may be limited and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your
engine’s air intake and severely damage your engine, drive axles or the
transmission (through the breather ports).
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.
ENGINE AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN WARNING LIGHT OR CHIME
(IF EQUIPPED)
This feature illuminates a light in the instrument cluster and/or sounds a
chime indicating that the engine is being shut down in the event of high
coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure, high diesel particulate filter
soot loading or low engine coolant level. In the event any of these
conditions exist, the engine automatically shuts down.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for
30 seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. Do not attempt to
use this restarting feature to drive the vehicle very far as serious engine
damage could result.
WARNING:In the event of engine shutdown, make sure the
vehicle is safely off the road and the problem is remedied prior
to returning to the road. Failure to remove the vehicle from the road
could result in an accident, causing serious injury or death.
GENERAL BRAKE INFORMATION
All standard equipment brakes are designed to be self-adjusting.
Automatic adjustment, when required, occurs whenever the brakes are
applied and released during forward or reverse operation. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance
concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive
brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises
when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first
few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions
such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,”
“continuous grinding” or “continuous squeal” sound is present while
braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
Know the required stopping distances for all driving conditions that may
be encountered. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage of engine
braking power when coming to a stop.
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Cam brakes - automatic slack adjusters
Standard air brakes (cam) are
equipped with automatic brake
adjusters. Automatic adjustment
occurs during brake applications.
Inspect brakes for proper
adjustment at the intervals listed in
theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter.
WARNING:Do not manually adjust the automatic slack
adjusters to correct excessive push rod stroke as it may result in
reduced brake effectiveness and a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod
stroke indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with
the installation of the adjuster, or with foundation brake components
that manual adjustment does not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke.
Emergency air brake
All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake system. In the unlikely event
of a failure of one system, the second system functions for emergency
stopping. These systems are all controlled by the brake pedal in the
same manner as for normal stops.
WARNING:Do not continue to operate the vehicle with a
failure of one of the brake systems. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
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•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Use a lower gear to eliminate excessive shifting and assist in
transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle requires more
frequent service intervals. Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter 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 clears 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 are 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 to
Lubricant specificationsin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter 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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In Canada:
Mailing address
Customer Relationship Centre
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited
P.O. Box 2000
Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E4
800-565-3673
www.ford.ca
Additional information and resources are available online at
www.fleet.ford.com:
•U.S. dealer locator by Dealer Name, City/State, or Zip Code
•Owner Guides
•Maintenance Schedules
•Recalls
•Ford Extended Service Plans
•Ford Genuine Accessories
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle’s applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 18,000 miles (29,000 km), whichever occurs
first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity
likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a
defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of
the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of
more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
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Follow the checks and services in theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter. Have your dealer or service center inspect your vehicle at least
once a year; remember that regular maintenance and inspections usually
prevent serious problems from developing later.
WARNING:Making modifications to various parts, components
and systems of the vehicle, such as brake and steering systems
can adversely affect the quality, reliability and operation of your vehicle
and could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Such
modifications must be avoided.
WARNING:Failure to properly perform maintenance and
servicing procedures could result in vehicle damage, personal
injury or death.
If the owner/operator of the vehicle is a skilled technician and intends on
performing the vehicle maintenance and service, he is strongly urged to
purchase a service manual.
WARNING:Take care when performing any maintenance,
system check or service on your vehicle. Some of the materials
may also be hazardous if used, serviced or handled improperly and
could result in property damage, personal injury or death.
Air conditioning system checks
Have the air conditioning system checked each spring. The refrigerant
charge, cleanliness of the condenser-evaporator cores and belt condition
are essential to system performance.
When the air conditioning system is being used daily, remove the fresh
air filter (if equipped) once each season and check for dirt, lint, etc.
Replace the filter if necessary. Vehicles operating in unusually dusty
conditions may require more frequent filter inspection and replacement.
Front axle - general service information
Maintaining the front axle alignment to specifications is very important
and should only be performed by a qualified technician. Toe-in
adjustment is particularly important with radial tires.
Make sure the axle mounting U-bolt nuts, attaching or mounting bolts
and nuts are securely tightened. Regularly check front axle for damage,
binding, worn parts and adequate lubrication.
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At regular intervals, or during other scheduled maintenance (tire
rotation/service, wheel bearing service, alignment, etc.), the kingpins
should be checked for excessive wear. Refer to the service manual for
proper procedures.
Toe-in setting - general inspection
Inspecting steer axle tires in the first 3,000–10,000 service miles
(5,000–16,000 service km) generally shows if tires are wearing normally.
