When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a correctly fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the correct wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and brake
lamp.
Yellow
Ground (-).
White
Electric brakes.
Blue
Right turn signal and brake
lamp.
Green
Battery (+).
Orange
Running lamps.
Brown
Reverse lamps.
Grey
Tow Hitch
Do not use a tow hitch that either clamps
on to the bumper or attaches to the axle.
You must distribute the load in your trailer
so that between 10% and 15% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Weight Distributing Hitches
A weight distribution hitch is not
recommended for use with your vehicle.
Safety Chains WARNING
Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle's
tow hitch. To connect the safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes (If Equipped)
WARNING
Do not connect trailer hydraulic
brake systems directly to the vehicle
brake system. Your vehicle may not
have enough braking power and your
chances of having a crash greatly increase. Electric, manual, automatic or surge-type
trailer brakes are safe if you install them
correctly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. Trailer
brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems are
required for safe control of towed vehicles
and trailers weighing more than
1500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller WARNING
The Ford trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with
trailers having electric-actuated
drum brakes (one to four axles) and
electric-over-hydraulic brakes. It will not
turn on the hydraulic surge-style trailer
brakes. It is the responsibility of the
customer to make sure that the trailer
brakes are adjusted appropriately,
functioning normally and all electric
connections are correctly made. Failure to
do so may result in loss of vehicle control,
crash or serious injury. 165
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Manual control lever.
A
Gain adjustment buttons.
B
When used correctly, the trailer brake
controller assists in smooth and effective
trailer braking by powering the trailer ’s
electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes
with a proportional output based on the
towing vehicle ’s brake pressure
Slide the manual control lever to the left
to turn on the trailer's electric brakes. They
work independently of the tow vehicle's
braking system. See the following;
Procedure for adjusting the gain
setting for instructions on correct use of
this feature. If you use the manual control
while the brake is also applied, the greater
of the two inputs determines the power
sent to the trailer brakes. 1.
Press the + and - buttons to adjust the
brake controller's power output to the
trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. You
can increase the gain setting to 10
(maximum trailer braking) or decrease
it to zero (no trailer braking). Pressing
and holding a button raises or lowers
the setting continuously.
The gain setting displays in the
information display as: Message
Trailer Brake
Gain:
Note: Using the manual control lever
illuminates the trailer's brake lamps and
your vehicle's brake lamps, except the
center high-mounted brake lamp, if you
make the correct electrical connection to
the trailer.
166 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2014 TowingE166403
A
B
The controller shows gain setting, output bar graph and the trailer connectivity
status in the information display as follows:
Action and Description
Message
Displays the current gain setting during a given ignition cycle
and when adjusting the gain setting. This also displays if you
use the manual control lever or make gain adjustments with
no trailer connected.
Trailer Brake
Gain:
No Trailer
Displays when you press your vehicle's brake pedal, or upon
use of the manual control lever. 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 indicate maximum output.
Trailer Brake
Gain:
Output:
Displays when the system senses a correct trailer wiring
connection during a given ignition cycle. For example a trailer
with electric trailer brakes.
Trailer Connected
Displays when the system senses a trailer connection and
then a disconnection, either intentional or unintentional,
during a given ignition cycle, this is accompanied by a single
audible tone. It also displays if a vehicle or trailer-wiring fault
occurs causing the trailer to appear disconnected. This
message can also display if you use the manual control lever
without a trailer connected.
Trailer Disconnected
Procedure for Adjusting the Gain Setting
The gain setting sets the trailer brake
controller for the specific towing condition.
You should change the setting 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 using the brakes. Locked trailer
wheels may lead to trailer instability.
Note: Only carry out this procedure in a
traffic-free environment at speeds of
approximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h). 1.
Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and correctly adjusted. See a trailer
dealer if necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. Use the gain adjustment + and - buttons to increase or decrease the
gain setting to the desired starting
point. A gain setting of six is a good
starting point for heavier loads.
4. 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 slide
the manual control lever completely.
167 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2014 Towing
5. If the trailer wheels lock, indicated by
squealing tires, reduce the gain setting.
If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase
the gain setting. Repeat steps four and
five until the gain setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lock. If towing
a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock may
not be attainable even with the
maximum gain setting of 10.
System Warning Messages Action and Description
Message
Displays in response to faults sensed by the trailer brake
controller, accompanied by a single tone. If this message
appears, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair. The controller may still function, but
performance may be degraded.
