dimming .....55
interior lamps ...........................56
replacing bulbs ...................57–61
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................55
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........117
Load limits .................................124
GAWR ......................................124
GVWR ......................................124
trailer towing ..........................124
Loading instructions .................126
Lubricant specifications ...215, 218
Lumbar support, seats ...............78
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................69
side view mirrors (power) .......68
Motorcraft parts ................194, 210O
Octane rating ............................193
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................176
P
Parking brake ............................117
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....210
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................141
Power door locks ........................73
Power point .................................67
Power steering ..........................118
fluid, checking and adding ....200
fluid, refill capacity ................211
fluid, specifications .........215, 218
Power Windows ...........................68
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................118
R
Radio ..........................16, 18, 21, 25
Relays ................................138, 143
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................76
locking/unlocking doors ...........73
Roadside assistance ..................135
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............92
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................83–85, 87
Safety defects, reporting ..........166
2003 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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