If the message only displays with a trailerconnected, the problem is with the trailerwiring. Consult your trailer dealer forassistance. This can be a short to ground(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergencybreakaway battery) or the trailer brakesmay be drawing too much current.
Points to Remember
Note:Do not attempt removal of the trailerbrake controller without consulting theWorkshop Manual. Damage to the unit mayresult.
•Adjust gain setting before using thetrailer brake controller.
•Adjust gain setting, using the procedureabove, whenever road, weather, traileror vehicle loading conditions changefrom when the gain was initially set.
•Only use the manual control lever forproper adjustment of the gain duringtrailer setup. Misuse, such asapplication during trailer sway, couldcause instability of trailer or towvehicle.
•Avoid towing in adverse weatherconditions. The trailer brake controllerdoes not provide anti-lock control ofthe trailer wheels. Trailer wheels canlock up on slippery surfaces, resultingin reduced stability of trailer and towvehicle.
•The trailer brake controller is equippedwith a feature that reduces output atvehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerkyor harsh. This feature is only activewhen applying the brakes using yourvehicle's brake pedal, not thecontroller.
•The controller interacts with the brakecontrol system and powertrain controlsystem of your vehicle to provide thebest performance on different roadconditions.
•Your vehicle's brake system and thetrailer brake system workindependently of each other. Changingthe gain setting on the controller doesnot affect the operation of yourvehicle's brakes.
•When you switch the engine off, thecontroller output is disabled and thedisplay and module shut down.
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, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
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 (113km/h) during the first 500 miles (800kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
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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.
TOWING POINTS
WARNINGS
Using recovery hooks is dangerousand should only be done by a personfamiliar with proper vehicle recoverysafety practices. Improper use of recoveryhooks may cause hook failure or separationfrom the vehicle and could result in seriousinjury or death.
Always slowly remove the slack fromthe recovery strap prior to pulling.Failure to do so can introducesignificantly higher loads which can causethe recovery hooks to break off, or therecovery strap to fail which can causeserious injury or death.
Never link two straps together witha clevis pin. These heavy metalobjects could become projectiles ifthe strap breaks and can cause seriousinjury or death.
Your vehicle comes equipped withframe-mounted front recovery hooks.These hooks should never have a loadapplied to them greater than the grossvehicle weight rating of your vehicle.
Before using recovery hooks:
•Make sure all attaching points aresecure and capable of withstandingthe applied load.
•Never use chains, cables or tow strapswith metal hook ends.
•Only use recovery straps that have aminimum breaking strength two tothree times the gross vehicle weight ofthe stuck vehicle.
•Make sure the recovery strap is in goodcondition and free of visible cuts, tearsor damage.
•Use a damper device such as a tarp,heavy blanket or piece of carpetdraped over the recovery strap to helpabsorb the energy in the event thestrap breaks.
•Make sure the stuck vehicle is notloaded heavier than its gross vehicleweight rating specified on thecertification label.
•Always align the tow vehicle and stuckvehicle in a straight line (within 10degrees).
•Keep bystanders to the sides of thevehicle, at a distance of at least twicethe length of the recovery strap. Thishelps avoid injury from the hazard of arecovery hook or strap breaking, or avehicle lurching into their path.
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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. SeeTransmission (page 151).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).
WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheellock make sure the ignition is in theaccessory or on position when beingtowed.
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system inrecirculated air mode to prevent exhaustfumes from entering your vehicle. SeeClimate Control (page 110).
Follow these guidelines if you have a needfor recreational towing, such as towingyour vehicle behind a motorhome. Wedesigned these guidelines to preventdamage to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles andFour-wheel Drive Vehicles Equippedwith an Electronic-shift Transfer Case
Do not tow your vehicle with any wheelson the ground, as vehicle or transmissiondamage may occur. It is recommended totow your vehicle with all four (4) wheelsoff the ground, such as when using acar-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you cannottow your vehicle.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Equippedwith a Manual-shift Transfer Case
1. Put the transmission in position N.
2. Put the transfer case in position N.
3.Put the hub locks in the FREE position.Always make sure that both hub locksare set to the same position.
