2015 FORD SUPER DUTY brakes

Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles canlose traction in slick mud. If your vehicledoes slide, steer in the direction of the slideuntil you regain control of your vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residuestuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.Excess mud stuck on tires and rotatingdriveshafts can cause an imbalance thatcould damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited.
When driving through water, determine thedepth and avoid water higher than thebottom of the hubs. If the ignition systemgets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by applying light pressure to thebrake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:Driving through deep water maydamage the transmission. If the front or rearaxle is submerged in water, the axlelubricant and power transfer unit lubricantshould be checked and changed ifnecessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Note:Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slippingsideways and possible vehicle roll over.Whenever driving on a hill, determinebeforehand the route you will use. Do notdrive over the crest of a hill without seeingwhat conditions are on the other side. Donot drive in reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround because this could cause vehicleroll over. It is better to reverse back to asafe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you woulduse to climb up the hill to avoid excessivebrake application and brake overheating.Do not descend in neutral. Disengageoverdrive or move the transmissionselector lever to a lower gear. Whendescending a steep hill, avoid sudden hardbraking as you could lose control. The frontwheels have to be turning in order to steeryour vehicle.
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If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, applythe brakes steadily. Do not pump thebrakes.
Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control which can leadto serious injury or death. If the rear end ofyour vehicle slides while cornering, steer inthe direction of the slide until you regaincontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can causetransmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.Should you start to slide while driving onsnowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheelin the direction of the slide until you regaincontrol.
Avoid sudden applications of power andquick changes of direction on snow andice. Apply the accelerator slowly andsteadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although afour-wheel drive vehicle may acceleratebetter than a two-wheel drive vehicle insnow and ice, it will not stop any faster asbraking occurs at all four wheels. Do notbecome overconfident as to roadconditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distancebetween you and other vehicles forstopping. Drive slower than usual andconsider using one of the lower gears. Inemergency stopping situations, apply thebrake steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal. See Hints on Driving WithAnti-Lock Brakes (page 162).
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud orSnow
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35mph (56 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,it may be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature,damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock your vehicle for morethan a minute, damage to the transmissionand tires may occur or the engine mayoverheat.
Parking
WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released,but the brake warning lamp remainsilluminated, the brakes may not beworking properly. See your authorizeddealer.
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the gearshift islatched in P (Park). Turn the ignitionto the off position and remove the keywhenever you leave your vehicle.
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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. Have thesystem checked by an authorized dealer. Ifyour vehicle has continuous vibration orshudder in the steering wheel while braking,have it checked by an authorized 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 261).
See Warning Lamps andIndicators (page 77).
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. Move the transmission selector leverto position P, switch the engine off andapply the parking brake. Inspect theaccelerator pedal for any interference. Ifnone are found and the condition persists,have your vehicle towed to the nearestauthorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brakerapidly by measuring the rate at which youpress the brake pedal. It providesmaximum braking efficiency as long as youpress the pedal, and can reduce stoppingdistances in critical situations.
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarilyilluminates when you turn theignition on. If the light does notilluminate during start up, remains on orflashes, the system may be disabled. Havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer.
If the system is disabled, normalbraking is still effective. If thebrake warning lamp illuminateswhen you release the parking brake, havethe system checked by an authorizeddealer.
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
•you take corners too fast
•the road surface is poor.
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PARKING BRAKE
WARNING
Always set the parking brake fullyand make sure the transmissionselector lever is placed in position P.Failure to set the parking brake and engagepark could result in vehicle roll-away,property damage or bodily injury. Turn theignition to the lock position and removethe key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Apply the parking brake whenever yourvehicle is parked. Press the pedaldownward to set the parking brake. Thebrake warning lamp in the instrumentcluster will illuminate and remainsilluminated until the parking brake isreleased.
To release, pull the brake release leverlocated at the lower left side of theinstrument panel.
If you are parking your vehicle on a gradeor with a trailer, press and hold the brakepedal down, then set the parking brake.There may be a little vehicle movement asthe parking brake sets to hold the vehicle'sweight. This is normal and should be noreason for concern. If needed, press andhold the service brake pedal down, thentry reapplying the parking brake. Chock thewheels if required. If the parking brakecannot hold the weight of the vehicle, theparking brake may need to be serviced orthe vehicle may be overloaded.
HILL START ASSIST
WARNINGS
The system does not replace theparking brake. When you leave yourvehicle, always apply the parkingbrake and put the transmission in park (P).
WARNINGS
You must remain in your vehicle onceyou have activated the system.
During all times, you are responsiblefor controlling your vehicle,supervising the system andintervening, if required.
If the engine is revved excessively, orif a malfunction is detected, thesystem will be deactivated.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope without theneed to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicle willremain stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows you time to move yourfoot from the brake to the acceleratorpedal. The brakes are releasedautomatically once the engine hasdeveloped sufficient drive to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, (for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space).
The system will activate automatically onany slope that will cause significant vehiclerollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed.
2.If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system will activateautomatically.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle will remainon the slope without rolling away forabout two or three seconds. This holdtime will automatically be extended ifyou are in the process of driving off.
