2003 FORD F150 transmission

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.
Parking
On some 4WD vehicles, when the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are disconnected from the rest of
the driveline. Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the automatic
transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in gear. Do not
leave the vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N (Neutral)
position. Always set the parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle.
4WD Systems
4WD (when you select a 4WD mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling you to drive over terrain and
road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
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Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant should
be replaced.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly”is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by“treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
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Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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.
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.
•GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating):Maximum allowable total
weight of the base vehicle, occupants, optional equipment and cargo.
The GVWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the Safety
Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating):Carrying capacity for each axle
system. The GAWR is specific to each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Certification Label on the driver’s door pillar.
•GCW (Gross Combined Weight):The combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo) and the loaded trailer.
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•GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating):Maximum allowable
combined weight of towing vehicle (including occupants and cargo)
and the loaded trailer.
•Maximum Trailer Weight Rating:Maximum weight of a trailer the
vehicle is permitted to tow. The maximum trailer weight rating is
determined by subtracting the vehicle curb weight for each
engine/transmission combination, any required option weight for trailer
towing and the weight of the driver from the GCWR for the towing
vehicle.
•Maximum Trailer Weight:Maximum weight of a trailer the loaded
vehicle, including occupants and cargo, is permitted to tow. It is
determined by subtracting the weight of the loaded trailer towing
vehicle from the GCWR for the towing vehicle.
•Trailer Weight Range:Specified range of trailer weight from zero to
the maximum trailer weight rating.
Remember to figure in the tongue load of your loaded trailer when
figuring the total weight.
The Safety Certification Label, located on the driver’s door pillar, lists
vehicle weight rating limitations. Before adding any additional equipment,
refer to these limitations.
Always ensure that the weight of occupants, cargo and equipment is
within the weight limitations, including both gross vehicle weight and
front and rear gross axle weight rating limits.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, and/or personal injury.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the
originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the originals do
not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
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Special loading instructions for owners of pickup trucks and
utility-type vehicles
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, see thePreparing to drive your vehiclesection in
this chapter.
Loaded vehicles may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle can haul more cargo and people than most passenger cars.
Depending upon the type and placement of the load, hauling cargo and
people may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Calculating the load your vehicle can carry/tow
1. Use the appropriate maximum GCWR chart (in theTrailer Towing
section in this chapter) for your type of engine and rear axle ratio.
2. Weigh your vehicle without cargo. To obtain correct weights, take your
vehicle to a shipping company or an inspection station for trucks.
3. Subtract your loaded weight from the maximum GCWR in the chart.
This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle can tow. It must be
below the maximum trailer weight shown in the chart.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle may tow a class I, II or III trailer provided the maximum
trailer weight is less than or equal to the maximum trailer weight listed
for your engine and rear axle ratio on the following charts.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully periodically during, and after any towing operation.
Exceeding the maximum GCWR could result in extensive damage
to your vehicle and personal injury.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
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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.
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.31 4077 (9000) 2132 (4700)
4.2L 3.55 4530 (10000) 2585 (5700)
4.6L 3.08 4530 (10000) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 4763 (10500) 2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.55 5209 (11500) 3261 (7200)
5.4L 3.31 5443 (12000) 3447 (7600)
5.4L 3.55 5897 (13000) 3900 (8600)
5.4L 3.73 6124 (13500) 3992 (8800)
5.4L 4.10 6803 (15000) 3991 (8800)
SuperCab/Super Crew 4x2 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.55 4530 (10000) 2495 (5500)
4.6L 3.08 4530 (10000) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 4763 (10500) 2676 (5900)
4.6L 3.55 5216 (11500) 3130 (6900)/
2994 (6600)
5.4L 3.31 5443 (12000) 3311 (7300)
5.4L 3.55 5897 (13000) 3765 (8300)/
3628 (8000)
5.4L 3.73 6124 (13500) 3900 (8600)
5.4L 4.10 6803 (15000) 3900 (8600)
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Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1588 (3500)
4.6L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1315 (2900)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1588 (3500)
SuperCab 4x2 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1497 (3300)
4.6L 3.08 2944 (6500) 907 (2000)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1179 (2600)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1452 (3200)
Engine Rear axle
ratio/tire size -
cm (inches)Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/automatic transmission
4.2L 3.55/40.6 (16) 4536 (10000) 2449 (5400)
4.6L 3.31/40.6 (16) 4763 (10500) 2630 (5800)
4.6L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5216 (11500) 3084 (6800)
4.6L 3.55/43.2 (17) 4990 (11000) 2858 (6300)
5.4L 3.31/40.6 (16) 5443 (12000) 3266 (7200)
5.4L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5897 (13000) 3720 (8200)
5.4L 3.55/43.2 (17) 5670 (12500) 3493 (7700)
5.4L 3.73/40.6 (16) 6124 (13500) 3810 (8400)
SuperCab/Super Crew 4x4 w/automatic transmission
4.6L 3.31/40.6 (16) 4763 (10500) 2540 (5600)
4.6L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5216 (11500) 2994 (6600)/
2812 (6200)
4.6L 3.55/43.2 (17) 4990 (11000) 2767 (6100)/
2585 (5700)
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Engine Rear axle
ratio/tire size -
cm (inches)Maximum
GCWR-kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg (lbs.)
5.4L 3.31/40.6 (16) 5443 (12000) 3175 (7000)
5.4L 3.55/40.6 (16) 5897 (13000) 3628 (8000)/
3447 (7600)
5.4L 3.55/43.2 (17) 5670 (12500) 3401 (7500)/
3221 (7100)
5.4L 3.73/40.6 (16) 6124 (13500) 3719 (8200)
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum GCWR
- kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
Regular Cab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.2L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1179 (2600)
4.2L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1452 (3200)
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1134 (2500)
4.6L 3.55 3538 (7800) 1406 (3100)
SuperCab 4x4 w/manual transmission
4.6L 3.31 3265 (7200) 1043 (2300)
4.6L 3.55 3533 (7800) 1315 (2900)
Harley-Davidson F-150 4x2 w/automatic transmission
Engine Rear axle ratio Maximum
GCWR-kg
(lbs.)Maximum
trailer
weight-kg
(lbs.)
5.4L
Supercharged3.73 4536 (10000) 2041 (4500)
Trailer frontal area considerations:
•Not to exceed towing vehicle frontal area without Class III trailer
towing package
•Not to exceed 5.52 square meters (60 square feet) with Class III
trailer towing package
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