2018 FORD F-550 brake

Upshifts When Accelerating (Recommended for Best Fuel Economy)
Diesel engines
Gasoline engines
Shift from:
12 mph (19 km/h)
15 mph (24 km/h)
1 – 2
19 mph (31 km/h)
25 mph (40 km/h)
2 – 3
26 mph (42 km/h)
40 mph (64 km/h)
3 – 4
34 mph (55 km/h)
45 mph (72 km/h)
4 – 5
46 mph (74 km/h)
50 mph (80 km/h)
5 – 6
Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning
This feature's design is to increase
durability and provide consistent shift feel
over the life of your vehicle. A new vehicle
or transmission may have firm shifts, soft
shifts or both. This operation is normal and
does not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive
learning process fully updates transmission
operation. Additionally, whenever you
disconnect the battery or install a new
battery, the system must relearn the
strategy.
Brake-Shift Interlock WARNINGS
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 apply the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheels chocks if appropriate. 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. Note:
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are working.
Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift
interlock feature that prevents the
gearshift lever from moving from park (P)
when the ignition is on and the brake pedal
is not pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out
of park (P) position with the ignition is on
and the brake pedal pressed, a malfunction
may have occurred. It is possible that a
fuse has blown or your vehicle ’s brake
lamps are not operating properly. See
Fuse Specification Chart (page 317).
If the fuse is not blown and the brake
lamps are working properly, the following
procedure allows you to move the gearshift
lever from park (P):
1. Apply the parking brake. Switch the ignition key to 1 (off), then remove the
key.
2. Move the steering column to the full down and full rearward position
(toward the driver ’s seat).
3. Remove the gearshift lever boot.
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4. Place fingers into hole where you
removed the gearshift lever boot and
pull top half of shroud up and forward
to separate it from the lower half of the
shroud. There is a hinge at the forward
edge of the top shroud. Roll the top
half of the shroud upward on the hinge
point to clear the hazard flasher button,
then pull straight rearward toward the
driver ’s seat to remove.
5. Remove the top half of the shroud.
6. Remove the three fasteners under the column that secure the lower shroud
half to the column. 7.
Pull the lock lever into the full unlocked
position and remove the lower shroud
cover by pulling the lever handle
through the slot in the cover.
8. Apply the brake. Gently lift the override
disk and move the gearshift lever into
neutral (N). 9. Start your vehicle.
Perform Steps 4 through 8 in reverse order,
making sure to engage the hinge pivots
between the upper and lower halves of the
shroud. Keep slight pressure in the forward
direction as you rotate the halves together.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the
engine may overheat.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, you
may rock it out by shifting between forward
and reverse gears, stopping between shifts
in a steady pattern. Press lightly on the
accelerator in each gear.
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N (Neutral)
Only used when towing the vehicle. No
power to front or rear wheels.
4L (4X4 Low)
Uses extra gearing to provide maximum
power to all four wheels at reduced
speeds. Intended only for off road
applications such as deep sand, steep
grades or pulling heavy objects.
Shifting between system modes
Note:
Do not perform these operations if
the rear wheels are slipping or when
applying the accelerator pedal.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4x4
system shifts or engages. This is normal. In
order to reduce engagement noise, it is
recommended that all shifts be performed
at speeds below3 mph (5 km/h).
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High with the hub locks disengaged as
this condition may damage driveline system
components.
Engage the locking hubs by rotating the
hub lock control from FREE to LOCK, then
move the transfer case lever from 2H to
4H at a stop or a vehicle speed below
3 mph (5 km/h)
.
Move the transfer case lever from 4H to
2H at a stop or a vehicle speed below
3 mph (5 km/h)
, then disengage the
locking hubs (optional) by rotating the hub
lock control from LOCK to FREE.
For proper operation, make sure that both
hubs are set to either FREE or LOCK.
Shifting to or from 4L (4X4 Low)
1. Bring the vehicle to a stop or a speed below
3 mph (5 km/h).
2. Place the transmission in N (Neutral). 3. Move the transfer case shift lever
through N (Neutral) directly to the
desired position.
4. If the transfer case does not, or only partially moves to the desired position,
perform a shift with the transmission
in N (Neutral) and the vehicle rolling at
a speed below
3 mph (5 km/h).
5. If shifting to 2H with the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage the locking
hubs (optional) by rotating the hub
lock control from LOCK to FREE.
Using the N (Neutral) position WARNING
Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).
The transfer case neutral position overrides
the transmission and puts the vehicle in
neutral regardless of transmission gearshift
lever position. The vehicle can move
forward or backwards.
This position should only be used when
towing the vehicle.
