If you connect a PLC trailer with
the ignition on, the trailer ABS
light also illuminates. If the light
fails to illuminate, if it remains on after you
start the vehicle or continues to flash, have
the system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Note: When the system is operating, the
brake pedal may pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake
pedal. You may also hear a noise from the
system. This is normal.
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
Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).
When doing this procedure, you need
to take the transmission out of park
(P) which means your vehicle can
roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always fully set the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheels chocks if appropriate. Unexpected and possibly sudden
vehicle movement may occur if you
do not take these precautions. WARNINGS
If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. 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.
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Releasing Spring Manually
WARNINGS
Do not attempt to disassemble the
parking brake air chamber under any
circumstances as this may cause
serious injury. Block the wheels to help prevent the
vehicle from moving.
Unexpected and possibly sudden
vehicle movement may occur if you
do not take these precautions.
If you release hydraulic pressure from the
spring brake chamber, the power spring
applies the brake. If the hydraulic pressure
can be re-established, you must release
the spring brake in order to move your
vehicle.
Air Brakes
WARNING
This control is for parking only. Do
not leave the vehicle unattended
after setting the parking brake
without placing the transmission in park
(P). We recommend using wheel chocks
for hilly or off-road circumstances. If the service brakes 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, dash-mounted parking
brake knob to apply 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 the Parking Brake WARNING
Hold the brake pedal down when
moving the gearshift lever. If you do
not hold down the brake pedal, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly, resulting
in property damage, personal injury or
death. 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.
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FULL POWER BRAKE
WARNING
If the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster remains
illuminated after engine start up, this
indicates a system failure in the Full Power
Brake system. Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible and seek service
immediately. This system incorporates standard braking,
an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and
optional Power Park Brake into one fully
integrated hydraulic brake system. With
the Full Power Brake system, braking
energy is stored, similar to an air brake
system, resulting in faster response times
and shorter stopping distances. This is
accomplished using motor and pump
assemblies that pressurize the system by
pumping brake fluid into accumulators.
This is similar to the air compressor of an
air brake system pressurizing the air tanks.
The system includes a master cylinder that
provides the normal pedal feel and
transfers the pedal force, via brake fluid,
to the main components of the system.
Note:
The motor and pumps run
momentarily with the ignition switch in the
on or run position, or in the off position with
the brake pedal pressed.
Note: During normal driving, you may hear
the pump and motors replenishing the
accumulators. This is a normal function of
the system. 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.
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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. Standard air brakes (cam) are equipped
with automatic brake adjusters. Automatic
adjustment occurs during brake
applications. Inspect brakes for proper
adjustment at the specified intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 316).
Emergency Air Brake WARNING
Do not continue to operate the
vehicle with a failure of one of the
brake systems. Take the vehicle to
your dealer for service immediately. All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake
system. In the unlikely event of a failure of
one system, the second system functions
for emergency stopping. The brake pedal
controls all these systems in the same
manner as for normal stops.
EXHAUST BRAKE
WARNING
The exhaust brake is not
recommended for use on slippery or
low traction road surfaces. Under
these conditions a loss of vehicle control
could occur. 124
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Make sure the engine speed does not
exceed the maximum allowable engine
RPM. Exceeding the maximum allowable
engine RPM can result in damage to the
engine. Apply the service brakes to reduce
the engine RPM or make a slower descent
by using a lower gear.
While going down the grade, use a low
enough gear to descend safely with a
minimum application of the service brakes.
As a general guideline, use the same gear
as you use to ascend the hill.
Exhaust Brake Operating
Characteristics
The exhaust brake turns on when you
remove your feet from both the accelerator
and clutch pedals and the exhaust brake
switch is in the on position. The following
conditions exist if the brake is operating
properly:
•
A slight change in engine sound when
the exhaust brake turns on.
• A smooth braking effect. Do not expect
a retarding effect similar to sudden,
hard application of the service brakes.
• The retarding force possibly felt acting
against your body during brake
application (depending on the grade
and vehicle load). This force is actually
preventing the vehicle from going much
faster.
• Engine temperature remaining in the
normal operating range.
• The tachometer showing a drop in
engine RPM (depending on grade and
vehicle load) during a descent.
• A decrease in road speed when
applying the exhaust brake during a
descent, except when your vehicle is
carrying a heavy load or the grade is
extremely steep. In these instances,
you may need to apply the service
brakes occasionally. TRAILER BRAKES
Trailer Brake Hand Control (If Equipped) WARNING
The hand control should never be
used to apply the brakes when the
tractor and trailer are parked
unattended. Air may leak from the system
and the vehicle could possibly move,
resulting in possible property damage,
personal injury or death. The hand control is located on the
right-hand side of the instrument panel. It
applies the trailer service brakes, which are
independent of the truck or tractor service
brakes.
It operates a valve that provides gradual
control of air pressure applied. When the
valve is only partially applied, you can
override the trailer brakes by pressing fully
on the brake pedal.
To apply the trailer brakes using the hand
control, move the lever downward. The
further you push the lever down, the
greater the air pressure is applied to the
brakes. The lever remains in place until
manually moved.
To release the trailer brakes, move the
lever up completely.
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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. Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel 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. 136
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