Trailer Brake Module
Fault
Displays when there is a short circuit on the electric brake
output wire. If the message displays, accompanied by a single
tone, with no trailer connected, the problem is with your
vehicle wiring between the trailer brake controller and the 7-
pin connector. If the message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer wiring. Consult a
trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to ground,
for example a chaffed wire, short to voltage, for example a
pulled pin on trailer emergency breakaway battery or the
trailer brakes may be drawing too much current.
Wiring Fault on Trailer
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose the trailer brake controller to determine exactly
which trailer fault has occurred. However, the Ford Warranty does not cover this diagnosis
if the fault is with the trailer.
Points to Remember
• Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit
may result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set. •
Only use the manual control lever for
correct 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 trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
168 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2014 Towing
•
The trailer brake controller is fitted with
a feature that 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 your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your 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 controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brake system whether you
attach a trailer or not.
• When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.
Trailer Lamps WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in correct trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lamps,
brake lamps, turn signals and hazard
warning lamps are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) until you drive your vehicle
at least 495 mi (800 km). See
Breaking-In
(page 173).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the tow hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled
50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position park (P
) to aid
engine and transmission cooling and
to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or on 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.
• If the transmission is fitted with a
Grade Assist, 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.
169 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2014 Towing
•
If your vehicle is fitted with
AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
(RSC), this system may turn on during
typical cornering maneuvers with a
heavily loaded trailer. This is normal.
Turning the corner at a slower speed
while towing may reduce this tendency.
• If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your vehicle's rear axle with
synthetic gear lubricant (if the axle is
not already filled with it). See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 433).
• 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:
•Turn the steering wheel to point
your vehicle tires away from traffic
flow.
• Set your vehicle parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission
in position park (
P).
• Place wheel chocks in front of and
at the back of the trailer wheels.
(trailer wheel chocks are not
included with your vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Water Craft (PWC)
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 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water. Note:
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after the trailer is removed from the water.
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.
TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE 170
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•
Reduce the use of air conditioning and
heat.
• Avoid using speed control in hilly
terrain.
• Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4
kilometers/liter] is lost for every 400
lbs [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
• Avoid adding particular accessories to
your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski
racks).
• Avoid driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below -13°F (-25°C).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNINGS
Drive through water in an emergency
only and not as part of normal
driving.
Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
In an emergency, you can drive your vehicle
through water to a maximum depth of 8
inches (200 millimeters) and at a
maximum speed of 6 mph (10 km/h). You
must take extra care when driving through
flowing water. When driving in water, maintain a low
speed and do not stop your vehicle. After
driving through water and as soon as it is
safe to do so:
•
Depress the brake pedal lightly to
check that the brakes are functioning
correctly.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that your vehicle's lamps are
fully operational.
• Check the power assistance
of the steering system.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Always make sure that the floor
mats are properly attached to the
retention posts in the carpet that are
supplied with your vehicle. Floor mats must
be properly secured to both retention posts
to make sure mats do not shift out of
position. Never place floor mats or any other
covering in the vehicle foot well that
cannot be properly secured to
prevent them from moving and interfering
with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle.
174 Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2014 Driving Hints
Circuits protected
Fuse rating
Fuse
Diesel particulate filter vaporizer.
3A
F5
Glow plug monitor.
Anti-lock brake system.
3A
F6 Stability assist.
Ignition.
Powertrain control module.
7.5A
F7
Cooling fan - Gasoline.
20A
F8
Left-hand windshield wiper.
30A
F9
Right-hand windshield wiper.
30A
F10
Air conditioning clutch.
10A
F11
Diesel particulate filter vaporizer glow plug.
20A
F12
Not used.
-
F13
Selective Catalytic Reduction - ignition - Diesel.
3A
F14
Not used.
-
F15
Not used.
-
F16
Not used.
-
F17
Anti-lock brake system.
40A
F18
Stability assist pump.
Starter solenoid.
30A
F19
Glow plugs.
60A
F20
Ignition relay 3.
60A
F21
Selective Catalytic Reduction relay feed.
40A
F22
Electric vacuum pump relay feed.
40A
F22
PROTECTED CIRCUIT FUSE.
10A
F23
Fuel injection pump - Diesel.
10A
F24
Fuel injection pump - Gasoline.
20A
F24
Throttle control unit - Diesel.
15A
F25
PROTECTED CIRCUIT FUSE - Gasoline.
10A
F25
189Transit (TTH) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 03/2014 Fuses