When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position
without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
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2 (Second)
This position allows for second gear only.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use to start-up on slippery roads.
•To return to
(Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the
(Overdrive) position.
•Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transmission to
downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)
when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
Shift strategy (4R100 automatic transmission)
To account for customer driving habits and conditions, your 4R100
automatic transmission electronically controls the shift quality by using
an adaptive learning strategy. The adaptive learning strategy is
maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected
or a new battery is installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive
strategy. Optimal shifting will resume within a few hundred kilometers
(miles) of operation.
If the shift quality does not improve within a few hundred
kilometers (miles) of operation, or if the downshifts and other
throttle conditions do not function normally, see your dealer or a
qualified service technician as soon as possible.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
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•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting from forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do not
stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep water
where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water
into the transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
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EMERGENCY MANEUVERS
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid“over-driving”your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility and
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
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.
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Wagon (12 passenger) (8600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.73/4.10 5897 (13000) 3130 (6900) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Regular Wagon (12 passenger) (8600 GVWR)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (12 passenger) (9300 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2585 (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 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (15 passenger) (9100 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55 5443 (12000) 2540 (5600) 5.52 (60)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 2994 (6600) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Extended Wagon (15 passenger) (9300 GVWR)
6.8L 3.73 6804 (15000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, single rear wheel) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3629 (8000) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10700 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (158”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Cutaway (176”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10/4.56 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10/4.56 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
E-350 Cutaway (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (138”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (10700 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3583 (7900) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (158”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (176”wheelbase, dual rear wheel) (11500 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10/4.56 5897 (13000) 3538 (7800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10/4.56 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-250 Stripped Chassis (Single rear wheel) (8600 GVWR)
4.2L 4.09 4990 (11000) 3311 (7300) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138”wheelbase) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55/4.10 5897 (13000) 3992 (8800) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158”wheelbase) (9600 GVWR)
5.4L 3.55/4.10 5897 (13000) 3946 (8700) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (138”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (158”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-350 Chassis Cab (158”wheelbase) (11000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3856 (8500) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
Loaded Trailer
Weight - kg
(lbs.)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - m
2(ft2)
E-350 Stripped Chassis (176”wheelbase) (10000 GVWR)
5.4L 4.10 5897 (13000) 3810 (8400) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.10 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Cutaway and Chassis Cab (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
6.8L 4.10/4.56 9072 (20000) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
5.4L 4.56 5897 (13000) 3719 (8200) 5.52 (60)
6.8L 4.56 8391 (18500) 4536 (10000) 5.52 (60)
E-550 (all wheelbases, all GVWRs)
6.8L 4.88 9072 (20000) 4536 (10000) 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.
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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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