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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
WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deepwater as you may lose control of yourvehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that aredesigned to fit the foot well of yourvehicle. Only use floor mats thatleave the pedal area unobstructed. Onlyuse floor mats that are firmly secured toretention posts so that they cannot slip outof position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your vehicle inother ways.
Pedals that cannot move freely cancause loss of vehicle control andincrease the risk of serious personalinjury.
Always make sure that the floormats are properly attached to theretention posts in the carpet that aresupplied with your vehicle. Floor mats mustbe properly secured to both retention poststo make sure mats do not shift out ofposition.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering in the vehicle foot well thatcannot be properly secured toprevent them from moving and interferingwith the pedals or the ability to control thevehicle.
Never place floor mats or any othercovering on top of already installedfloor mats. Floor mats should alwaysrest on top of vehicle carpeting surface andnot another floor mat or other covering.Additional floor mats or any other coveringwill reduce the pedal clearance andpotentially interfere with pedal operation.
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WARNINGS
Check attachment of floor mats ona regular basis. Always properlyreinstall and secure floor mats thathave been removed for cleaning orreplacement.
Always make sure that objectscannot fall into the driver foot wellwhile the vehicle is moving. Objectsthat are loose can become trapped underthe pedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
Failure to properly follow floor matinstallation or attachmentinstructions can potentially causeinterference with pedal operation causinga loss of vehicle control.
To install floor mats, position the floor matso that the eyelet is over the retention postand press down to lock in.
To remove the floor mat, reverse theinstallation procedure.
SNOWPLOWING
Ford recommends that the Super DutyF-Series used for snow removal includethe snowplow package option.
Installing the Snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selectingand installing the snowplow are in the FordTruck Body Builders Layout Book,snowplow section, found atwww.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas. A typicalinstallation affects the following:
•Certification to government safety lawssuch as occupant protection and airbagdeployment, braking, and lighting. Lookfor an Alterer’s Label on the vehiclefrom the snowplow installer certifyingthat the installation meets allapplicable Federal Motor VehicleSafety Standards (FMVSS).
•The Total Accessory Reserve Capacity(TARC) is on the lower right side of thevehicle’s Safety ComplianceCertification Label. This applies toFord-completed vehicles of 10,000pounds (4,536 kilograms) GVWR orless. This is the weight ofpermanently-attached auxiliaryequipment, such as snowplowframe-mounting hardware, that canbe added to the vehicle and satisfyFord compliance certification toFMVSS. Exceeding this weight mayrequire the auxiliary equipment installeradditional safety certificationresponsibility. The Front AccessoryReserve Capacity (FARC) is forcustomer convenience.
•Rear ballast weight behind the rearaxle may be required to preventexceeding the FGAWR, and providefront-to-rear weight balance for properbraking and steering.
•Front wheel toe may requirere-adjustment to prevent prematureuneven tire wear. Specifications are inthe Ford Workshop Manual.
•Headlight aim may requirere-adjustment.
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•The tire air pressures recommendedfor general driving are on the vehicle’sSafety Certification Label. Themaximum cold inflation pressure forthe tire and associated load rating ison the tire sidewall. Tire air pressuremay require re-adjustment within thesepressure limits to accommodate theadditional weight of the snowplowinstallation.
•Federal and some local regulationsrequire additional exterior lamps forsnowplow-equipped vehicles. Consultyour authorized dealer for additionalinformation.
Operating the Vehicle with theSnowplow Attached
Note:Do not use your vehicle for snowremoval until you have driven at least500 mi (800 km).
Ford recommends vehicle speed does notexceed 45 mph (72 km/h) whensnowplowing.
The attached snowplow blade restrictsairflow to the radiator, and may cause theengine to run at a higher temperature:Attention to engine temperature isespecially important when outsidetemperatures are above freezing. Anglethe blade to maximize airflow to theradiator and monitor engine temperatureto determine whether a left or right angleprovides the best performance.