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4.Drive off in the normal manner. Thebrakes will release automatically.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
(Dual rear wheel vehicles only)
In certain situations (for example, stuck insnow or mud), it may be beneficial to turnthe traction control system off. This allowsthe wheels to spin with full engine power.
Turn the traction control system off bypressing the stability control buttonlocated on the instrument panel.
If you cannot turn the system off, see theMyKey chapter for more information.
Placing your vehicle into four-wheel drivemode automatically disables tractioncontrol. Traction control operation willresume when you place your vehicle backinto two-wheel drive mode.
Engine only traction control(Dual rear wheel vehicles only)
Traction control systemStability control OFFindicatorButton functions
EnabledNot illuminatedDefault at start-up
DisabledIlluminatedButton pressed momentarily
EnabledNot illuminatedButton pressed again afterdeactivation
DisabledIlluminatedTransfer case switched to4WD*
*Engaging 4WD automatically disables the traction control system.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Hill descent control cannot controldescent in all surface conditions andcircumstances, such as ice orextremely steep grades. Hill descentcontrol is a driver assist system and cannotsubstitute for good judgment by the driver.Failure to do so may result in loss of vehiclecontrol, crash or serious injury.
Hill descent control does not providehill hold at zero miles per hour (0kilometers per hour). When stopped,the parking brake must be applied or thevehicle must be placed in P (Park) or itmay roll away.
Hill descent control allows the driver to setand maintain vehicle speed whiledescending steep grades in various surfaceconditions.
Hill descent control can maintain vehiclespeeds on downhill grades between 2 mph(3 km/h) and 12 mph (20 km/h). Above 20mph (32 km/h), the system remainsarmed, but descent speed cannot be setor maintained.
Hill descent control requires a coolingdown interval after a period of sustaineduse. The amount of time that the featurecan remain active before cooling varieswith conditions. The system will provide awarning in the message center and a chimewill sound when the system is about todisengage for cooling. At this time,manually apply the brakes as needed tomaintain descent speed.
USING HILL DESCENT
CONTROL
Press and release the hilldescent button located on theinstrument panel. A light in thecluster will illuminate and achime will sound when this feature isactivated.
To increase descent speed, press theaccelerator pedal until the desired speedis reached. To decrease descent speed,press the brake pedal until the desiredspeed is reached.
Whether accelerating or decelerating, oncethe desired descent speed is reached,remove your feet from the pedals and thechosen vehicle speed will be maintained.
Note:Noise from the ABS pump motor maybe observed during hill descent controloperation. This is a normal characteristic ofthe ABS and should be no reason forconcern.
Hill descent modes
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h):When the Hill Descent Control switchis pressed and Hill Descent Control isactive, the Hill Descent Control telltalewill flash.
•At speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h):When the Hill Descent Control switchis pressed and conditions are notcorrect for hill descent activation, theHill Descent Control system will beenabled, the Hill Descent Controltelltale will be solid and a message willdisplay in the information display.
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PARKING AID (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNINGS
To help avoid personal injury, pleaseread and understand the limitationsof the system as contained in thissection. Sensing is only an aid for some(generally large and fixed) objects whenmoving in reverse on a flat surface atparking speeds. Traffic control systems,inclement weather, air brakes, and externalmotors and fans may also affect thefunction of the sensing system; this mayinclude reduced performance or a falseactivation.
To help avoid personal injury, alwaysuse caution when in R (Reverse) andwhen using the sensing system.
This system is not designed toprevent contact with small or movingobjects. The system is designed toprovide a warning to assist the driver indetecting large stationary objects to avoiddamaging the vehicle. The system may notdetect smaller objects, particularly thoseclose to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as largetrailer hitches, bike or surfboard racksand any device that may block thenormal detection zone of the system, maycreate false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors, located on thebumper or fascia, free from snow, ice andlarge accumulations of dirt. If the sensorsare covered, the system’s accuracy can beaffected. Do not clean the sensors withsharp objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage tothe bumper or fascia, leaving it misalignedor bent, the sensing zone may be alteredcausing inaccurate measurement ofobstacles or false alarms.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped withMyKey™, it is possible to prevent turningthe sensing system off. See MyKey™ (page50).
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with a fullyintegrated electronic trailer brake controller(TBC) and a trailer with electric trailerbrakes is connected to your vehicle, the RSSwill be disabled. When the vehicle is shiftedinto reverse, the information display willremain in the Rear Park Aid Off selection.For more information on the TBC, SeeTrailer Sway Control (page 190).
The sensing system warns the driver ofobstacles within a certain range of thebumper area. The system turns onautomatically whenever the ignition isswitched on.
When receiving a detection warning, theradio volume is reduced to apredetermined level. After the warninggoes away, the radio volume returns to theprevious level.
Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when thetransmission is in R (Reverse). As thevehicle moves closer to the obstacle, therate of the audible warning increases.When the obstacle is fewer than 12 inches(30 centimeters) away, the warningsounds continuously. If a stationary orreceding object is detected farther than 12inches (30 centimeters) from the side ofthe vehicle, the tone sounds for only threeseconds. Once the system detects anobject approaching, the warning soundsagain.
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