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Basic Operating Principles
•
Drive slower in strong crosswinds which
can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
• When driving your vehicle on surfaces
made slippery by loose sand, water,
gravel, snow or ice proceed with care.
• Do not use 4H or 4L on dry, hard
surfaced roads. Doing so will produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and
may damage drive components. 4H or
4L modes are only intended for
consistently slippery or loose surfaces.
If Your Vehicle leaves the Road
If your vehicle leaves the road, reduce your
vehicle speed and avoid severe braking.
When your vehicle speed has been reduced
ease your vehicle back onto the road. Do
not turn the steering wheel sharply while
returning your vehicle to the road.
It may be safer to stay on the shoulder of
the road and slow down gradually before
returning to the road. You may lose control
if you do not slow down or if you turn the
steering wheel too sharply or abruptly.
It may be less risky to strike small objects,
such as freeway reflectors, with minor
damage to your vehicle rather than
attempt a sudden return to the road which
could cause your vehicle to slide sideways
out of control or roll over. Remember, your
safety and the safety of others should be
your primary concern.
Emergency Maneuvers
In an unavoidable emergency situation
where a sudden sharp turn must be made,
remember to avoid over-driving your
vehicle (i.e. turn the steering wheel only as
rapidly and as far as required to avoid the
emergency). Excessive steering can result
in loss of vehicle control. Apply smooth
pressure to the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal when changes in vehicle speed are required. Avoid abrupt steering,
acceleration and braking. This could result
in an increased risk of vehicle roll over, loss
of vehicle control and personal injury. Use
all available road surface to bring your
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
In the event of an emergency stop, avoid
skidding the tires and do not attempt any
sharp steering wheel movements.
If your vehicle goes from one type of
surface to another (i.e. from concrete to
gravel) there will be a change in the way
your vehicle responds to a maneuver (i.e.
steering, acceleration or braking).
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four
wheels on the most solid area of the trail.
Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift
to a lower gear and drive steadily through
the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid excessive wheel slip.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand
under high outside temperatures, use a low
gear when possible. Low gear operation
will maximize the engine and transmission
cooling capability.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds, this
causes vehicle momentum to work against
you and your vehicle could become stuck
to the point that assistance may be
required from another vehicle. Remember,
you may be able to back out the way you
came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
Mud
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving in
mud. Even four-wheel drive vehicles can
lose traction in slick mud. If your vehicle
does slide, steer in the direction of the slide
until you regain control of your vehicle.
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After driving through mud, clean off residue
stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating
driveshafts can cause an imbalance that
could damage drive components.
Water
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. Traction or brake capability may
be limited.
When driving through water, determine the
depth and avoid water higher than the
bottom of the hubs. If the ignition system
gets wet, your vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes.
Wet brakes do not stop your vehicle as
effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be
improved by applying light pressure to the
brake pedal while moving slowly.
Note:
Driving through deep water may
damage the transmission. If the front or rear
axle is submerged in water, the axle
lubricant and power transfer unit lubricant
should be checked and changed if
necessary.
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or down
a hill or steep incline, you should always
try to drive straight up or straight down.
Note: Avoid turning on steep slopes or hills.
A danger lies in losing traction, slipping
sideways and possible vehicle roll over.
Whenever driving on a hill, determine
beforehand the route you will use. Do not
drive over the crest of a hill without seeing
what conditions are on the other side. Do
not drive in reverse over a hill without the
aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start
in a lower gear rather than downshifting to
a lower gear from a higher gear once the
ascent has started. This reduces strain on
the engine and the possibility of stalling. If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turn
around because this could cause vehicle
roll over. It is better to reverse back to a
safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to
climb the hill. Too much power will cause
the tires to slip, spin or lose traction,
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you would
use to climb up the hill to avoid excessive
brake application and brake overheating.
Do not descend in neutral. Disengage
overdrive or move the transmission
selector lever to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid sudden hard
braking as you could lose control. The front
wheels have to be turning in order to steer
your vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply
the brakes steadily. Do not pump the
brakes.
