2011 FORD F350 brake

6. If the trailer wheels lock up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the
GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below
trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock-up
may not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.
Explanation of instrument cluster warning messages:
The TBC interacts with the instrument cluster message center to display
the following messages:
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT:This message is displayed and
accompanied by a single chime, in response to faults sensed by the TBC.
In the event this message is seen, please contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair. The TBC may still function,
but performance may be degraded.
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILER:This message is displayed when a
Short circuit on the electric brake output wirehas occurred. If the
WIRING FAULT ON TRAILERmessage is displayed and accompanied
by a single chime, with no trailer connected, the problem is with the
vehicle wiring from the TBC to the 7–pin connector at the bumper. If the
message is only displayed with a trailer connected, the problem is related
to the trailer wiring; consult your trailer dealer for assistance. This can
be a short to ground (i.e., chaffed wire) or a short to voltage (i.e., pulled
pin on trailer emergency break-away battery) or trailer brakes drawing
too much current.
Note:Your TBC can be diagnosed by your authorized dealer to
determine exactly which trailer fault has occurred; however, if the fault
is with the trailer this diagnosis isnotcovered under your Ford
warranty.
Points to Remember:
•Remember to adjust gain setting before using the TBC for the first
time.
•Readjust gain setting on the TBC (according to procedure above)
whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from those that existed when the gain was initially set.
•The sliding lever on the TBC should be used only for manual
activation of trailer brakes to assist with proper adjustment of the
GAIN. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause
instability of trailer and/or tow vehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not
provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock
up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer and
tow vehicle.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
257
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

•The TBC is equipped with a feature which reduces output at vehicle
speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and vehicle braking is not
jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes
using the vehicle’s brake pedal, not the TBC.
•The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including
ABS, in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lock-up;
therefore, if these systems are not functioning properly, the TBC may
not function at full performance.
•Your vehicle’s brake system and the trailer brake system work
independently of each other; changing the GAIN setting on the TBC
does not affect the operation of your vehicle’s brakes whether a trailer
is attached or not.
•When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC output is disabled and the
display is shut down; turning the ignition from off to on awakens the
TBC module.
•The TBC is only a factory- or dealer-installed item; Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
•Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual; damage to the unit may result.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Activate the tow/haul feature to eliminate excessive transmission
shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer toAutomatic transmission operationin theDrivingchapter.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
258
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

Braking
•Anticipate stops; allow more distance and time to stop than normal.
•Do not apply the trailer brakes for extended periods of time as they
can overheat and lose effectiveness.
•The trailer brakes (including the shoes, drum and trailer brake
magnets) must be inspected and serviced at intervals specified by the
manufacturer.
•Electric brakes also require periodic adjustment to keep the shoes
properly spaced. If the brakes get hot when driving or if they will not
hold, chances are that they need adjustment.
Backing-up
•Practice backing-up, particularly if you are a novice. Turn the steering
wheel to the right to move the trailer’s rear end to the right.
•Sharp steering movements may cause the trailer to jackknife or go out
of control.
Tires
•Select tires that meet the trailer loading requirements.
•All trailer tires should be of the same size, and construction.
•Always check tow vehicle and trailer tire pressure before towing.
Launching or retrieving a boat
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before backing the trailer
into the water. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer after the
trailer is removed from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat launching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level to rise above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higher than 6 in (15 cm) above the
bottom edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to enter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to the components.
•Affecting driveability, emissions and reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or changed
unless a leak is suspected or repair required.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
260
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— shuts off the engine and all
accessories/locks the steering wheel
and allows key removal.Note:In
order to switch off the engine while
the vehicle is in motion, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring
the vehicle to a safe stop. After the
vehicle has stopped, turn the engine
off and shift into park. Then, turn
the key to the accessory or off
position.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the
steering wheel.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
begins cranking.
Preparing to start your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Driving
262
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. SeeGuarding against
exhaust fumesin this chapter for more instructions.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked. If your vehicle is operated in a heavy snow storm or blowing
snow conditions, the engine air induction may become partially clogged
with snow and/or ice. If this occurs, the engine may experience a
significant reduction in power output. At the earliest opportunity, clear
all the snow and/or ice away from the air induction inlet. The following
starting instructions are for vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine; if
your vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine, refer toStarting the
enginein your diesel supplement.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
Driving
263
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

3. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (on) without
turning the key to 4 (start). If there
is difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel until the
key turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
•the front wheels are turned.
•a front wheel is against the curb.
2. Turn the key to 4 (start), then
release the key as soon as the
engine begins cranking. Your vehicle has a computer assisted cranking
system that assists in starting the engine. After releasing the key from
the 4 (start) position, the engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Note:Cranking may be stopped at any time by turning the key to the off
position.
3. After idling for a few seconds, release the parking brake, apply the
brake, shift into gear and drive.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to the off
position, wait 10 seconds and try Step 2 again. If the engine still fails to
start, press the accelerator to the floor and try Step 2 again, keeping the
accelerator on the floor until the engine begins to accelerate above
cranking speeds; this will allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off
in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
Driving
264
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Brake assist
The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the
ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake
application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the
brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by
either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the
system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal
pulsation may be observed; this is normal.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
268
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated until the
parking brake is released.
ABS
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE
Driving
269
2011 F-250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com