2003 FORD SUPER DUTY maintenance

Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control mayshut off
automaticallywhen 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. (For additional information, refer to the
Understanding the positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmissionsection in this chapter.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage mayoccur.
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.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiencyduring hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual transmissions).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Launching or retrieving a boat
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval,
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 15 cm (6 inches) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
•Disconnect the trailer tow electrical connector to prevent blown fuses
caused bywater entering into your trailer’s electrical wiring.
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Exceeding these limits mayallow water to enter critical vehicle
components, adversely affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace front and rear axle lubricants anytime the axles have been
submerged in water. Axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked
unless a leak is suspected.
ALL REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) VEHICLES
This applies to all cars and 4x2 trucks/sport utilities with rear wheel
drive capability.
An example of recreational towing is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome. The following recreational towing guidelines are designed to
ensure that your transmission is not damaged.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
•Maximum distance is 80 km (50 miles).
If a distance of 80 km (50 miles) or a speed of 56 km/h (35 mph) must
be exceeded, you must disconnect the driveshaft. Ford recommends the
driveshaft be removed/installed onlybya qualified technician. See your
local dealer for driveshaft removal/installation.
Improper removal/installation of the driveshaft can cause
transmission fluid loss, damage to the driveshaft and internal
transmission components.
RWD vehicles with 4x4 electronic shift transfer case or All Wheel
Drive (AWD) vehicles with automatic transmissions:
Regarding recreational towing or having your vehicle towed, 4x4 vehicles
with electronic shift on the flyand AWD vehicles cannot be towed with
anywheels on the ground (with the exception of moving it as a disabled
vehicle off the road out of traffic).
SNOWPLOWING
Note:Do not use your vehicle to snowplow until it has been driven at
least 800 km (500 miles). Follow the severe dutyschedule in your
scheduled maintenance guide for engine oil and transmission fluid
change intervals.
Note:Ford does not install snowplows.
For low speed snow removal, Ford offers a Snowplow Package Option on
select 4x4 vehicles. To assist Ford dealers and equipment installers
further prepare the vehicle for snowplowing, Ford includes instructions
in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout BookandFord Truck Source
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Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse Panel
Description
302 — Powertrain (EEC) relay
303 — Injector driver module relay(Diesel engine
only)
304 — Not used
305 — Trailer tow batterycharge relay
306 — Delayed accessory relay
307 — Starter relay
* Mini Fuses ** Maxi Fuses ***Circuit Breaker
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•graduallydecrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowlymove to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants is not recommended and may
compromise the integrityof your tires. The use of tire sealants
may also affect your tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped).
Spare tire information
Your vehicle maybe equipped with a spare tire that can be used as
either a spare or a regular tire. The spare tire is not equipped with wheel
trim. The wheel trim from the original wheel/tire maybe used on the
spare.
If your vehicle is equipped with 4WD, a spare tire of a different
size than the road tires should not be used. Use of such a tire
could result in damage to driveline components and an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injuryor death.
If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system, refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped)
in the Maintenance and specifications section for important information
before changing your tires. If the tire pressure monitoring system
becomes damaged, it will no longer function.
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2. Slide the wheel partiallyunder the vehicle and install the retainer
through the wheel center. Pull on the cable to align the components at
the end of the cable.
3. Turn the jack handle clockwise until the tire is raised to its stowed
position underneath the vehicle. The effort to turn the jack handle
increases significantlyand the spare tire carrier ratchets or slips when
the tire is raised to the maximum tightness. Tighten to the best of your
ability, to the point where the ratchet/slip occurs, if possible. The spare
tire carrier will not allow you to overtighten. If the spare tire carrier
ratchets or slips with little effort, take the vehicle to your dealer for
assistance at your earliest convenience.
4. Check that the tire lies flat against the frame and is properly
tightened. Tryto push or pull, then turn the tire to be sure it will not
move. Loosen and retighten, if necessary. Failure to properly stow the
spare tire mayresult in failure of the winch cable and loss of the tire.
5. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire
pressure (everysix months, per scheduled maintenance guide), or at any
time that the spare tire is disturbed through service of other
components.
6. If removed, install the spare tire lock (if equipped) into the bumper
drive tube with the spare tire lock key(if equipped) and jack handle.
JUMP STARTING YOUR VEHICLE
The gases around the batterycan explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injuryor
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start capability; also, the
catalytic converter may become damaged.
Preparing your vehicle
When the batteryis disconnected or a new batteryis installed, the
transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the transmission
mayhave firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durabilityof the transmission. Over time, the
adaptive learning process will fullyupdate transmission operation.
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In some states (in the U.S.) you must directly notify Ford in writing
before pursuing remedies under your state’s warranty laws. Ford is also
allowed a final repair attempt in some states.
