2003 FORD SUPER DUTY wheel

hold the brake pedal down, release the parking brake, then trypushing
the parking brake pedal further down. Chock the wheels if required. If
the parking brake cannot hold the weight of the vehicle, the parking
brake mayneed to be serviced.
STEERING
To prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an underinflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slipperysurfaces, particularlywhen
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.
To reduce the risk of injury, never run the engine with one wheel
off the ground, such as when changing a tire.
PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Utilityvehicles have a significantlyhigher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantlymore likely
to die than a person wearing a safetybelt.
Your vehicle has larger tires and increased ground clearance, giving the
vehicle a higher center of gravitythan a passenger car.
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Vehicles with a higher center of gravitysuch as utilityand
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differentlythan vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars anymore
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorilyunder
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslycould result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injuryand death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differentlythan unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavilyloaded vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Applythe parking brake, turn ignition keyto LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Insert the keyand turn it to OFF.Apply the brake pedal and shift
to N (Neutral).
In the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift
lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake
pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the
parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessaryto use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
emergencieschapter.
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Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fullyreleased, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes maynot be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission and prevents the rear wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Start the engine
•Depress the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securelylatch it in P (Park)
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
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FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
For important information regarding safe operation of this type
of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein this chapter.
Four–wheel drive (4WD) supplies power to all four wheels. 4WD should
not be operated on drypavement; driveline damage mayoccur.
If equipped with the Electronic Shift 4WD System, and 4WD Low
is selected while the vehicle is moving, the 4WD system will not
engage. This is normal and should be no reason for concern.Refer
toShifting to/from 4WD Lowfor proper operation.
The 4WD system also uses hub locks that can be engaged and
disengaged based on the 4WD mode selected. Refer toFront wheel hub
locks (if equipped)for more information.
4WD system indicator lights
•4X4- illuminates when 4WD High
is selected.
•LOW RANGE- illuminates when
4WD Low is selected.
Front wheel hub locks (if equipped)
4x4
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Engage or disengage the 4WD system by:
•rotating the control for both front wheel hub locks from the FREE or
LOCK position, then
•manuallyengage or disengage the transfer case with the floor-mounted
shifter
For increased fuel economyin 2WD, rotate both hub locks to the FREE
position.
For proper operation, make sure that the arrow and the indicator
dot on the hub are aligned, and that both hub locks are set to the
same position (both set to LOCK or both set to FREE).
Using a manual 4WD system (if equipped)
2H (2WD High)– Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highwaydriving.
4H (4WD High)– Used for extra traction such as in snow or icyroads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on drypavement.
N (Neutral)– No power to either front or rear wheels.
4L (4WD Low)– Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels at reduced speeds. Intended onlyfor off-road applications
such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling heavyobjects. 4L (4WD Low)
will not engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be
no reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for
proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD high) and 4H (4WD high)
•Move the transfer case lever to 4H (4WD High) at a stop or any
forward speed up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Note:Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph)
if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
2H
4H
4L N
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Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the brake.
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the transfer case lever through N (Neutral) directlyto the
desired position. The LOW RANGE indicator will illuminate once the
transfer case has engaged.
•If the transfer casedoes notengage, repeat steps 1 through 4.
Using the N (Neutral) position
The transfer case N (Neutral) position overrides the transmission
and puts the vehicle in neutral regardless of transmission
gearshift lever position. The vehicle can move forward or
backward.
This position should onlybe used when towing the vehicle.
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.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system (if equipped)
2WD (2WD High)- Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highwaydriving.
4X4 HIGH (4WD High)- Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy
roads or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on drypavement.
2WD4X4
HIGH4X4
LOW
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4X4 LOW (4WD Low)- Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power
to all four wheels. Intended onlyfor off-road applications such as deep
sand, steep grades or pulling heavyobjects. 4L (4WD Low) will not
engage while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no
reason for concern. Refer toShifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)for proper
operation.
Shifting between 2WD (2WD High) and 4X4 HIGH (4WD High)
•Move the 4WD control between 2WD and 4X4 HIGH at anyforward
speed.
Note:Do not perform this operation at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph)
if the outside temperature is below 0°C (32°F).
Note:Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4X4 LOW (4WD Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the
transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
•If shifting into 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light
in the instrument cluster to turnonindicating the shift is complete.
•If shifting out of 4X4 LOW (4WD Low), wait for the LOW RANGE light
in the instrument cluster to turnoffindicating the shift is complete.
Driving off-road with truck and utility vehicles
4WD vehicles are speciallyequipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and
rough terrain and have operating characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both on and off the road.
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
Truck and utilityvehicles can differ from some other vehicles. Your
vehicle maybe higher to allow it to travel over rough terrain without
getting hung up or damaging underbodycomponents.
The differences that make your vehicle so versatile also make it handle
differentlythan an ordinarypassenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all times, especiallyin rough terrain.
Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not
grip the spokes.
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Drive cautiouslyto avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as
rocks and stumps.
You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before
driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain
steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four
wheels on the ground and theymust be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Basic operating principles
•Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and maydamage drive components.
4WD modes are onlyintended for consistentlyslipperyor loose
surfaces.
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremelycareful when driving on pavement made slipperyby
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement onlyafter reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharplywhile returning to the road surface.
•It maybe safer to stayon the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down graduallybefore returning to the pavement. You maylose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharplyor abruptly.
•It often maybe less riskyto strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safetyof others should be your primaryconcern.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravitysuch as utilityand
four-wheel drive vehicles handle differentlythan vehicles with a
lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars anymore
than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorilyunder
off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiouslycould result in
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injuryand death.
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