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Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slippery
conditions that require tire chains or
cables, then it is critical that you drive
cautiously. Keep speeds down, allow for
longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances
of a loss of vehicle control which can lead
to serious injury or death. If the rear end of
your vehicle slides while cornering, steer in
the direction of the slide until you regain
control of your vehicle. Note:
Excessive tire slippage can cause
transmission damage.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages
over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on
snowy or icy roads, turn the steering wheel
in the direction of the slide until you regain
control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and
quick changes of direction on snow and
ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and
steadily when starting from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking. Although a
four-wheel drive vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in
snow and ice, it will not stop any faster as
braking occurs at all four wheels. Do not
become overconfident as to road
conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance
between you and other vehicles for
stopping. Drive slower than usual and
consider using one of the lower gears. In
emergency stopping situations, apply the
brake steadily. Do not pump the brake
pedal. See Hints on Driving With
Anti-Lock Brakes (page 227). If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or
Snow WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over
34 mph (55 km/h). The tires may fail
and injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
it may be rocked out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Note:
Do not rock your vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature,
damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Do not rock your vehicle for more
than a minute, damage to the transmission
and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
Parking 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. Always set the parking brake and
leave your vehicle with the
transmission in park (P).
On some four-wheel drive vehicles, when
the transfer case is in the N (Neutral)
position, the engine and transmission are
disconnected from the rest of the driveline.
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if
the automatic transmission is in P (Park)
or the manual transmission is in gear. Do
not leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the N (Neutral) position.
Always set the parking brake fully and turn
off the ignition when leaving the vehicle.
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(If Equipped)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:
Occasional brake noise is normal. If
a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding or
continuous squeal sound is present, the
brake linings may be worn-out. Have the
system checked by an authorized dealer. If
your vehicle has continuous vibration or
shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have it checked by an authorized dealer.
Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels, even under normal driving
conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the
brakes wear and does not contribute to
brake noise. See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 108).
Wet brakes result in reduced braking
efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a
few times when driving from a car wash or
standing water to dry the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal
becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady
and firm pressure to the brake pedal to
slow the vehicle and reduce engine power.
If you experience this condition, apply the
brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe
stop. Shift the transmission to park (P),
switch the engine off and apply the parking
brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for
any interference. If none are found and the
condition persists, have your vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake
rapidly by measuring the rate at which you
press the brake pedal. It provides
maximum braking efficiency as long as you
press the pedal, and can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations. Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering
control during emergency stops by keeping
the brakes from locking. This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you switch the
ignition on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated after you
release the parking brake, have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
It also illuminates momentarily when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by an authorized dealer.
Diesel Engine Exhaust Braking
(If
Equipped) WARNINGS
Do not use tow/haul when the road
surface is slippery. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle. Do not use diesel engine exhaust
braking when the road surface is
slippery. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle. This feature increases engine braking at
higher engine speeds to provide better
grade descent control with less brake and
transmission wear and tear.
Note:
Use this when driving downhill and
carrying heavy loads or trailering.
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Benefits of engine braking are:
•
Lower brake temperature.
• Reduced brake fade.
• Longer brake life.
• Improved driving and trailering control. Press the button on the switch
bank next to the audio unit to
switch the system on or off.
There are two engine brake modes, manual
and automatic.
Manual Engine Braking
1. Press the button to switch on manual engine braking.
2. Release the accelerator pedal to maximize engine braking.
3. Apply the brakes. The transmission downshifts to lower gears.
Note: The engine braking feature only
functions when you release the accelerator.
Note: You can shift the transmission to
lower gears with progressive range selection
(PRS) or manual shifting independent of
pressing the brakes.
Note: You can also use manual engine
braking with cruise control to improve grade
descent control.
Note: If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise
Control, the speed control system uses the
selected engine brake mode, transmission
gears, and brakes to maintain the set speed
and distance to the vehicle being followed.
Automatic Engine Braking
1. Press the button twice to switch on automatic engine braking.
2. Release the accelerator or brake pedal.
The system remembers your vehicle
speed. Note:
This feature offers smoother, less
aggressive engine braking during downhill
descents. It may not apply braking if the
vehicle speed is not increasing, although it
will apply full engine braking force when
needed to prevent acceleration. The system
automatically activates the engine brake
and, if necessary, downshifts the
transmission to lower gears to not exceed
your vehicle's set speed when the brake or
accelerator were last released.
Warning Lamp Conditions
• Illuminates when this feature is
switched on and the system is
operating properly. See Warning
Lamps and Indicators (page 108).
• Flashes when the engine brake is
disabled due to a fault or the engine
does not meet the required braking
conditions.
• Does not illuminate when the switch
or indicator is faulty.
You can switch the system on at anytime.
The system becomes active once the
braking conditions are met.
Braking Conditions
• Your vehicle is in a forward gear.
• The engine speed is above about 1500
RPM.
• Your foot is off the accelerator.
You can use this feature with tow/haul or
progressive range selection to provide
further increased engine braking. The
transmission automatically upshifts to
prevent the engine from entering the red
zone on the tachometer.
See Automatic
Transmission (page 208).
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