2008 FORD E SERIES traction control

•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from 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 improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle. The axle may
exhibit a slight noise or vibration in tight turns with low vehicle speed.
This is normal behavior and indicates the axle is working.
PREPARING TO DRIVE
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as utility vehicles
and trucks handle differently than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks arenotdesigned for cornering at
speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid
sharp turns, excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
172

The TOW HAUL indicator light will
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
Tow/Haul delays upshifts to reduce frequency of transmission shifting.
Tow/Haul also provides engine braking in all forward gears when the
transmission is in the D (Overdrive) position; this engine braking will
slow the vehicle and assist the driver in controlling the vehicle when
descending a grade. Depending on driving conditions and load
conditions, the transmission may downshift, slow the vehicle and control
the vehicle speed when descending a hill, without the accelerator pedal
being pressed. The amount of downshift braking provided will vary based
upon the amount the brake pedal is depressed.
To deactivate the Tow/Haul feature and return to normal driving mode,
press the button on the end of the gearshift lever. The TOW HAUL light
will no longer be illuminated.
When you shut-off and restart the engine, the transmission will
automatically return to normal D (Overdrive) mode (Tow/Haul OFF).
Do not use the Tow/Haul feature when driving in icy or slippery
conditions as the increased engine braking can cause the rear
wheels to slide and the vehicle to swing around with the possible loss
of vehicle control.
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it
will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in
(Overdrive) or Drive.
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
179

D (Drive) without Overdrive
D (Drive) without Overdrive can be
activated by pressing the
transmission control switch (TCS)
on the end of the gearshift lever.
•This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.
•The O/D OFF lamp will illuminate
in the instrument cluster.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to
other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer
towing and when engine braking is required.
•To return to O/D (Overdrive), press the transmission control switch.
The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.
•O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
3 (Third)
Transmission starts and operates in third gear only.
Used for improved traction on slippery roads. Selecting 3 (Third)
provides additional engine braking.
2 (Second)
Use 2 (Second) to start-up on slippery roads or to provide additional
engine braking on downgrades.
1 (First)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.
•The transmission will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; it
will downshift to a lower gear and then shift into 1 (First) when the
vehicle reaches slower speeds.
Forced downshifts
•Allowed in D (Drive) with Overdrive or D (Drive) without Overdrive.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
O/D
ON/OFF
O/D
OFF
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
181

Belt-Minder
.............................81
extension assembly ..................85
for adults .............................77–79
for children .........................95–96
safety belt maintenance ...........85
warning light and chime ..........81
Safety seats for children ..........100
Seats ............................................69
child safety seats ....................100
front seats .................................69
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................66–67
Servicing your vehicle ..............229
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................20
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ..........23, 27
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........200
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................263, 268
Special notice ................................8
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................264
Speed control ..............................54
Stability system .........................168
Starting your vehicle ........161–163
jump starting ..........................207
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................47
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ...........31, 33
Tilt steering wheel ......................47Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....132
Tires ...........................114–115, 198
alignment ................................124
care ..........................................120
changing ..................198, 200–202
checking the pressure ............119
inflating ...................................116
label .........................................131
replacing ..........................122, 202
rotating ....................................124
safety practices .......................123
sidewall information ...............126
snow tires and chains ............143
spare tire .........................198, 200
terminology .............................115
tire grades ...............................115
treadwear ........................114, 121
Towing .......................................150
recreational towing .................160
trailer towing ..........................150
wrecker ....................................213
Traction control ........................167
Traction-lok rear axle ...............172
Transmission .............................174
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....174
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................258
fluid, refill capacities ..............264
lubricant specifications ..........264
Turn signal ..................................39
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................269
Vehicle loading ..........................144
Ventilating your vehicle ...........164
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
2008 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
278