Rapid outside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-in.
Rapid inside shoulder wear on both tires indicates too much toe-out. In
P&D-type service, left-to-right steer tire tread life differentials up to 40%
can be observed depending on routes and other variables.
Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure for
the tire size, load range (ply rating) and steer axle loading typical for
their operation (each steer axle tire equals
1 2steer axle loading).
Special applications may warrant a setting based on experience with the
type of tire operating loads and conditions. Radial tires are more
sensitive to toe-in setting than bias ply tires. While not insensitive to
vehicle alignment, fine tuning school bus alignment to line-haul truck
standards does not drastically improve tire tread life.
It is essential that correct toe-in and tire pressure be maintained for
optimum tire wear.
Rear axle - general inspection
Make sure that the axle mounting U-bolts, attaching or mounting bolts
and nuts are securely tightened. Refer toU-bolt nut torquein this
chapter. Regularly check the rear axle for damaged, binding or worn
parts.
NoSpin Detroit Locker positive locking differential
Vehicles equipped with this type differential have the operator’s manual
supplied with the vehicle. Refer to this manual for maintenance checks.
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Brake system - general inspection
Your vehicle is equipped with non-asbestos brake linings. However,
exposure to excessive amounts of brake material (whether asbestos or
non-asbestos, fiberglass, mineral wool, aramid or carbon) may be a
serious health hazard.
Note:Persons handling brake linings should follow all precautions listed
below:
WARNING:
1. Always wear a respirator approved by the National Institute of
Occupational Studies of Health (NIOSH) or Mine Safety and Appliance
(MSA) during all brake service procedures. Wear the respirator from
removal of the wheels through assembly.
2.Neveruse compressed air or dry brushing to clean brake parts or
assemblies.
3. Clean brake parts and assemblies in open air. During assembly,
carefully place all parts on the floor to avoid getting dust in the air. Use
an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system to clean dust
from the brake drums, backing plates and other brake parts. After using
the vacuum, remove any remaining dust with a rag soaked in water and
wrung until nearly dry.
4.Neveruse compressed air or dry sweeping to clean the work area.
Use an industrial vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system and rags
soaked in water until wrung until nearly dry. Dispose of used rags with
care to avoid getting dust in the air. Use an approved respirator when
emptying vacuum cleaners and handling used rags.
5.Worker clean-up:Wash your hands before eating, drinking or
smoking. Vacuum your work clothes after use and then launder them
separately, without shaking them, to prevent fiber dust getting into the
air.
Air brakes
Inspection and adjustment:Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment inspection based on vehicle use.
Exact maintenance intervals are difficult to predetermine since vehicles
are used in a wide variety of applications and conditions; if you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
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Air dryer:Climactic conditions affect performance of desiccant or
after-cooler type air dryers. Maintenance schedules must be established
for each specific operation.
The use of an air dryer on a vehicle does not eliminate the need to
periodically drain the air reservoirs.
Desiccant air dryer:Inspect for moisture in the air system by opening
reservoirs, draincocks or valves and checking for presence of water. The
presence of small amounts of water due to condensation is normal and
should not be considered as an indication that the dryer is not
functioning properly.
The desiccant cartridge should be replaced or rebuilt when it has been
determined that the desiccant is contaminated and does not have
adequate water absorption capacity. The desiccant change interval may
vary; it is generally recommended that the desiccant be replaced every
12 months (yearly). If experience has shown that extended or shortened
life has resulted for a particular installation, then the yearly interval can
be increased or decreased accordingly.
Hydraulic brakes
Inspection and adjustment:Establish a regular schedule for periodic
cleaning, lubrication and adjustment inspection based on vehicle use.
Exact maintenance intervals are difficult to predetermine since vehicles
are used in a wide variety of applications and conditions; if you are
uncertain of the proper schedule for your vehicle, contact your dealer.
Inspect the brake lining every maintenance interval. Establish inspection
intervals that provide for lining replacement before damage to the disc
occurs. Excessive lining wear may expose the backing plate to the disc
causing scoring of the disc faces. This inspection should be performed by
a qualified technician and must be in accordance with instructions
provided by the service manual. Hydraulic brake systems are
power-assisted. Braking capabilities are greatly reduced without engine
assist.
Fluid level:Fluid level should be at the bottom edge of the ring on each
reservoir fill port. Do not fill the master cylinder to the top of the
reservoir. If fluid level requires attention to maintain a proper master
cylinder level, this is an indication of either severe operation (pad wear)
or fluid leakage. A more frequent and thorough brake inspection is
required.
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