2018 FORD F-53 light

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Note:
See Recommended
Towing Weights (page 49).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 68).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
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.
• Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop and load
capacity. When both the
loaded vehicle and trailer are
connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.
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
43).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1,000 mi (1,600 km).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
Another chapter of this manual contains
load specification terms found on the tire
label and Safety Compliance label and
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load. See
Load Limit (page 43).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitches WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributing
hitch to any position where the rear
bumper of the vehicle is higher than
it was before attaching the trailer. Doing
so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause
unpredictable handling, and could result
in serious personal injury. When hooking-up a trailer using a
weight-distributing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park the loaded vehicle, without the
trailer, on a level surface.
2. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle ’s front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1.
3. Securely attach the loaded trailer to your vehicle without the
weight-distributing bars connected.
4. Measure the height to the top of your vehicle ’s front wheel opening on the
fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight-distributing bars so that the
height of your vehicle ’s front wheel
opening on the fender is approximately
halfway between H1 and H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level or slightly
nose down toward your vehicle. If not,
adjust the ball height accordingly and
repeat Steps 1-6.
7. Lock the bar tension adjuster in place.
8. Check that the trailer tongue securely attaches and locks onto the hitch.
9. Install safety chains, lighting and trailer
brake controls as required by law or the
trailer manufacturer.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
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 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
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 your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, direction indicators and hazard lights
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) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your 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 park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help air
conditioning performance.
• Switch off the speed control with
heavy loads or in 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 your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or 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.
• 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:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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•
Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Driving with the wheels out of
alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars, light bars, running boards, ski
racks or luggage racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 5–10 mi
(12 –16 km) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving. DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting
Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited offers a complimentary
roadside assistance program. This
program is eligible within Canada or the
continental United States.
This program is separate from the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverage
is concurrent with the powertrain coverage
period of your vehicle.
Canadian customers who require roadside
assistance, call 1-800-665-2006.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Using
Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference.
In Canada, this card is found in the
Warranty Guide in the glove compartment
of your vehicle.
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Roadside
Assistance Program Coverage
The service is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
Canadian roadside coverage and benefits
may differ from the U.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please
refer to the coverage section of your
warranty guide, call us in Canada at
1-800-665-2006, or visit our website at
www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
Note:
If used when the vehicle is not
running, the battery loses charge. As a result,
there may be insufficient power to restart
your vehicle. The hazard flasher control is on the
steering column. Use it when your vehicle
is creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
•
Press the flasher control and all front
and rear direction indicators flash.
• Press the flasher control again to
switch them off.
JUMP STARTING THE VEHICLE WARNINGS
Batteries normally produce explosive
gases which can cause personal
injury. Therefore, do not allow
flames, sparks or lighted substances to
come near the battery. When working near
the battery, always shield your face and
protect your eyes. Always provide correct
ventilation. Keep batteries out of reach of
children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or
clothing. Shield your eyes when working
near the battery to protect against possible
splashing of acid solution. In case of acid
contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of
15 minutes and get prompt medical
attention. If acid is swallowed, call a
physician immediately.
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Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Power brake assist module – HydroMax.
5A 1
1
Air conditioning compressor clutch.
10A 1
2
Catalyst monitor sensor.
20A 1
3
Engine heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor
#11 and #21.
Vapor management valve.
Powertrain control module relay coil.
5A 1
4
Powertrain control module keep alive
memory.
Powertrain control module power.
20A 1
5
Instrument panel dimmer module.
20A 1
6
Park lamp feeds.
Trailer tow running lamp relay coil.
Ignition coils.
20A 1
7
Radio capacitors.
HydroMax – Anti-lock brake system
module.
30A 1
8
Powertrain control module.
10A 1
9
Daytime running lamps.
20A 1
10
Fuel pump relay coil.
20A 1
11
Powertrain control module.
Fuel pump diode.
Instrument panel - backup lamp feed.
25A 1
12
Trailer tow backup lamps feed.
Trailer tow electric brake controller feed.
30A 2
13
Instrument panel battery feed (fuse #15,
21).
60A 2
14
Lighting primary fuse.
Power distribution box fuse #19.
Trailer tow park lamps.
20A 2
15
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Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Anti-lock brake system module –
HydroMax.
60A 2
16
Anti-lock brake system module – Hydro-
boost.
40A 2
Horn feed.
20A 2
17
Backup lamp relay coil.
20A 2
18
A/C clutch coil.
A/C demand switch.
Brake on/off switch.
20A 2
19
Multifunction switch.
Powertrain control module relay (Power
distribution box fuses # 3, 5, 7, 18).
30A 2
20
Fuel injectors.
20A 2
21
Fuel pump motor.
Mass air flow sensor.
Powertrain control module.
Cigar lighter feed.
20A 2
22
Diagnostic tool connector.
Blower motor feed.
40A 2
23
Instrument panel battery feed (fuses #4,
10, 16, 22).
50A 2
24
Ignition switch feed (Instrument panel
fuses #1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 36; Power
distribution box fuses #9, 11).
40A
2
25
Fuse holder #2.
Ignition switch feed (Instrument panel
fuses #5, 11, 17, 23, 38).
40A 2
26
Headlamps.
30A 2
27
Daytime running lamps on/off relay coil.
Headlamp daytime running lamp relay
feed.
High beam headlamps flash to pass.
(Instrument panel fuses #25, 31).
Starter relay feed.
30A 2
28
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Protected Components
Fuse Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Daytime running lamps on/off relay coil.
Headlamp daytime running lamp relay
feed.
Instrument panel fuses #25, 31.
Vehicle power.
30A 2
J3
Powertrain control module relay feed.
Power distribution box fuse F16, F17, F18,
J22.
Cigar lighter feed.
20A 2
J4
Diagnostic tool connector.
Not used.
—
J5
Starter relay feed.
30A 2
J6
Starter motor solenoid.
Anti-lock brake system module (Hydro-
boost).
40A 2
J7
Power brake assist motor (HydroMax).
60A 2
Power distribution box fuse #F20.
Trailer tow park lamps.
20A 2
J8
Instrument panel fuse #4, 10, 16, 22.
50A 2
J9
HydroMax anti-lock brake system module.
60A 2
J10
Hydroboost anti-lock brake system
module.
40A 2
Fuel pump relay feed.
20A 2
J11
Fuel injectors.
Mass air flow sensor.
Fuel pump motor.
Powertrain control module.
Trailer tow electronic brake.
30A 2
J12
Ignition switch feed (instrument panel
fuses #1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 36).
40A 2
J13
(Power distribution box fuse #F19, F22,
F21).
Not used.
—
J14
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