2014 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS wheel

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out and shouldbe inspected by an authorized dealer. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, thevehicle should be inspected by anauthorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on thewheels, even under normal drivingconditions. Some dust is inevitable as thebrakes wear and does not contribute tobrake noise. See Cleaning the AlloyWheels (page 88).
See the Instrument Clusterchapter for information on thebrake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Turn the engine off, shift to positionP and apply the parking brake, and theninspect the accelerator pedal for anyinterferences. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer.
Hydraulic brake booster system(Hydroboost or Hydromax)
The Hydroboost and Hydromax systemsreceive fluid pressure from the powersteering pump to provide power assistduring braking.
The Hydromax booster receives backuppressure from the reserve system electricpump whenever the fluid in the powersteering system is not flowing. When theengine is off, the pump will turn on if thebrake pedal is applied, or if the ignition isturned to the on position.
The sound of the pump operating may beheard by the driver, but this is a normalcharacteristic of the system.
The reserve system provides reducedbraking power, so the vehicle should beoperated under these conditions withcaution, and only to seek service repair andremove the vehicle from the roadway.
Note:For Hydromax-equipped vehiclesoperating under normal conditions, the noiseof the fluid flowing through the booster maybe heard whenever the brake is applied. Thiscondition is normal. Vehicle service is notrequired.
If braking performance or pedal responsebecomes very poor, even when the pedalis strongly pressed, it may indicate thepresence of air in the hydraulic system orleakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely assoon as possible and seek serviceimmediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note:When the system is operating, thebrake pedal will pulse and may travelfurther. Maintain pressure on the brakepedal. You may also hear a noise from thesystem. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a setspeed without keeping your foot on theaccelerator pedal. You can use cruisecontrol when your vehicle speed is greaterthan 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL
WARNINGS
Do not use cruise control in heavytraffic, on winding roads or when theroad surface is slippery. This couldresult in loss of vehicle control, seriousinjury or death.
When you are going downhill, yourvehicle speed may increase abovethe set speed. The system will notapply the brakes. Change down a gear toassist the system in maintaining the setspeed. Failure to do so could result in lossof vehicle control, serious injury or death.
Note:Cruise control will disengage if yourvehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph(16 km/h) below your set speed whiledriving uphill.
The cruise controls are located on thesteering wheel.
Switching Cruise Control On
Press and release ON.
The indicator will display in theinstrument cluster.
Setting a Speed
1.Accelerate to the desired speed.
2.Press and release SET ACCEL.
3.Take your foot off the acceleratorpedal.
Changing the Set Speed
•Press and hold SET ACCEL to increaseor COAST to decrease the set speed.Release the control when you reachthe desired speed.
•Press and release SET ACCEL toincrease or COAST to decrease. Theset speed will change in approximately1 mph (2 km/h) increments.
•Press the accelerator or brake pedaluntil you reach the desired speed. Pressand release SET ACCEL.
Canceling the Set Speed
Tap the brake pedal. The set speed willnot erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release RES.
Switching Cruise Control Off
Note:You will erase the set speed if youswitch the system off.
Press and release OFF or switch theignition off.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive yourvehicle at least 1000 mi (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle lawsfor towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included withtowing accessories for the properinstallation and adjustmentspecifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently ifyou tow a trailer. See your scheduledmaintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow theinstructions the rental agency givesyou.
Another chapter of this manual containsload specification terms found on the tirelabel and Safety Compliance label andinstructions on calculating your vehicle'sload. See Load Limit (page 36).
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of thetotal trailer weight is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributinghitch to any position where the rearbumper of the vehicle is higher thanit was before attaching the trailer. Doingso will defeat the function of theweight-distributing hitch, which may causeunpredictable handling, and could resultin serious personal injury.
When hooking-up a trailer using aweight-distributing hitch, always use thefollowing procedure:
1.Park the loaded vehicle, without thetrailer, on a level surface.
2.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle’s front wheel opening on thefender. This is H1.
3.Securely attach the loaded trailer toyour vehicle without theweight-distributing bars connected.
4.Measure the height to the top of yourvehicle’s front wheel opening on thefender a second time. This is H2.
