2009 FORD E350 traction control

When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The “sliding car”
indicator light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction Control (TCS)
Traction Control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction
Control. Engine Traction Control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake Traction Control works to
limit wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction Control is most active at low speeds.
During Traction Control events the “sliding car” icon
in the
instrument cluster will flash.
If the Traction Control system is activated excessively in a short period
of time, the braking portion of the system may become temporarily
disabled to allow the brakes to cool down. In this situation, Traction
Control will use only engine power reduction or transfer to help control
the wheels from over-spinning. When the brakes have cooled down, the
system will regain all features. Anti-lock braking, RSC, and ESC are not
affected by this condition and will continue to function during the
cool-down period.
The Engine Traction Control and Brake Traction Control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching Off AdvanceTrac
with RSCsection following.
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Switching Off AdvanceTracwith RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracwith RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem partially,
press the AdvanceTracwith RSCOffbutton below 20 mph
(32 km/h). Full features of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem can be
restored by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSCOffbutton again or
if the vehicle is above 20 mph (32 km/h) or by turning off and restarting
the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem below 20 mph
(32 km/h), the sliding caricon
will illuminate steadily. Pressing the
AdvanceTracwith RSCOffbutton again or if the vehicle is above
20 mph (32 km/h) will turn off thesliding car
icon. The switch will
not allow partial AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem disabling above
20 mph (32 km/h).
In R (Reverse), ABS and the Engine and Brake Traction Control features
will continue to function; however, ESC and RSCare disabled.
AdvanceTracwith RSCFeatures
Button
functions“Sliding
car”
icon
RSCESCTraction
Control
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated
solidEnabled EnabledDisabled
below
20 mph
(32 km/h)
Button pressed
again after
deactivation or
driving above
20 mph
(32 km/h)Not
illuminatedEnabled Enabled Enabled
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USA(fus)
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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.
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.
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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.
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or roll over. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles 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 and 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.
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snow tires and chains ............169
spare tire .........................236, 238
terminology .............................143
tire grades ...............................143
treadwear ........................142, 149
Towing .......................................177
recreational towing .................192
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............187
trailer towing ..........................177
wrecker ....................................251
Traction control ........................200
Traction-lok rear axle ...............206
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................187
Transmission .............................209
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....209
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................298
fluid, refill capacities ..............305
lubricant specifications ..........305
Turn signal ..................................51U
Upfitter controls .........................70
V
Vehicle loading ..........................170
Ventilating your vehicle ...........196
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......14
Washer fluid ..............................270
Water, Driving through .............223
Windows
power .........................................64
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................59
checking and adding fluid .....270
replacing wiper blades ...........271
Wrecker towing .........................251
2009 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
320