2003 FORD SUPER DUTY brakes

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
theyaren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle. Rapid pumping of the brake pedal will help you slow the vehicle
and still maintain steering control.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like anyother vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowyor icyroads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Applythe accelerator slowlyand steadilywhen starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle mayaccelerate
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 emergencystopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadilyincreasing
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.
Driving
122

The PTO can be used during mobile and stationary
continuous/intermittent applications.
PTO operation is disabled while the vehicle is in Overdrive (the TCIL will
not be illuminated), in N (Neutral), during engine cranking. Transmission
upshift and downshift schedules will be reduced byabout 15% and will
have a firmer shift feel during PTO mobile applications.
The PTO cannot be disabled while the transmission is in D (Drive)
(Overdrive position with Overdrive canceled), 2 (Second) or 1 (First).
Refer to theBody Builder’s Layout Bookfor recommended electrical
installation.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowlyespeciallyif 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 capabilitymaybe limited
and your vehicle maystall. Water mayalso enter your engine’s air intake
and severelydamage your engine.
Once through the water, always drythe brakes bymoving your vehicle
slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quicklyas drybrakes.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 anystandard
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.
Driving
125

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 mayhandle differentlythan unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavilyloaded 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 mayraise the center of gravityof 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 companyor 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 maytow a Conventional/Class IV trailer or fifth wheel 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.
2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional “body” must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Your vehicle’s load capacityis designated byweight, not byvolume, 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 carefullyprior to and after anytowing operation. The
following trailer towing charts applyto vehicles equipped with gasoline
engines; for Diesel engines, refer to the7.3 Liter Power Stroke Direct
Injection Turbo Diesel Supplement.
Driving
127

2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers
at the center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that
the front bumper height is within 0–13 mm (0.5 in) of the reference
point. After proper adjustment, the rear bumper should be no higher
than in Step 2.
Note:Adjusting an equalizing hitch so the rear bumper of the vehicle is
higher than it was unloaded will defeat the function of the load
equalizing hitch and maycause unpredictable handling.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safetychains, 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 properlyand 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 agencyfor proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.
Using a step bumper (if equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and onlyrequires 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 necessaryto relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving
146

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is
necessary, use only MERCON
AT F.
Check the fluid level when it is at ambient temperature, 20° – 80° F (-7°
– 25° C):
1. Check the fluid level on the dipstick. It should be between the arrows
in the FULL COLD range. Do not add fluid if the level is within this
range.
2. If the fluid level is low, start the engine.
3. While the engine idles, turn the steering wheel left and right several
times.
4. Turn the engine off.
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, continuouslychecking
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 slowlyas
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.
M
A
X
Maintenance and Specifications
215

A
Accessorydelay ..........................47
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................79
and child safetyseats ..............80
description ................................79
disposal ......................................83
driver air bag ............................81
indicator light ...........................82
operation ...................................81
passenger air bag .....................81
passenger deactivation
switch ........................................83
Air cleaner filter .......220–221, 228
Ambulance packages ....................6
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................199
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................103–104
Audio system
(see Radio) ................17–18, 21, 25
Automatic transmission ............106
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................107
fluid, adding ............................216
fluid, checking ........................216
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specification ..................235
Auxiliarypower point .................46
Axle
lubricant specifications ..232, 235
refill capacities ........................228
traction lok ..............................105
B
Battery.......................................197
acid, treating emergencies .....197jumping a disabled battery....168
maintenance-free ....................197
replacement, specifications ...228
servicing ..................................197
BeltMinder ...................................74
Brakes ........................................102
anti-lock ...........................102–104
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................103
fluid, checking and adding ....215
fluid, refill capacities ..............228
fluid, specifications .........232, 235
lubricant specifications ..232, 235
parking ....................................104
shift interlock ..........................106
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................38
C
Calculating load ........................127
Capacities for refilling fluids ....228
Cassette tape player ...................25
CD changer .................................28
CD-single premium .........17–18, 21
Certification Label ....................243
Child safetyrestraints ................88
child safetybelts ......................88
Child safetyseats ........................90
attaching with tether straps ....94
in front seat ..............................92
in rear seat ................................92
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............185
instrument panel ....................187
interior .....................................187
interior trim ............................187
plastic parts ............................186
Index
249

Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................187
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................37
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......168
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................61
Keys
positions of the ignition ...........98
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................35
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
cargo lamps ...............................37
daytime running light ...............36
fog lamps ...................................36
headlamps .................................35
headlamps, flash to pass ..........37
instrument panel, dimming .....37
interior lamps ...........................38
replacing bulbs ...................38–43
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................37
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........103
speed control ............................51
Load limits .................................125
GAWR ......................................125
GVWR ......................................125
trailer towing ..........................125
Loading instructions .................127Locks
autolock .....................................61
childproof ..................................57
Lubricant specifications ...232, 235
Lumbar support, seats ...............67
M
Manual transmission .................109
fluid capacities ........................228
lubricant specifications ..........235
reverse .....................................110
Message center ...........................51
english/metric button ...............52
menu button .............................52
Mirrors .........................................45
fold away...................................48
side view mirrors (power) .......47
Motorcraft parts ................209, 228
O
Octane rating ............................208
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................194
P
Parking brake ............................104
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....228
Pedals (see Power adjustable
foot pedals) .................................48
Power adjustable foot pedals .....48
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................155
Power door locks ..................56, 61
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................105
fluid, checking and adding ....215
Index
252