2009 FORD F350 brakes

When climbing a steep slope or hill,
start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a
higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the
engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to
turn around because you might roll
over. It is better to back down to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the
wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip,
spin or lose traction, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
manually shift to a lower gear. Your
vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply
the brakes steadily. Do not “pump”
the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
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Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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VEHICLE USED AS A STATIONARY POWER SOURCE
Auxiliary equipment called power take-off, or PTO, is often added to the
engine or transmission to operate utility equipment. Examples include a
wheel-lift for tow trucks, cranes, tools for construction or tire service,
and pumping fluids. PTO applications draw auxiliary horsepower from
the powertrain, often while the vehicle is stationary. In this condition,
there is limited cooling air flow through the radiator and around the
vehicle that normally occurs when a vehicle is moving. The aftermarket
PTO system installer, having the most knowledge of the final application,
is responsible for determining whether additional chassis heat protection
or powertrain cooling is required, and alerting the user to the safe and
proper operation.
Ford Super Duty Vehicles are qualified for use as a stationary power
source, within limits detailed in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout
Book,found at www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas, and through the Ford
Truck Body Builders Advisory Service.
Gas engine vehicles are qualified for up to 10 minutes of continuous
operation as a stationary power source, due to the potential for the
normal venting of fuel vapors. For stationary PTO operation of extended
duration (beyond 10 minutes), diesel engine is recommended. Further
consult your aftermarket PTO installer, since the duration of operation
limit for the aftermarket PTO may be less than the vehicle is capable of.
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.
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BRAKE FLUID
•Vacuum boost system
•Hydroboost system
The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines 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 authorized dealer immediately.
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Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ........................110
Air cleaner filter ...............402, 404
Air conditioning ..........................84
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................................193
and child safety seats ............195
description ..............................193
disposal ....................................197
driver airbag ............................195
indicator light .........................197
operation .................................195
passenger airbag .....................195
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................198
Ambulance packages ..................10
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................377
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................280–281
Anti-theft system ..............168, 171
arming the system ..........169, 171
disarming a triggered
system .....................................171
triggering .................................171
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................26, 28, 35
Automatic transmission ............285
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................287
fluid, adding ............................397
fluid, checking ........................397
fluid, refill capacities ..............405
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................42
Auxiliary power point ...............107
Axle
refill capacities ........................405B
Battery .......................................375
acid, treating emergencies .....375
jumping a disabled battery ....343
maintenance-free ....................375
replacement, specifications ...404
servicing ..................................375
Belt-Minder
.............................189
Booster seats .............................221
Brakes ........................................280
anti-lock ...........................280–281
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................281
fluid, checking and adding ....396
fluid, refill capacities ..............405
parking ....................................281
shift interlock ..........................285
trailer .......................................267
Bulbs ............................................95
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....405
Cassette tape player ...................26
Cell phone use ..............................9
Child safety seats ......................206
attaching with tether
straps .......................................215
in front seat ....................207, 211
in rear seat ..............207, 211, 215
LATCH .....................................215
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................221
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............359
instrument panel ............361–362
interior .....................................363
plastic parts ............................360
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Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................394
Instrument panel
cleaning ...........................361–362
cluster ........................................14
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................91
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......343
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................156
keypad .....................................166
locking and unlocking
doors ........................................167
programming entry code .......166
Keys ...........................................169
positions of the ignition .........275
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................89
daytime running light ...............90
fog lamps ...................................89
headlamps .................................89
headlamps, flash to pass ..........90
instrument panel, dimming .....91
interior lamps ...........................95
replacing bulbs .................97–102
LATCH anchors .........................215
Lights, warning and indicator ....14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........281
Limited-slip axle .......................284
Load limits .................................256
Loading instructions .................262Locks
autolock ...................................156
childproof ................................159
doors ........................................155
Lug nuts ....................................342
Lumbar support, seats .....176–177
M
Manual transmission .................289
fluid capacities ........................405
reverse .....................................291
Message center .................127, 137
english/metric button .............142
system check button ..............140
warning messages ...........131, 144
Mirrors ...............................110–111
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................110
fold away .........................112, 114
side view mirrors (power) .....111
signal .......................................115
Moon roof ..................................122
Motorcraft parts ................383, 404
N
Navigation system .......................79
O
Octane rating ............................387
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................372
Overdrive ...................................104
P
Parking brake ............................281
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....404
2009 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
Index
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