Note:Engine speed has a major influence of retarding performance.
When engine speed is maintained at the maximum allowable level, the
exhaust brake will operate at peak performance.
WARNING:The exhaust brake is not recommended for use on
slippery or low traction road surfaces. Under these conditions a
loss of vehicle control could occur.
Exhaust brake operating characteristics
When you remove your feet from both the accelerator and clutch pedals
and the exhaust brake switch is in the on position, the exhaust brake is
activated. The following conditions should exist if the brake is operating
properly:
•A slight change in the sound of the engine when the exhaust brake is
activated.
•Engine temperature remains in the normal operating range.
•Road speed usually decreases when the exhaust brake is applied
during a descent, except when the vehicle is carrying a heavy load or
the grade is extremely steep. In these instances, you may need to
apply the service brakes occasionally.
•During a descent, the tachometer usually shows a drop in RPM
depending on the grade and the vehicle load.
•Do not expect a retarding effect similar to sudden hard application of
the service brakes. The exhaust brake retards the vehicle with a
smooth braking effect.
•Depending on the grade and vehicle load, you may or may not feel the
retarding force acting against your body when the brake is applied.
The brake’s retarding force is actually preventing the vehicle from
going much faster.
•Engine speed has a major effect on retarding performance, with higher
engine speeds permitting greater retarding ability.
•Engine brake performance is closely related to the type of
transmission your vehicle is equipped with. Downshifting of manual
transmission to the lowest gear possible, without exceeding the
maximum engine RPM limit, will maximize retarding performance.
Exhaust brakes will operate effectively with automatic transmissions,
but performance will vary with engine speed and the gear selected by
the transmission.
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Make sure the exhaust brake is turned off before shutting off the engine.
Note:Installing an exhaust or auxiliary brake does not necessarily
protect the engine from exceeding maximum governed speed. The
primary brakes should be used to make sure the engine never exceeds
maximum governed speed under any conditions.
TRAILER BRAKE HAND CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
The hand control, located on the
right-hand side of the instrument
panel, is used to apply the trailer
service brakes which are
independent of the truck or tractor
service brakes.
WARNING:The hand
control should never be
used to apply the brakes when the
tractor and trailer are parked
unattended. Air may leak from the
system and the vehicle could
possibly move, resulting in
possible property damage,
personal injury or death.
The hand control operates a valve that provides gradual control of air
pressure applied; when the valve is only partially applied, the trailer
brakes can be overridden by pressing fully on the brake pedal.
To apply the trailer brakes using the hand control, move the lever
downward. The further the lever is pushed downward, the greater the air
pressure is applied to the brakes. The lever will remain in place until
manually moved.
To release the trailer brakes, move the lever upward completely.
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
A noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may
be observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with
noise while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps,
wet or snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the
vehicle’s ABS. If the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the
steering wheel while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS-equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
ABS warning light
The
ABSwarning light in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on after the vehicle reaches
5–10 mph (8–16 km/h), or continues to flash, the ABS needs to be
serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also remains
illuminated. (If your parking brake warning light illuminates, have your
vehicle serviced immediately.)
Using ABS
•In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
•The ABS does not decrease the time necessary to apply the brakes or
always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough room between
your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.
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•We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
TRACTION CONTROL™ (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control™ system. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads, by reducing engine power and/or selectively applying
the rear brakes. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use of
available traction in these conditions.
Note:The traction control system will not apply the brakes when the
vehicle speed is above 25 mph (40 km/h).
During Traction Control™ operation,
the traction control light in the
instrument cluster will flash rapidly
and the engine will not “rev-up”
when you press further on the
accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be no reason for
concern. If the traction control light does not flash during a traction
control event or stays illuminated, the system is not functioning properly,
take your vehicle to your dealer for service.
When the Traction Control™ switch,
located on the instrument panel, is
activated standard Traction
Control™ will change to Off Road or
Mud/Snow traction mode, the
traction control light will be
illuminated and flash slowly. If a
traction event occurs, in either
mode the traction control light will
flash rapidly. The standard Traction
Control™ can be selected by
pressing the Traction Control™ switch again or will be automatically
selected at next ignition cycle.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching to the Off Road or Mud/Snow Traction Control™
mode. This may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the vehicle out and
enable a successful “rocking” maneuver.
