Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully after any towing operation.
Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
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 or install hitches that clamp onto the bumper or to the axle.
Underbody hitches are acceptable if installed properly.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, 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 properly and 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.
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Driving
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Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for 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 only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 mm) shank diameter. The bumper has a 5,000
lbs. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lbs. (227 kg) tongue weight
capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) for the first 500 miles (800 km) of
towing and do not perform and fast accelerations from a stop during
this time.
•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.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use Drive (Overdrive
OFF) on moderately steep hills, Second (2) on steep hills, and First (1)
on very steep hills.Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourScheduled 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.
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USA English(fus)
Driving
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6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
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 slowly as
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.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidefor
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourScheduled Maintenance Guidefor scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is at normal operating
temperature (approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for about 30
minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
MAX
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
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A
Accessory delay ..........................70
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..................96, 101
and child safety seats ..............98
description ........................96, 101
disposal ....................................100
driver air bag ............................98
indicator light .........................100
operation ...................................98
passenger air bag .....................98
Air cleaner filter .......216–217, 232
Ambulance packages ....................8
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................196
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................120
Audio system
(see Radio) ................18, 20, 22, 25
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................124, 127
fluid, adding ............................213
fluid, checking ........................213
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
fluid, specification ..................241
Auxiliary power point .................69
Axle
lubricant specifications ..238, 241
refill capacities ........................233
traction lok ..............................122
B
Battery .......................................194
acid, treating emergencies .....194
jumping a disabled battery ....166
maintenance-free ....................194replacement, specifications ...232
servicing ..................................194
BeltMinder ...................................91
Brakes ........................................120
anti-lock ...................................120
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............120
fluid, checking and adding ....213
fluid, refill capacities ..............233
fluid, specifications .........238, 241
lubricant specifications ..238, 241
parking ....................................121
shift interlock ..........................123
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................60
C
Calculating load ........................133
Capacities for refilling fluids ....233
Cell phone use ............................69
Child safety restraints ..............102
child safety belts ....................102
Child safety seats ......................104
in front seat ............................106
in rear seat ..............................106
tether anchorage hardware ...108
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............183
exterior ....................................186
instrument panel ....................185
interior .....................................185
interior trim ............................185
plastic parts ............................184
safety belts ..............................185
washing ....................................182
waxing .....................................182
wheels ......................................183
wiper blades ............................184
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
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K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........116
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................60
daytime running light ...............55
headlamps .................................55
headlamps, flash to pass ..........56
instrument panel, dimming .....56
interior lamps ...........................59
replacing bulbs ...................60–64
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................59
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........120
Load limits .................................130
Loading instructions .................133
Lubricant specifications ...238, 241
Lug nuts ....................................165
Lumbar support, seats ...............81
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................71
side view mirrors (power) .......70
Motorcraft parts ................206, 232
O
Octane rating ............................205
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................191
P
Parking brake ............................121Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....232
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................153
Power door locks ........................75
Power mirrors .............................70
Power point .................................69
Power steering ..........................121
fluid, checking and adding ....212
fluid, refill capacity ................233
fluid, specifications .........238, 241
Power Windows ...........................70
Preparing to drive
your vehicle ...............................122
R
Radio ..........................18, 20, 22, 25
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................30
Relays ................................149, 156
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ................55, 79
locking/unlocking doors ...........75
Roadside assistance ..................146
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............95
Safety belts (see
Safety restraints) ............86–88, 90
Safety defects, reporting ..........181
Safety restraints ....................86–90
belt minder ...............................91
extension assembly ..................95
for adults .............................87–88
for children .....................100, 102
lap belt ......................................90
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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