2013 FORD E SERIES towing

The TBC user interface consists of the following:
A.+/- (GAIN adjustment buttons):Pressing these buttons adjusts the
TBC’s power output to the trailer brakes (in 0.5 increments). The GAIN
setting can be increased to a maximum of 10.0 or decreased to a
minimum of 0 (no trailer braking). Pressing and holding a button raises
or lowers the setting continuously. The GAIN setting displays in the
message center as follows: TBC GAIN = XX.X.
The controller is designed to display three items of information in the
information display. These are: GAIN setting, output bar graph, and trailer
connectivity status. They appear in the information display as follows:
•TBC GAIN = XX.X NO TRAILER:Shows the current GAIN setting
during a given ignition cycle and when adjusting the GAIN. This also
displays during manual activation without a trailer connected or when
GAIN adjustments are made with no trailer connected.
•TBC GAIN = XX.X OUTPUT=//////:Displays when the vehicle’s
brake pedal is pushed, or when the manual control is activated. Bar
indicators illuminate in the information display to indicate the amount
of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the brake pedal or
manual control input. One bar indicates the least amount of output; six
bars indicates maximum output.
•TRAILER CONNECTED:Displays when a correct trailer wiring
connection (a trailer with electric trailer brakes) has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle.
•TRAILER DISCONNECTED:Displays, accompanied by a single
audible chime, when a trailer connection was determined and then a
disconnection (either intentionally or unintentionally), has been sensed
during a given ignition cycle. It also displays if a truck or trailer wiring
fault occurs causing the trailer to appear disconnected. This message
can also display during manual activation without a trailer connected.
B
A
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B.Manual control lever:Slide the control lever to the left to activate
power to the trailer’s electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle’s
brakes (see the followingProcedure for adjusting GAINsection for
instructions on proper use of this feature). If the manual control is
activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs
determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.
•Stop lamps:Activating the manual control lever illuminates both the
trailer brake lamps and the tow vehicle brake lamps except the
center high-mount stop lamp (if the proper electrical connection has
been made to the trailer). Pressing the vehicle brake pedal also
illuminates both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Adjusting GAIN
Note:This should only be performed in a traffic-free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
The GAIN setting is used to set the TBC for the specific towing
condition and should be changed as towing conditions change. Changes
to towing conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions
and weather.
The GAIN should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking
assistance while making sure the trailer wheels do not lock when
braking. Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition,
functioning normally and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if
necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric or EOH brakes is plugged in, TRAILER
CONNECTED appears in the information display.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease the
GAIN setting to the desired starting point. A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
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.
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Explanation of Information Display Warning Messages
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.
TRAILER BRAKE MODULE FAULT:Displays in response to faults sensed
by the TBC (accompanied by a single chime). If this message is displayed,
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:Displays when a short circuit on the
electric brake output wire has occurred. If theWIRING FAULT ON
TRAILERmessage is displayed and accompanied by a single chime, with
no trailer connected, the problem is with the vehicle wiring between 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), short to voltage (i.e., pulled pin on trailer emergency
break-away battery) or the trailer brakes may be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual.Damage to the unit may result.
•Adjust GAIN setting before using the TBC for the first time.
•Adjust GAIN setting (according to procedure above) whenever road,
weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from when
the GAIN was initially set.
•The manual control lever should only be used for proper adjustment
of the GAIN during trailer setup. Misuse, such as application during
trailer sway, could cause instability of trailer 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.
•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 controller interacts with the brake control system and powertrain
control system of the vehicle to provide the best performance on
different road conditions.
•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.
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•When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC output is disabled and the display
and module are shut down. The TBC module and display turn on when the
ignition is turned from the off position to the on position.
•The TBC is only a factory-installed or dealer-installed item. Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
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 the lamps.
Using a Step Bumper (If Equipped)
The rear bumper is equipped with an integral hitch and only requires a
ball with a one inch (25.4 millimeter) shank diameter. The bumper has a
5000 pound (2268 kilogram) trailer weight and 500 pound (227
kilogram) tongue weight capacity.
If it is necessary to relocate the trailer hitch ball position, a
frame-mounted trailer hitch must be installed.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
gearshift in positionPto aid engine and transmission cooling and to
help A/C performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
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•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTrac™ with RSC, you may
experience AdvanceTrac™ with RSC activations during typical
cornering maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer; this is normal.
Cornering at a slower speed while towing reduces the tendency of the
AdvanceTrac™ stability enhancement system to activate.
•If you are towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly conditions,
at GCWR (or any combination of these factors), consider refilling
your rear axle with synthetic gear lubricant, if not already so
equipped. See theCapacities and Specificationschapter for the
lubricant specification.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point the vehicle tires away from
traffic flow.
2. Set the vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in positionPor manual
transmission in a high gear.
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of the trailer wheels.
(Chocks not equipped with vehicle.)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a temporary or conventional spare
tire. If the spare tire is different in size (diameter and/or width), tread
type (All-Season or All-Terrain) or is from a different manufacturer other
than the road tires on your vehicle, your spare tire is considered
“temporary”. Consult information on the tire label or Safety Compliance
label for limitations when using.
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbeforebacking the trailer into
the water.
Note: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 inches (15 centimeters)
above the bottom edge of the rear bumper.
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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 anytime the rear axle has been
submerged in water. Water may have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor
Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. If the vehicle is
towed incorrectly, or by any other means, vehicle damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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If your vehicle is equipped with an air dam and must be towed from the
front, it is recommended that your vehicle be towed by wheel lift or
flatbed equipment to prevent damage to the air dam.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled (without access to wheel
dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration) under the following conditions:
•The vehicle is facing forward so that it is towed in a forward
direction.
•The transmission is placed in positionN.SeeAutomatic
transmissionin theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the
transmission intoN.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational (RV) towing.
An example of recreational towing would be towing your vehicle behind
a motor home.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheels on the ground, as vehicle or
transmission damage may occur. It is recommended to tow your vehicle
with all four (4) wheels off the ground such as when using a car-hauling
trailer. Otherwise, no recreational towing is permitted.
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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 a day, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your owner’s manual portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (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 up to 2.0 gallons (7.5 liters)
of gasoline or 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters) of diesel fuel to a disabled
vehicle. Fuel delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicles towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56 kilometers) 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 kilometers) from the
disablement location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of 35 miles (56 kilometers).
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.
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