2003 FORD F250 snow chains

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a“squeeze”technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not“pump”the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure as well as the increased
risk of loss of vehicle control.
Do not use“aftermarket lift kits”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
142

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All
Terrain”,“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................177
Power door locks ..................65, 71
Power point .................................52
Power steering ..........................117
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacity ................254
fluid, specifications .........257, 260
Power Windows ...........................52
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................117
R
Radio ..........................19, 21, 23, 27
AM/FM .......................................19
Relays ........................................176
Remote entry system .................67
illuminated entry ......................70
locking/unlocking doors ...........65
Reverse sensing system ...........127
Roadside assistance ..................174
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............89
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................77, 79–81, 83
Safety defects, reporting ..........207
Safety restraints ..............77, 79–83
belt minder ...............................85
extension assembly ..................89
for adults .............................79–81
for children ...............................99
lap belt ......................................84
safety belt maintenance ...........89
warning light and chime ..........85
Safety seats for children ..........102Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................77
Seats ............................................72
child safety seats ....................102
cleaning ...................................212
Servicing your vehicle ..............215
Snowplowing .................8, 170–172
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........182
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................253, 260
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles 172–173
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................257, 260
Speed control ..............................56
Starting your vehicle .......110–111,
113
jump starting ..........................192
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................49
Stereo
AM/FM .......................................19
T
Tailgate ........................................64
Tilt steering wheel ......................49
Tires ...................................247–248
changing ..........................182, 184
checking the pressure ............248
replacing ..................................251
rotating ....................................249
snow tires and chains ............252
tire grades ...............................248
treadwear ................................247
2003 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
278