In the United States, a warrantydispute must be submitted to the
Dispute Settlement Board before taking action under the Magnuson-Moss
WarrantyAct, or to the extent allowed bystate law, before pursuing
replacement or repurchase remedies provided bycertain state laws. This
dispute handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state
created rights or other rights which are independent of the
Magnuson-Moss WarrantyAct or state replacement or repurchase laws.
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. Ford ESP
is an optional service contract which is backed byFord Motor Company
or Ford Motor Service Company(in the U.S.) and Ford of Canada (in
Canada). It provides the following:
•Benefits during the warrantyperiod depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items).
•Protection against covered repair costs after your Bumper-to-Bumper
Warrantyexpires.
You maypurchase Ford ESP from anyparticipating Ford and Lincoln
Mercuryand Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage.
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided bya network of
more than 5,000 participating Ford or Lincoln Mercuryand Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Please contact
your dealer for further information. Since this information is subject to
change, please ask your dealer for complete details about Ford Extended
Service Plan coverage options, or visit the Ford ESP website at
www.ford-esp.com.
THE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BOARD (U.S. ONLY)
The Dispute Settlement Board is:
•an independent, third-partyarbitration program for warrantydisputes.
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•available free to owners and lessees of qualifying Ford Motor Company
vehicles.
The Dispute Settlement Board maynot be available in all states. Ford
Motor Companyreserves the right to change eligibilitylimitations, modify
procedures and/or to discontinue this service without notice and without
incurring obligations per applicable state law.
What kinds of cases does the Board review?
Unresolved warrantyrepair concerns or vehicle performance concerns as
on Ford and Lincoln Mercurycars and Ford and Lincoln Mercurylight
trucks which are within the terms of anyapplicable written new vehicle
warrantyare eligible for review, except those involving:
•a non-Ford product
•a non-Ford dealership
•sales disputes between customer and dealer except those associated
with warrantyrepairs or concerns with the vehicle’s performance as
designed
•a request for reimbursement of consequential expenses unless a
service or product concern is being reviewed
•items not covered bythe New Vehicle Limited Warranty(including
maintenance and wear items)
•alleged personal injury/property damage claims
•cases currentlyin litigation
•vehicles not used primarilyfor family, personal or household purposes
(except in states where the Dispute Settlement Board is required to
review commercial vehicles)
•vehicles with non-U.S. warranties
Concerns are ineligible for review if the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
has expired at receipt of your application and, in certain states eligibility
is dependent upon the customer’s possession of the vehicle.
Eligibilitymaydiffer according to state law. For example, see the unique
brochures for California, West Virginia, Georgia and Wisconsin
purchasers/lessees.
Board membership
The Board consists of:
•Three consumer representatives
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•A Ford or Lincoln Mercurydealership representative
Consumer candidates for Board membership are recruited and trained by
an independent consulting firm. The dealership Board member is chosen
from Ford and Lincoln Mercurydealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
•The file number assigned to your application.
•The toll-free phone number of the DSB’s independent administrator.
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Companyrepresentative will then be
asked to submit statements.
To properlyreview your case, the Board needs the following information:
•Legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case.
•The year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license.
•The date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s).
•The current mileage.
•The name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle.
•A brief description of your unresolved concern.
•A brief summaryof the action taken bythe dealer(s) and Ford Motor
Company.
•The names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership(s).
•A description of the action you expect to resolve your concern.
You will receive a letter of explanation if your application does not
qualifyfor Board review.
Oral presentations
If you would like to make an oral presentation, indicate YES to question
6 on the application. While it is your right to make an oral presentation
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LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH
F–250 AND F–350 CREWCAB)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the
leather.
For King Ranch F-250 and F-350 CrewCab leather seats, refer to
separate section in this chapter.
•To clean, use a soft cloth with Motorcraft Deluxe Leather and Vinyl
Cleaner (ZC-11–A). Drythe area with a soft cloth.
•To help maintain its resiliencyand color, use the Motorcraft Deluxe
Leather Care Kit (ZC-11–D), available from your authorized dealer.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products maycause premature wearing of
the clear, protective coating.
LEATHER SEATS FOR THE KING RANCH F-250 AND F-350
CREWCAB ONLY (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle is equipped with seating covered in premium, top-grain
leather which is extremelydurable, but still requires special care and
maintenance in order to ensure longevityand comfort.
Regular cleaning and conditioning will maintain the appearance of the
leather. Failure to care for the leather can result in drying out and fading
of the material.
CLEANING
For dirt, use a vacuum cleaner then use a clean, damp cloth or soft
brush.
First use a damp cloth then wipe with a drycloth. Allow the area to dry,
then applyconditioner.
•Clean spills as quicklyas possible.
•Test anycleaner or stain remover on an inconspicuous part of the
leather as cleaners maydarken the leather. For more specific cleaning
information, contact the King Ranch Saddle Shop at 1–800–282–KING
(5464).
•Do not spill coffee, ketchup, mustard, orange juice or oil-based
products on the leather as theymaypermanentlystain the leather.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl or plastics.
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