Follow the severe duty schedule in yourScheduled Maintenance information forengine oil and transmission fluid changeintervals.
Snowplowing with your AirbagEquipped Vehicle
WARNINGS
Do not attempt to service, repair, ormodify the airbag supplementalrestraint system (SRS) or its fuses.Contact an authorized dealer.
Additional equipment such assnowplow equipment may affect theperformance of the airbag sensorsincreasing the risk of injury. Please refer tothe Body Builders Layout Book forinstructions about the appropriateinstallation of additional equipment.
All occupants of the vehicle,including the driver, should alwaysproperly wear their safety belts, evenwhen provided with an airbagsupplemental restraint system (SRS).
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver andpassenger airbag supplemental restraintsystem. The supplemental restraint systemwill activate in certain frontal and offsetfrontal collisions when the vehicle sustainssufficient frontal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving whileplowing snow that results in sufficientvehicle decelerations can deploy theairbag. Such driving also increases the riskof accidents
Never remove or defeat the trippingmechanisms designed into the snowremoval equipment by its manufacturer.Doing so may cause damage to the vehicleand the snow removal equipment as wellas possible airbag deployment.
Engine temperature while plowing
When driving with a plow, your engine mayrun at a higher temperature than normalbecause the attached snowplow blade willrestrict airflow to the radiator.
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Driving Hints
•If you are driving more than 15 mi(24 km) at temperatures abovefreezing, angle the plow blade eitherfull left or full right to providemaximum airflow to the radiator.
•If you are driving less than 15 mi(24 km) at speeds up to 45 mph(72 km/h) in cold weather, you will notneed to worry about blade position toprovide maximum airflow.
Transmission operation whileplowing
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
•Shift transfer case to 4L (4WD Low)when plowing in small areas at speedsbelow 5 mph (8 km/h).
•Shift transfer case to 4H (4WD High)when plowing larger areas or light snowat higher speeds. Do not exceed 15 mph(24 km/h).
•Do not shift the transmission from aforward gear to R (Reverse) until theengine is at idle and the wheels havestopped.
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Driving Hints
Canadian roadside coverage and benefitsmay differ from the U.S. coverage. If yourequire more information, please refer tothe coverage section of your warrantyguide, call us in Canada at1-800-665-2006, or visit our website atwww.ford.ca.
Sykes Assistance Services Corporationadministers the Roadside Assistanceprogram. You must receive coveredservices in Canada or the continentalUnited States. Coverage extends tovehicles that use public, non-seasonal,annually traveled roadways. RoadsideAssistance coverage does not extend tovehicles involved in cross-country driving,logging, autocross and any other form ofoff-road use. Well maintained roads andsurfaces help ensure safe travel for thesupplier, and allow their representativesto perform service as per the standardoperating procedures.
In Remote Locations
If our supplier cannot take your vehicle byroad to the nearest authorized dealership,transportation by rail or water may benecessary. The program covers a tow tothe dock or rail terminal and also to thedealership at the end of the trip.
For rail or water transportation, however,contact your authorized dealer to confirmif you are eligible for additional coveragebefore you authorize or pay for the service.
Call Ford Roadside Assistance at1-800-665-2006 for additionalinformation.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
Note:The hazard warning flashers willoperate when the ignition is in any positionor if the key is not in the ignition. If usedwhen the engine is not running, the batterywill lose charge. As a result, there may beinsufficient power to restart your engine.
In some models, the hazardflasher control is located on theinstrument panel.
In other models, this feature is located onthe steering column, just behind thesteering wheel.
Use your hazard warning flashers whenyour vehicle is creating a safety hazard forother motorists.
•Press the flasher control and all frontand rear direction indicators flash.
•Press the flasher control again to turnthem off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if necessary,repair fuel leaks after a collision mayincrease the risk of fire and seriousinjury. Ford Motor Company recommendsthat the fuel system be inspected by anauthorized dealer after any collision.
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