2003 FORD E SERIES brakes

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 the
Maintenance 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.
•When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, place
the gearshift in P (Park) and increase idle speed. This aids engine
cooling and air conditioner efficiency.
Driving
135

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.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
MAX
Maintenance and Specifications
204

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................91
and child safety seats ..............93
description ................................91
disposal ......................................95
driver air bag ............................93
indicator light ...........................95
operation ...................................93
passenger air bag .....................93
Air cleaner filter ...............206, 212
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................187
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................114–115
Audio system
(see Radio) ................15, 17, 20, 24
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................118
fluid, adding ............................204
fluid, checking ........................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............213
fluid, specification ..................220
Auxiliary power point .................65
Axle
lubricant specifications ..217, 220
refill capacities ........................213
traction lok ..............................116
B
Battery .......................................182
acid, treating emergencies .....182
disconnecting ..........................184
jumping a disabled battery ....155
maintenance-free ....................182
replacement, specifications ...212servicing ..................................182
BeltMinder ...................................86
Brakes ........................................114
anti-lock ...........................114–115
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................114
fluid, checking and adding ....204
fluid, refill capacities ..............213
fluid, specifications .........217, 220
lubricant specifications ..217, 220
parking ....................................115
shift interlock ..........................117
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................55
C
Calculating load ........................124
Capacities for refilling fluids ....213
Cassette tape player ...................24
CD-single premium .........15, 17, 20
Cell phone use ............................65
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ........................99
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
tether anchorage hardware ...103
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............171
exterior ....................................174
instrument panel ....................173
interior .....................................173
interior trim ............................173
plastic parts ............................172
washing ....................................170
waxing .....................................170
wheels ......................................171
Index
227

L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................55
cargo lamps ...............................54
daytime running light ...............53
headlamps .................................53
headlamps, flash to pass ..........54
instrument panel, dimming .....54
interior lamps ...........................55
replacing bulbs ...................55–60
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................54
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........114
speed control ............................69
Load limits .................................122
GAWR ......................................122
GVWR ......................................122
trailer towing ..........................122
Loading instructions .................124
Lubricant specifications ...217, 220
Lumbar support, seats ...............76
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................67
side view mirrors (power) .......66
Motorcraft parts ................198, 212
O
Octane rating ............................197
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................179
P
Parking brake ............................115Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....212
Power distribution box (see
Fuses) ........................................144
Power door locks ........................71
Power point .................................65
Power steering ..........................115
fluid, checking and adding ....203
fluid, refill capacity ................213
fluid, specifications .........217, 220
Power Windows ...........................66
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................116
R
Radio ..........................15, 17, 20, 24
Relays ................................140, 147
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................74
locking/unlocking doors ...........71
Roadside assistance ..................137
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................80, 82–85
Safety defects, reporting ..........169
Safety restraints ..............80, 82–85
belt minder ...............................86
cleaning the safety belts ..........90
extension assembly ..................90
for adults .............................82–84
for children .........................95–96
lap belt ......................................85
warning light and chime ..........86
Safety seats for children ............99
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................80
Index
230