2015 FORD F450 ECO mode

USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING
For important information regarding
safe operation of this type of vehicle,
See General Information (page
263). Note:
Do not use 4X4 mode on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4X4 mode is
only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces.
Note: If 4X4 low is selected while the
vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),
the 4WD system will not perform a shift.
This is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4
Low) for proper operation.
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS)
4WD system
(If Equipped)
Note: Some vehicles may be equipped with
wheel ornaments that cover the 4x4 manual
hub lock. These ornaments must be
removed to access the manual hub locks.
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hub
locks set to FREE as this condition may
damage driveline system components. The 4WD system is engaged or disengaged
by rotating the control for both front wheel
hub locks from the FREE or LOCK position,
then manually engaging or disengaging the
transfer case with the floor-mounted
shifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD,
rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly
(ESOF) 4WD system
Note:
If 4X4 Low is selected while the
vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),
the 4WD system will not perform a shift.
This is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4X4
Low) for proper system operation.
Note: Auto-manual hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating the hub lock
control from AUTO to LOCK. For proper operation, make sure that each
hub is fully engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both
set to LOCK or both set to AUTO). To
engage LOCK, turn the hub locks
completely clockwise; to engage AUTO,
turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
The ESOF 4WD system:
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•
provides 4x4 High engagement and
disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
• is operated by a rotary control located
on the instrument panel that allows
you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low
operation.
• uses auto-manual hub locks that can
be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode
selected.
• will increase fuel economy when used
in the recommended AUTO lock mode.
4WD Indicator Lights
Note: When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system will typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It will not default to 4X2
in all circumstances. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.
4X2 Momentarily illuminates when
2H is selected.
4X4 HIGH Continuously illuminates when
4H is selected.
4X4 LOW Continuously illuminates when
4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4 Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present. Using a Manual Shift On Stop
(MSOS) 4wd system (If Equipped)
Note: High shift efforts may be encountered
when attempting to shift into and out of 4x4
modes. It is recommended to allow the
vehicle to roll at a speed below 3 mph (5
km/h) when shifting between modes. 2H (2WD)
For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds
4H (4x4 High)
Used for extra traction such as in snow or
icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
N (Neutral)
Only used when towing the vehicle. No
power to front or rear wheels.
4L (4x4 Low)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades or pulling heavy objects.
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Shifting between system modes
Note:
Do not perform these operations if
the rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4x4
system shifts or engages. This is normal. In
order to reduce engagement noise, it is
recommended that all shifts be performed
at speeds below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged as
this condition may damage driveline system
components.
Engage the locking hubs by rotating the
hub lock control from FREE to LOCK, then
move the transfer case lever from 2H
(2WD) to 4H (4x4 High) at a stop or a
vehicle speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
Move the transfer case lever from 4H (4x4
High) to 2H (2WD) at a stop or a vehicle
speed below 3 mph (5 km/h), then
disengage the locking hubs (optional) by
rotating the hub lock control from LOCK
to FREE.
For proper operation, make sure that both
indicator arrows on the hub are aligned,
and that both hubs are set to either FREE
or LOCK.
Shifting to/from 4L (4x4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the transfer case shift lever through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
4. If the transfer case does not, or only partially moves to the desired position,
perform a shift with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at
a speed below 3 mph (5 km/h). 5.
If shifting to 2H (2WD) with the vehicle
at a complete stop, disengage the
locking hubs (optional) by rotating the
hub lock control from LOCK to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position WARNING
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position. Always set the
parking brake fully and turn off the ignition
when leaving the vehicle. The transfer case neutral position overrides
the transmission and puts the vehicle in
neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move
forward or backwards.
This position should only be used when
towing the vehicle.
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Using the Electronic Shift on the
Fly 4WD system (If Equipped)
2H (2WD)
For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds.
4H (4X4 HIGH)
Used for extra traction such as in snow or
icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
4L (4X4 LOW)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off-road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades, or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4x4
low) will not engage while the vehicle is
moving above 3 mph (5 km/h); this is
normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4x4
low) for proper operation.
Shifting between system modes
Note:
Momentarily releasing the accelerator
pedal while performing a shift will improve
engagement/disengagement times. Note:
Do not perform this operation if the
rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note: 4X4 high mode is not intended for
use on dry pavement.
You can move the control from 2H or 4H
at a stop or while driving. The information
display may display a message indicating
a 4X4 shift is in progress. Once the shift is
complete the message center will then
display the system mode selected.
If
SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD is
displayed in the information display during
the mode shift, transfer case gear tooth
blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a
forward gear and move the vehicle forward
approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) to allow
the transfer case to complete the mode
shift.
Shifting to/from 4L (4X4 low)
Note: Some noise may be heard as the
system shifts or engages; this is normal.
Note: 4x4 low mode is not intended for use
on dry pavement.
1. Bring the vehicle to a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
3. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.
The information display will display a
message indicating a 4X4 shift is in
progress. The information display will then
display the system mode selected. If any
of the above shift conditions are not met,
the shift will not occur and the information
display will display information guiding the
driver through the proper shifting
procedures.
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If SHIFT DELAYED PULL FORWARD is
displayed in the information display,
transfer case gear tooth blockage is
present. To alleviate this condition, place
the transmission in a forward gear, move
the vehicle forward approximately 5 feet
(1.5 meters), and shift the transmission
back to neutral to allow the transfer case
to complete the range shift.
How Your Vehicle Differs From
Other Vehicles WARNING
Vehicles with a higher center of
gravity such as utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity.
Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles are
not designed for cornering at speeds as
high as passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these
vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps.
You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
the vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with
a front air dam that can become damaged
(due to reduced ground clearance) when
taking your vehicle off-road. This air dam
can be taken off by removing two bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On Four-wheel
drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you
to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures can be found in this
chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
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(If Equipped)

Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use Four-wheel drive on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so will
produce excessive noise, increase tire
wear and may damage drive
components. Four-wheel drive modes
are only intended for consistently
slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern. Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are
required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
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It is acceptable to have your two-wheel
drive vehicle towed with the front wheels
on the ground (without dollies) and the
rear wheels off the ground.
We recommend towing a four-wheel drive
vehicle with all wheels off the ground, such
as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. However, it is acceptable to
use a wheel lift to raise the rear of your
vehicle so long as, depending on vehicle
configuration, you perform the following
before towing:
•
If your vehicle is equipped with a
manual-shift transfer case, make sure
the front wheel hub locks are in the
FREE position before towing.
• If your vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer
case, make sure you turn the
four-wheel drive control to the
2H
position before towing.
Note: Towing an electronic shift-on-the-fly
four-wheel drive vehicle with the front
wheels on the ground without disengaging
the front hubs may cause damage to the
automatic transmission.
Note: Towing a two-wheel drive vehicle or
an electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel
drive vehicle with the rear wheels on the
ground for more than 50 miles (80 km) or
faster than 35 mph (56 km/h) may cause
damage to the automatic transmission.
Note: Using wheel lift equipment to tow a
dual rear wheel vehicle requires removing
an outer rear wheel before towing. TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(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
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in position
N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N
, you may need to override it. See
Transmission (page 147).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 106).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles and
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Equipped
with an Electronic-shift Transfer Case
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, you cannot
tow your vehicle.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
•
Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
•
Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8– 10
miles (12 –16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
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