The anti-lock braking system will not
eliminate the risks when:
•
You drive too closely to the vehicle in
front of you.
• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
• You take corners too fast.
• The road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
Hydraulic Brakes WARNINGS
Do not use the gearshift selector in
place of the parking brake. Always
set the parking brake fully AND make
sure the transmission is in park (P) or
neutral (N). Use of wheel chocks is also
recommended in hilly or off-road usage.
Unexpected and possible sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these precautions
are not taken. If the parking brake is fully released
but the parking brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may
not be working properly. See your dealer
or a qualified service technician. Apply the parking brake whenever the
vehicle is parked. To set the parking brake,
pull the handle up until it snaps into the
locked position.
When the parking brake is out of
adjustment, seek service immediately.
The parking brake warning lamp
in the instrument cluster
illuminates, and remains
illuminated (when you switch on the
ignition), until you release the parking
brake. Push the palm release lever (A) on the
parking brake handle (B) and push down
as far as possible to release the brake.
Driving with the parking brake on causes
the brakes to wear out quickly and reduces
fuel economy.
We recommend you not use the parking
brake to stop a moving vehicle. However,
if the normal brakes fail, you can use the
parking brake to stop your vehicle in an
emergency. Since the parking brake only
applies retardation to the rear wheels, the
vehicle's stopping distance increases
greatly and the handling of your vehicle is
adversely affected.
Applying the Parking Brake
Note:
If the light blinks and a warning tone
sounds when you pull the control knob, the
parking brake is not functioning properly.
Seek immediate service from your dealer.
Pull the yellow, dash-mounted parking
brake knob. The parking brake light
illuminates indicating that the parking
brake has been successfully set.
Releasing the Parking Brake WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down while
moving the gearshift lever from
position to position. If the brake
pedal is not held down, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly resulting in property
damage, personal injury or death. 121
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Note:
Read and understand the following
steps and perform them whenever you
prepare to drive the vehicle.
Note: The parking brake does not disengage
unless sufficient system air pressure is
available.
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal
while the engine is running.
2. Select the appropriate drive gear.
3. Push and hold the yellow dash-mounted parking brake knob until
the parking brake light turns off, then
release.
Parking Brake Light Illumination due
to Low Air Pressure
If the air pressure becomes too low at any
time during vehicle operation, the parking
brake may apply and the parking brake
light turns on.
If the parking brake applies due to low air
pressure, immediate service is required to
the parking brake system.
Parking Brake Warning System
If the parking brake light blinks and a tone
sounds when pulling the yellow control
knob out, this indicates the parking brake
is not functioning properly. Seek service for
the parking brake immediately.
With the ignition key not in the run position:
• A tone sounds if the parking brake
remains released (or in an unknown
state). The tone stops after
approximately 8 minutes or until the
parking brake is applied. Seek service
for the parking brake immediately. Diesel engines: Parking brake light
operation (the light only works when the
ignition key is in the run position):
• On:
Parking brake applied.
• Off:
Parking brake released and no
faults or malfunctions detected.
• Blink and tone:
Parking brake
released (or in an unknown state) and
faults or malfunctions detected.
Releasing Spring Manually WARNINGS
Do not attempt to disassemble the
parking brake chamber under any
circumstances. The high spring load
may cause serious injury. Block the wheels to help prevent the
vehicle from moving.
Unexpected and possibly sudden
vehicle movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
If you release hydraulic pressure from the
spring brake chamber the power spring
applies the brake and, unless hydraulic
pressure can be re-established, you must
release the spring brake as follows in order
to move your vehicle.
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Loosen the jam nut (A) and un-thread the
adjustment rod (B) from the chamber to
reduce tension on the cable (C). Continue
to un-thread the adjustment rod all the
way and remove it from the chamber.
Air Brakes
WARNING
This control is used for parking only.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
after setting the parking brake
without placing the transmission park (P).
Use of wheel chocks is also recommended
in hilly or off-road usage. If the service brakes should fail to operate
while your vehicle is moving, you can make
an emergency stop with the parking brake.
