2012 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. Press pedal
downward to set the parking brake.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned on) until the
parking brake is released.
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.
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
transmission mounted parking brake assembly, the vehicle’s stopping
distance will increase greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.
P!
BRAKE
Driving
57
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Press the service brake pedal with
your foot and pull the parking brake
release handle to release the
parking brake.
Brake over accelerator
This vehicle is equipped with a brake over accelerator feature. In the
event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, applying steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal will both slow the vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) position with the
ignition in the 4 (on) position and the brake pedal pressed, a
malfunction may have occurred. It is possible that a fuse has blown or
the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer toFuses and
relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter. If the fuses and brake
lamps are working properly, and the vehicle still will not shift out of (P)
Park, see your authorized dealer for service.
Driving
58
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

In an emergency, to disable the malfunctioning brake-shift interlock
feature in order to shift the vehicle from P (Park) follow these steps:
WARNING:To prevent vehicle movement when following this
procedure, park on a level surface, ensure parking brake is set,
and block the rear wheels.
1. Apply the parking brake. Turn key to the lock position, and then
remove the key.
2. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.
3. Insert the key and turn to the off position. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the battery.
5. Start the vehicle.
See your authorized dealer for service immediately.
WARNING:If your brake lamps are not working properly or if
you have disconnected the vehicle battery cables, the vehicle
brake lamps and hazard flashers may not properly warn traffic of a
vehicle breakdown or approaching danger, which can increase the risk
of serious injury or death. To minimize the risk of serious injury or
death, be aware of your surroundings, use other hazard signaling
devices if available, and move the vehicle to a safe location away from
traffic as soon as possible.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
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.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
Driving
59
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

Understanding the shift positions of the 5–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy.
Adaptive transmission 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 shift 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:
1. Start the engine
2. Press the brake pedal
3. Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
1. Come to a complete stop
2. 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).
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.
Driving
60
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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 pressed.
Grade braking downshifts occur automatically when all three of the
following occur:
•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.
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.
Driving
61
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

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
•Press the accelerator to the floor.
•Allows transmission to select an appropriate gear
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
Driving
62
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. 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.
Driving
63
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you 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, if provided with the vehicle
(except vehicles that have been supplied with a tire inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver 5 gallons (18.9L) of fuel to a
disabled vehicle. Fuel delivery service is limited to two no-charge
occurrences within a 12-month period.
•towing – Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to an 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 an
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 $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
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.
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance
Customers who require roadside assistance, may contact 1-800-444-3311.
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance
Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
Roadside Emergencies
64
2012 Motorhome(mot)
Supplement, 2nd Printing
USA(fus)