5.Install and adjust the tension in theweight-distributing bars so that theheight of your vehicle’s front wheelopening on the fender is approximatelyhalfway between H1 and H2.
6.Check that the trailer is level or slightlynose down toward your vehicle. If not,adjust the ball height accordingly andrepeat Steps 1-6.
7.Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
8.Check that the trailer tongue securelyattaches and locks onto the hitch.
9.Install safety chains, lighting and trailerbrake controls as required by law or thetrailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note:Never attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to thehook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross themunder the trailer tongue and allow enoughslack for turning tight corners. Do not allowthe chains to drag on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulicbrake system directly to yourvehicle's brake system. Your vehiclemay not have enough braking power andyour chances of having a collision greatlyincrease.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Separate functioning brake systemsare required for safe control of towedvehicles and trailers weighing morethan 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)when loaded.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiringto the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; thismay damage the electrical systemresulting in fire. Contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible for assistancein proper trailer tow wiring installation.Additional electrical equipment may berequired.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, direction indicators and hazard lightsare working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi(800 km).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thegearshift in park (P) to aid engine andtransmission cooling and to help airconditioning performance.
•Switch off the speed control withheavy loads or in hilly terrain. Thespeed control may turn offautomatically when you are towing onlong, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with aGrade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, usethis feature when towing. This providesengine braking and helps eliminateexcessive transmission shifting foroptimum fuel economy andtransmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, ifyou must park on a grade:
1.Turn the steering wheel to point yourvehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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2.Set your vehicle parking brake.
3.Place the automatic transmission inpark (P).
4.Place wheel chocks in the front andback of the trailer wheels. (Chocks notincluded with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat orPersonal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailerbefore backing the trailer into the water.
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailerafter removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boatlaunching or retrieval:
•Do not allow the static water level torise above the bottom edge of the rearbumper.
•Do not allow waves to break higherthan 6 in (15 cm) above the bottomedge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water toenter vehicle components:
•Causing internal damage to thecomponents.
•Affecting driveability, emissions andreliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytimethe rear axle has been submerged in water.Water may have contaminated the rearaxle lubricant, which is not normallychecked or changed unless a leak issuspected or other axle repair is required.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed,contact a professional towing service or,if you are a member of a roadsideassistance program, your roadsideassistance service provider. When callingfor a tow truck, let the operator know whatkind of vehicle you have.
It is advisable to have your vehicle towedwith a wheel lift and dollies or flatbedequipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt.Ford Motor Company has not approved aslingbelt towing procedure. Vehicledamage may occur if towed incorrectly, orby any other means.
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Do not exceed a maximum distance of 50miles (80 kilometers) and maximumspeed of 35 mph (56 km/h) when towingyour vehicle from the front with the rearwheels on the ground. If you must exceedthe maximum distance or speed, aqualified technician must remove thedriveshaft. This prevents transmissiondamage.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable(without access to wheel dollies,car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transportvehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheelson the ground, regardless of the powertrainand transmission configuration) under thefollowing conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward fortowing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in position N. Ifyou cannot move the transmission intoN, you may need to override it.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80kilometers).
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires forapproximately 300 miles (480kilometers). During this time, your vehiclemay exhibit some unusual drivingcharacteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speedfrequently and change up through thegears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimizestop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (travelingat 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph [105km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Revving the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner or frontdefroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow atrailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] islost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] ofweight carried).
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing atrailer may reduce fuel economy at anyspeed.
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle (for example bug deflectors,rollbars, light bars, running boards, skiracks or luggage racks) may reducefuel economy.
•To maximize the fuel economy, drivewith the tonneau cover installed (ifequipped).
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 8–10miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
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•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
•Four-wheel-drive operation (ifequipped) is less fuel efficient thantwo-wheel-drive operation.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
Note:Driving through deep water abovethe recommended levels can cause vehicledamage.
If driving through deep or standing wateris unavoidable, proceed very slowly. Neverdrive through water that is higher than thebottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or thebottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction orbrake capability may be limited. Also,water may enter your engine’s air intakeand severely damage your engine or yourvehicle may stall.
Once through the water, always dry thebrakes by moving your vehicle slowly whileapplying light pressure on the brake pedal.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle asquickly as dry brakes.
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