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 and shouldbe inspected by an authorized dealer. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, thevehicle should be inspected by anauthorized 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 Wheels(page 163).
See the Instrument Clusterchapter for information on thebrake system warning light.
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. Turn the engine off, shift thetransmission into park (P), apply theparking brake, and then inspect theaccelerator pedal for any interferences. Ifnone are found and the condition persists,have your vehicle towed to the nearestauthorized dealer.
Hydraulic brake booster system(Hydroboost or Hydromax)
The Hydroboost and Hydromax systemsreceive fluid pressure from the powersteering pump to provide power assistduring braking.
The Hydromax booster receives backuppressure from the reserve system electricpump whenever the fluid in the powersteering system is not flowing. When theengine is off, the pump will turn on if thebrake pedal is applied, or if the ignition isturned to the on position.
The sound of the pump operating may beheard by the driver, but this is a normalcharacteristic of the system.
The reserve system provides reducedbraking power, so the vehicle should beoperated under these conditions withcaution, and only to seek service repair andremove the vehicle from the roadway.
Note:For Hydromax-equipped vehiclesoperating under normal conditions, the noiseof the fluid flowing through the booster maybe heard whenever the brake is applied. Thiscondition is normal. Vehicle service is notrequired.
If braking performance or pedal responsebecomes very poor, even when the pedalis strongly pressed, it may indicate thepresence of air in the hydraulic system orleakage of fluid. Stop the vehicle safely assoon as possible and seek serviceimmediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
The anti-lock braking system does noteliminate the risks when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle infront of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
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BrakesE144522
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,you may restart your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Switch off the vehicle.
2. Switch on the vehicle.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-enable thefuel pump.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosivegases which can cause personalinjury. Therefore, do not allowflames, sparks or lighted substances tocome near the battery. When working nearthe battery, always shield your face andprotect your eyes. Always provide correctventilation.
Keep batteries out of reach ofchildren. Batteries contain sulfuricacid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes orclothing. Shield your eyes when workingnear the battery to protect against possiblesplashing of acid solution. In case of acidcontact with skin or eyes, flushimmediately with water for a minimum of15 minutes and get prompt medicalattention. If acid is swallowed, call aphysician immediately.
Use only adequately sized cableswith insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Do not attempt to push-start yourautomatic transmission vehicle.
Note:Attempting to push-start a vehiclewith an automatic transmission may causetransmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start yourvehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of thedisabled vehicle as this could damage thevehicle electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hoodof the disabled vehicle, making sure thetwo vehicles do not touch.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
WARNINGS
Do not attach the cables to fuel lines,engine rocker covers, the intakemanifold or electrical componentsas grounding points. Stay clear of movingparts. To avoid reverse polarityconnections, make sure that you correctlyidentify the positive (+) and negative (-)terminals on both the disabled and boostervehicles before connecting the cables.
Do not attach the end of the positivecable to the studs or L-shaped eyeletlocated above the positive (+)terminal of your vehicle’s battery. Highcurrent may flow through and causedamage to the fuses.
Do not connect the end of thesecond cable to the negative (-)terminal of the battery to be jumped.A spark may cause an explosion of thegases that surround the battery.
Note:In the illustration, the bottom vehiclerepresents the booster vehicle.
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Roadside Emergencies
WARNINGS
Only use brake fluid from a sealedcontainer. Contamination with dirt,water, petroleum products or othermaterials may result in brake systemdamage or failure. Failure to adhere to thiswarning could result in the loss of vehiclecontrol, serious personal injury or death.
Do not allow the fluid to touch yourskin or eyes. If this happens, rinse theaffected areas immediately withplenty of water and contact your physician.
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no needto add fluid. A fluid level not in the normaloperating range could compromise theperformance of the system. Have yourvehicle checked immediately.
To avoid fluid contamination, the reservoircap must remain in place and fully tight,unless you are adding fluid.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 194).
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
WARNINGS
A fluid level between the MAX andMIN lines is within the normaloperating range and there is no needto add fluid. A fluid level not in the normaloperating range could compromise theperformance of the system.
For E-350 and E-450 vehicles withthe Hydro-Boost Brake System, donot press the brake pedal after theengine has been turned off. Pressing thebrake pedal after the engine has beenturned off will give a false power steeringfluid level reading.
Only use fluid that meets Fordspecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 199).
To top up the power steering fluid level dothe following.
1. Start the engine and let it run until itreaches normal operating temperature.
2. Make sure the fluid is within the MINand MAX range.
3. If the fluid level is low, add fluid to bewithin the MIN and MAX range. Do notoverfill.
4.While the engine idles, turn the steeringwheel left and right several times.
5. Recheck the fluid level in the reservoir.
Note:Do not operate the vehicle with a lowpower steering pump fluid level.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING
If you operate your vehicle intemperatures below 40°F (5°C), usewasher fluid with antifreezeprotection. Failure to use washer fluid withantifreeze protection in cold weather couldresult in impaired windshield vision andincrease the risk of injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level islow. Only use a washer fluid that meetsFord specifications. See Capacities andSpecifications (page 194).
State or local regulations on volatileorganic compounds may restrict the useof methanol, a common windshield washerantifreeze additive. Washer fluidscontaining non-methanol antifreezeagents should be used only if they providecold weather protection without damagingthe vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades orwasher system.
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Maintenance