Since the parking brake only applies
stopping power to the rear wheels, your
vehicle
’s stopping distance greatly
increases and the handling of your vehicle
is adversely affected. Make repairs
immediately to an inoperative air brake
system circuit. Pull the yellow parking brake knob out to
apply the parking brake. Push the knob in
to release the parking brake.
The parking brake light
illuminates and remains
illuminated (when you switch
the ignition to the on position) until you
release the parking brake. Releasing Spring Brake with Air
Pressure
The air system in all vehicles with
spring-actuated rear wheel parking brakes
is equipped with a valve located on the
governor for connection to an outside air
supply. The valve lets you recharge the
system with air from an outside source,
releasing the spring-actuated parking
brakes. Your vehicle is now ready to tow in
an emergency.
You can only use an outside air source if
the protected system is in operating
condition. If you cannot restore air pressure
in the protected air system, you must
release the spring-actuated brakes
manually.
Releasing Spring Manually
WARNINGS
Do not attempt to disassemble the
parking brake chamber under any
circumstances. The high spring load
may cause serious injury if the chamber
clamps are removed. Block the wheels to help prevent the
vehicle from moving.
Unexpected and possibly sudden
vehicle movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
If you release air pressure from the spring
brake chamber, the power spring applies
the brake and, unless air pressure can be
re-established, you must release the spring
brake as follows in order to move your
vehicle.
Do not use impact wrenches as they may
damage the piston and prevent proper
caging of the spring. Do not apply more
than 50 lb.ft (68 Nm) to the release bolt
nut.
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AIR BRAKES
WARNINGS
Do not drive or continue to drive if the
low air pressure buzzer is sounding
or the brake warning light is lit. These
warnings indicate that air pressure is not
to normal operating level. Continued use
of the vehicle could result in loss of braking
ability. Avoid repeated light application of
the brake pedal. This depletes air
pressure faster and could result in
loss of braking capability. Do not move the vehicle when the
air pressure is insufficient because
the brake system may be inoperative.
After starting the engine, give the air
compressor time to build up the air
pressure to 60 psi (414 kPa) before moving
your vehicle. Periodically check the air pressure gauge
while driving. Pressure should range
between approximately 100 psi (690 kPa)
to
130 psi (896 kPa). The air compressor
governor cut-in and cutout pressure
settings are set at the factory and are not
adjustable. When air pressure is insufficient
(below
60 psi (414 kPa)), a
warning light illuminates and a
buzzer sounds when the ignition is in the
on position. This may happen because
excessive brake applications are depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition
occurs, stop driving your vehicle until the
compressor has fully recharged the air
system.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle
before descending grades. Supplementing
with brakes, as required, help to safely slow
the vehicle and avoids overspeeding the
engine.
Air Chamber Stroke Indication
Air chamber push rods have orange stroke
indicator markers that warn when the
braking system requires adjustment or
repair. The painted orange indicator is on
the air chamber push rod at the slack
adjuster stroke dimension that requires
service when visible during brake
application.
A qualified service technician should
perform air brake inspection and
adjustment or repairs keeping to the
instructions in the service manual.
Cam Brakes - Automatic Slack
Adjusters WARNING
Do not manually adjust the
automatic slack adjusters to correct
excessive push rod stroke as it may
result in reduced brake effectiveness and
a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod stroke
indicates that a problem exists with the
automatic adjuster, with the installation
of the adjuster, or with foundation brake
components that manual adjustment does
not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke. 125
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid
drive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels
and, when needed, reduces engine power
at the same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
Note:
The system does not apply the brakes
when vehicle speed is above 25 mph
(40 km/h).
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES WARNING
Aggressive driving in any road
conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the
risk of severe personal injury or property
damage. The occurrence of a traction
control event is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If you experience a severe road event,
SLOW DOWN. Press the switch to select Off Road or
Mud/Snow traction mode. This is
beneficial when your vehicle is stuck in
snow or on a slippery road surface. This
mode allows excess wheel spin to dig your
vehicle out and allows you to rock your
vehicle.
Press the switch again to select standard
traction control. The system automatically
selects standard traction control at the
next ignition cycle. System Indicator Light
Note:
If the traction control light does not
flash during a traction control event or stays
illuminated, the system is not functioning
properly. Take your vehicle to an authorized
dealer for service.