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Vehicles equipped with an Allison 3000 Series automatic
transmission
The PTO drive gear is engine-driven and provides direct engine power.
The PTO can be operated when the vehicle is either stationary or
moving.
The PTO gear is in constant mesh with the drive gear in the torque
converter housing. A friction clutch or constant drive is used to transmit
power to the PTO.
Vehicles equipped with a Caterpillar engine
The PTO will only operate if the transmission is in N (Neutral). This
feature can be overridden by a special service tool; see your dealer or
service representative for more information.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission
Transmission-mounted PTO units are available for local installation on
your vehicle. See yourBody Builder’s Layout Bookfor restrictions on
use and installation of PTO units.
To engage the PTO unit, stop the vehicle and place the transmission in N
(Neutral). Press the clutch and allow the gears to stop rotating, then
engage the PTO unit. The PTO can also be selected with the
transmission in gear as long as the clutch is pressed.
When operating the PTO with the vehicle stationary, first set the parking
brake (chock the wheels if the vehicle is on a hill or another uneven
surface).
REAR AXLE INFORMATION
Axle operating temperature normally will not exceed 100°F (38°C). If
the operating temperature exceeds 230°F (110°C), the rate of axle
lubrication oxidation will increase and shorten the life of the lubricant
and seals, requiring axle lubrication changes to become more frequent to
preserve the axle. Extreme Pressure (EP) lubricants should not be run
consistently above 230°F (110°C).
Gross axle weight
Your truck has gross axle weight, gross vehicle weight and gross
combination weight ratings. Do not exceed these ratings.
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•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a lower gear. This will
also assist in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
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.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCW, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer toLubricant specificationsin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for the lubricant specification. Remember that
regardless of the rear axle lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first
500 miles (800 km) of a new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles
(800 km) of towing be done at no faster than 70 mph (112 km/h) with
no full throttle starts.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(if available on your automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual
transmissions and automatic transmissions withoutaP[Park]
position).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION
WARNING:Failure to follow the fifth wheel manufacturer’s
instructions for hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the
fifth wheel could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
WARNING:When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended,
the trailer brake hand control should never be used to apply the
brake, since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement,
resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death.
Before hook-up, make sure:
•The fifth wheel jaws are fully opened.
•The fifth wheel is fully tilted back to prevent body damage when the
tractor is backed under a trailer.
•The trailer wheels are blocked and the trailer spring brakes are
adjusted and applied. Never chase a trailer.
•The brake hoses and light cords are clear of the fifth wheel.
Hook-up
1. Back the tractor squarely under the trailer, engaging the fifth wheel
jaws on the kingpin. Always back-up slowly, making sure the trailer is
neither too high nor too low. Avoid backing under the trailer from an
angle.
2. Connect the service and emergency brake hoses and trailer light
connector. Refer toTractor-trailer connectionin theAir suspension
section of this chapter, adhering to the warning and using the three-point
stance while connecting and disconnecting the trailer.
3. Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel to be sure they have fully closed on
the trailer kingpin and the trailer plate is resting securely on the fifth
wheel.
4. Be sure the coupler release lever is in the locked position.
5. Charge the trailer brake system. Set the trailer brakes, either with the
hand valve or tractor protection valve. Pull against the trailer for an
additional check of proper hook-up. Do not pull hard enough to damage
or strain the equipment.
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and is not applicable to vehicles
sold in Canada. The service is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period (U.S.) of two years
(unlimited miles)
Roadside assistance will cover:
•battery jump start.
•lock out assistance (key replacement is customer responsibility).
•towing – Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the disablement
location or to the nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to
be towed to the nearest authorized dealer more than 35 miles
(56.3 km) from the disablement location, the member shall be
responsible for any mileage costs in excess of 35 miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $100 if the disabled Eligible Vehicles
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
Roadside services.
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is found in the Owner Guide
portfolio in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States, call 1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1-800-241-3673.
Roadside Emergencies
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