2008 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.
Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and
shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any
type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal
shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations
when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive
Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating
parameters. This learning process could take several transmission
upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer
shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift
scheduling will resume.
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 securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING: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).
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
57

N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul OFF is the normal driving position for the
best fuel economy. The overdrive function allows automatic upshifts and
downshifts through gears one through five.
D (Overdrive) with Tow/Haul ON
The Tow/Haul feature improves transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission gear ranges are available when
using Tow/Haul.
To activate Tow/Haul, press the
button on the end of the gearshift
lever.
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.
Grade braking downshifts occur automatically when:
•positive vehicle acceleration (natural acceleration from driving on a
decline) is sensed.
•nearly all pressure is released from the accelerator pedal.
•a minimum amount of time has expired since the last grade braking
downshift.
Grade braking downshift mode is immediately exited if the Tow/Haul
mode is deactivated or if the accelerator pedal is depressed beyond a
minimum threshold.
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
58

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).
WARNING: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 D (Overdrive) with the Tow/Haul feature on or off.
•Depress the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
59

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Driving
60

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist if you should have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your Owner Guide portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (fuel cost is the customer’s responsibility)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest authorized dealer
Canadian customers refer to your Customer Information Guide
for information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
Using roadside assistance
Customers in the U.S. and Canada who require roadside assistance, may
contact 1-800-444-3311.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Use only in an emergency to warn traffic of vehicle breakdown,
approaching danger, etc. The hazard flashers can be operated when the
ignition is off.
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
61

•The hazard flasher control is
located on top of the steering
column.
•Depress hazard lights control to
activate the hazard flashers.
•Depress control again to turn the
flashers off.
FUSES AND RELAYS
Standard fuse amperage rating and color
COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
2A Grey Grey — — —
3A Violet Violet — — —
4A Pink Pink — — —
5A Tan Tan — — —
7.5A Brown Brown — — —
10A Red Red — — —
15A Blue Blue — — —
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — — —
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue Yellow Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural Black Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located below and to the left of the steering wheel by
the brake pedal. Remove the panel cover to access the fuses.
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
62

To remove a fuse use the fuse puller tool provided on the fuse panel
cover.
The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
1 20A Turn/stop lamps, Turn indicators,
Body builder rear turn/stop feeds
2 — Not used
3 — Not used
4 10A Instrument panel cluster
5 10A Body builder accessory feed
(accessory and run)
6 — Not used
7 15A Blower motor relay coil
8 — Not used
1234
5
7
689101142
43
44 13 12 14
15 16 17
19 18
2021 22 23
25 24
26 27 28 29
31 30 32 33 3435
37
3638 3940
41
RELAY 1RELAY 2 RELAY 3 RELAY 4 RELAY 5
RELAY 7 RELAY 8 RELAY 9 RELAY 10 RELAY 6
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
63

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
9 20A Stoplamps: Vehicle turn/stop
lamps, Body builder rear turn/stop
feeds, Body builder stop lamp
feed
10 10A Instrument cluster memory,
Power brake assist lamp*
11 30A Wiper/Washer module, Wiper feed
12 — Not used
13 10A ABS module
14 10A Warning chime module, Power
brake assist module*, Instrument
cluster power, Instrument cluster
warning lamps
15 15A Left turn signal feed
16 20A Body builder battery (+12V) feed
17 5A Body builder radio feed
18 — Not used
19 5A DRL relays
20 — Not used
21 15A Right turn signal feed
22 20A Trailer tow turn signals
23 10A Cluster run/accessory
24 — Not used
25 10A Body builder right-hand low beam
headlamp feed
26 10A Brake shift interlock actuator
27 — Not used
28 — Not used
29 — Not used
30 — Not used
31 10A Body builder left-hand low beam
headlamp feed
2008 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
64