VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles
SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
•Higher – to allow higher load
carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
•Shorter – to give it the capability
to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle quicker to respond to steering
inputs than a vehicle with a longer wheelbase.
•Narrower — to provide greater
maneuverability in tight spaces,
particularly in off-road use.
As a result of the above dimensional
differences, SUV’s and trucks often
will have a higher center of gravity
and a greater difference in center of
gravity between the loaded and
unloaded condition.
These differences that make your
vehicle so versatile also make it
handle differently than an ordinary
passenger car.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
104
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size
and type (such as P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season versus
all-terrain) as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford
or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand, load-carrying capacity and speed rating because it
can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result
in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires
due to the aging of the spare tire.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
The use of tire sealants may damage your tires.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information (if equipped)
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
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Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
Steps for determining the correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1,400 lb. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lb. (1400 – 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lb.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The following gives you a few examples on how to calculate the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity:
•An example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and luggage
capacity. You decide to go golfing. You and your friends average 220
pounds each and the golf bags weigh approximately 30 pounds each.
Is there enough load capacity to carry you, 4 of your friends and all
the golf bags? The calculation would be: 1400 – (5 x 220) – (5 x 30) =
1400 – 1100 – 150 = 150 pounds; yes, you have enough load capacity
in your vehicle to transport 4 of your friends and golf bags.
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
133
•Another example for your vehicle with 1400 pounds of cargo and
luggage capacity. You and one of your friends decide to pick up
cement from the local home improvement store to finish that patio
you have been planning for the past 2 years. Measuring the inside of
the vehicle with the rear seat folded down, you have room for 12-100
pound bags of cement. Do you have enough load capacity to transport
the cement to your home? If you and your friend each weighed 220
pounds, the calculation would be: 1400 – (2 x 220) – (12 x 100) =
1400–440–1200=–40pounds; no, you do not have enough cargo
capacity to carry that much weight. You will need to reduce the load
weight by at least 240 pounds. If you remove 3-100 pound cement
bags, then the load calculation would be:
1400 – (2 x 220) – (9 x 100) = 1400 – 440 – 900 = 60 pounds; now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Certification label
found on the driver’s door.
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 may handle differently than unloaded vehicles.
Extra precautions, such as slower speeds and increased stopping
distance, should be taken when driving a heavily loaded 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 may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
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GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)/Trailer Weights
EngineRear
axle
ratioMaximum
GCWR - lb.
(kg)Maximum
Loaded
Trailer Weight
- lb. (kg)Maximum
frontal area of
trailer - ft
2
(m2)
E-450 Cutaway (176” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)
6.8L 4.5620000
(9072)10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (158” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)
6.8L 4.5618500
(8391)10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
E-450 Stripped Chassis (176” wheelbase) (14050 GVWR)
6.8L 4.5618500
(8391)10000 (4536) 60 (5.52)
Maximum trailer weight for all cutaway (E-350 and E-450) vehicles
must be calculated by subtracting the weight of the vehicle (including
incomplete vehicle weight and payload which includes second unit
body weight, cargo and passengers) from the GCW. Otherwise,
maximum trailer weight is 10,000 lb. (4536 kg).
For high altitude operation reduce GCWR by 2% per 1,000 ft. (300
meters) elevation.
To determine the maximum trailer weight designed for your particular
vehicle as equipped, follow the sectionCalculating the load your
vehicle can tow/carryearlier in this chapter.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Distribute the load so that only 10–15% of the total is on the tongue. Tie
down the load so that it does not shift and change the weight on the
hitch.
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.
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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
lb. (2,270 kg) trailer weight and 500 lb. (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 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.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
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Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
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Maintenance and Specifications
216
headlamps, flash to pass ..........43
instrument panel, dimming .....43
interior lamps ...........................46
replacing bulbs ...................47–51
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................46
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........151
Load limits .................................129
Loading instructions .................134
Lubricant specifications ...233, 236
Lug nuts ....................................119
Lumbar support, seats ...............68
M
Mirrors
fold away ...................................58
side view mirrors (power) .......57
Motorcraft parts ................215, 227
O
Octane rating ............................214
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................200
P
Parking brake ............................152
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....227
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................171
Power door locks ........................62
Power mirrors .............................57
Power point .................................56
Power steering ..........................152
fluid, checking and adding ....221fluid, refill capacity ................228
fluid, specifications .........233, 236
Power Windows ...........................57
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................153
R
Radio ..............18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33
Relays ................................168, 174
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ................42, 66
locking/unlocking doors ...........62
Roadside assistance ..................165
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............82
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .........73–77
Safety defects, reporting ..........190
Safety restraints ....................73–77
belt minder ...............................78
extension assembly ..................82
for adults .............................74–76
for children .........................87–88
lap belt ......................................77
safety belt maintenance ...........82
warning light and chime ..........78
Safety seats for children ............91
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............73
Seats ............................................67
child safety seats ......................91
front seats .................................67
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................19
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Index
246