During traction control operation, the
traction control light flashes rapidly and
the engine does not rev-up when you press
further on the accelerator. This is normal
and is no reason for concern.
In Off Road or Mud/Snow mode, the
traction control light illuminates and
flashes slowly. If a traction event occurs,
in either mode, the light flashes rapidly.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES WARNING
Aggressive driving in any road
conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the
risk of severe personal injury or property
damage. The occurrence of a traction
control event is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If you experience a severe road event,
SLOW DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to switch the system off
or on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
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LOAD LIMIT
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. Do not use replacement tires
with lower load carrying
capacities than the original tires
because they may lower the
vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. Replacement tires
with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations. Exceeding any vehicle weight
rating limitation could result
in serious damage to the vehicle
and/or personal injury. Every vehicle manufactured by
Ford Motor Company is supplied
with information on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label,
located on either the B-pillar or
the driver
’s door edge, listing the
maximum loading for the vehicle
(GVWR), and its axle systems
(GAWR) at the tire to ground
interface. Example only:
Under no circumstances should
your vehicle be loaded in excess
of the GVWR or GAWR. It is the
operator
’s responsibility to ensure
that neither the axle capacities,
spring capacities, tire capacities
nor the vehicle rated GVWR is
exceeded.
Unloaded or Lightly Loaded
Vehicles WARNING
When operating empty or
lightly loaded, sudden or hard
braking may induce wheel lockup
with loss of vehicle control and
the possibility of accident and
serious injury, especially on wet or
slippery road surfaces. The braking system has been
designed to safely stop your
vehicle when fully loaded to its
GVWR.
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AIR SUSPENSION (If Equipped)
Note: Do not operate your vehicle without
air in the suspension springs. Operating your
vehicle without air in the suspension springs
damages the suspension, degrades ride
performance and may cause property
damage.
The air suspension system automatically
adjusts to different loads to maintain a
constant frame height, allows for ease of
vehicle loading, provides improved vehicle
ride, and increased driver comfort.
Air Suspension Dump Button Note:
The suspension dumps air when the
ignition is in the accessory or on position,
but fills only when the ignition is in the on
position.
A button located on the instrument panel
controls the system. It operates only when
the ignition is in the accessory or on
position and the air tanks have sufficient
pressure to fill the air springs. When you
turn off the ignition, the suspension
remains in whatever state it was last set.
Pressing and holding the button for two
seconds exhausts air from the air springs,
lowering the frame for loading. Pressing
and holding the button for two seconds
fills the air springs so your vehicle remains
at normal ride height. System Indicator Light
The air suspension indicator light
illuminates when using the button to
release air pressure in the rear air springs.
Never drive your vehicle when the warning
lamp is illuminated and there is low (or no)
air pressure in the springs.
Connecting and Disconnecting a
Trailer with Air Suspension and Air
Suspension Dump Button
When connecting to a trailer:
•
Press and hold the button for two
seconds to exhaust air from the air
suspension system.
• Press and hold the button for two
seconds, and then raise the landing
gear after making the connection to
the trailer.
When disconnecting the trailer:
• Lower the landing gear, and then press
and hold the button for two seconds.
• Disconnect the brake hoses, trailer-side
and rear light connectors, then pull the
release lever on the fifth wheel.
You must fill the air springs before
operating with a trailer or operating in the
bobtail mode.
Suspension Conversions WARNING
When operating a loaded vehicle, the
driver must keep all adjustable axles
on the ground at all times, supporting
their share of the vehicle ’s load. Failure to
do so can overload other axles, tires,
wheels, springs, steering components,
brakes and frames, resulting in early
component failure, loss of vehicle control,
possible property damage and personal
injury. 138
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See Fuses
(page 162).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extra
load on your vehicle's engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires
and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation. Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer
movement affects your vehicle
when driving:
•
Load the heaviest items closest
to the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items
centered between the left and
right side trailer tires.
• Load the heaviest items above
the trailer axles or just slightly
forward toward the trailer
tongue. Do not allow the final
trailer tongue weight to go
above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
When driving with a trailer or
payload, a slight takeoff vibration
or shudder may be present due to
the increased payload weight.
Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
137).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online. RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
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