Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly
and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake
fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition off, push the release lever (located above the ignition),
then turn the keytoward you and remove the key.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when the R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 5 km/h (3 mph). The system is not
effective at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph) and maynot detect certain
angular or moving objects.
To help avoid personal injury, please read and understand the
limitations of the reverse sensing system as contained in this
section. Reverse sensing is onlyan aid for some (generallylarge and
fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at “parking
speeds”. Inclement weather mayalso affect the function of the RSS;
this mayinclude reduced performance or a false activation.
To help avoid personal injury, alway s use caution when in
reverse and when using the RSS.
This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationaryobjects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Driving
111
F-550 SuperCab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel
(Fifth Wheel Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8255 (18200)
4x4 with automatictransmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7121 (15700)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8029 (17700)
F-550 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Dual Rear Wheel
(Fifth Wheel Towing)
Engine Rear axle
ratioMaximum GCWR -
kg (lbs.)Maximum
trailer weight -
kg (lbs.)
4x2 with automatictransmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7212 (15900)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 8119 (17900)
4x4 with automatictransmission
6.8L 4.88 10886 (24000) 7076 (15600)
6.8L 5.38 11793 (26000) 7983 (17600)
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Load equalizing hitch
When hooking up a trailer using a load equalizing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and
all doors closed, allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes so that it
can level.
Driving
145
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.
Driving
147
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.
Roadside Emergencies
168
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the batteryof the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stayclear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
4. Check all batteryterminals and remove anyexcessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect anyelectrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) booster cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
+–+–
Roadside Emergencies
169
2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the assisting battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the
assisting battery.
4. Make the final connection of the negative (-) cable to an exposed
metal part of the stalled vehicle’s engine, awayfrom the batteryand the
carburetor/fuel injection system.Do notuse fuel lines, engine rocker
covers or the intake manifold asgroundingpoints.
Do not connect the end of the second cable to the negative (-)
terminal of the batteryto be jumped. A spark maycause an
explosion of the gases that surround the battery.
5. Ensure that the cables are clear of fan blades, belts, moving parts of
both engines, or anyfuel deliverysystem parts.
Jump starting
1. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and run the engine at
moderatelyincreased speed.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
+–+–
+–+–
Roadside Emergencies
170
The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relativelyspeedy
alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a
settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is
designed to eliminate the need for lengthyand expensive legal
proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-partyarbitrators conduct
hearings at mutuallyconvenient times and places in an informal
environment. These impartial arbitrators review the positions of the
parties, make decisions and, when appropriate, render awards to resolve
disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair, and final; the arbitrator’s
award is binding both to you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces. For more
information, without charge or obligation, call your CAMVAP Provincial
Administrator directlyat 1-800-207-0685.
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA
Before exporting your vehicle to a foreign country, contact the
appropriate foreign embassyor consulate. These officials can inform you
of local vehicle registration regulations and where to find unleaded fuel.
If you cannot find unleaded fuel or can only get fuel with an anti-knock
index lower than is recommended for your vehicle, contact a district or
owner relations/customer relationship office.
The use of leaded fuel in your vehicle without proper conversion may
damage the effectiveness of your emission control system and may cause
engine knocking or serious engine damage. Ford Motor Company/Ford of
Canada is not responsible for anydamage caused byuse of improper
fuel.
In the United States, using leaded fuel mayalso result in difficulty
importing your vehicle back into the U.S.
If your vehicle must be serviced while you are traveling or living in
Central or South America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East, contact the
nearest Ford dealership. If the dealership cannot help you, write or call:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
WORLDWIDE DIRECT MARKET OPERATIONS
1555 Fairlane Drive
Fairlane Business Park #3
Allen Park, Michigan 48101
U.S.A.
Telephone: (313) 594-4857
FAX: (313) 390-0804
Customer Assistance
181
fluid, refill capacity................228
fluid, specifications .........232, 235
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................105
R
Radio ..........................17–18, 21, 25
Relays ........................................154
Remote entrysystem .................58
illuminated entry......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........56
Reverse sensing system ...........111
Roadside assistance ..................152
S
Safetybelts (see Safety
restraints) ........................68–71, 73
Safetydefects, reporting ..........183
Safetyrestraints ....................68–73
belt minder ...............................74
cleaning the safetybelts ..........78
extension assembly..................78
for adults .............................69–71
for children .........................87–88
warning light and chime ..........74
Safetyseats for children ............90
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................68
Seats ............................................63
child safetyseats ......................90
cleaning ...................................188
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Snowplowing .................6, 148–150Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........159
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................228, 235
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............6
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......151
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232, 235
Speed control ..............................48
Starting your vehicle ....98–99, 101
jump starting ..........................168
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tailgate ........................................55
Tires ...................................221–223
changing ..........................159, 161
checking the pressure ............223
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................222
treadwear ................................222
Towing .......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................173
Traction-lok rear axle ...............105
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................220
Transmission
automatic operation ...............106
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................216
Index
253