2018 FORD F-550 hub

USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:
For important information regarding
the safe operation of this type of vehicle,
see General Information in the Wheels and
Tires chapter.
Note: Do not use 4H or 4L mode on dry,
hard surfaced roads. Doing so can produce
excessive noise, increase tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4X4 mode is
only intended for consistently slippery or
loose surfaces. Use of 4L mode on these
surfaces may produce some noise (such as
occasional clunks), but will not damage
drive components.
Note: If 4X4 low is selected while the
vehicle is moving above 3 mph (5 km/h),
the 4WD system will not perform a shift.
This is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4
Low) for proper operation.
Note: You can switch on and switch off the
electronic locking differential by pulling the
4WD control (4WD vehicles) or turning the
electronic locking differential control (2WD
vehicles). See
Electronic Locking
Differential (page 223).
Manual Shift On Stop (MSOS)
4WD system
(If Equipped)
Note: The vehicle should not be driven in
4X4 High or 4X4 Low modes with the hub
locks set to FREE as this condition may
damage driveline system components. The 4WD system is engaged or disengaged
by rotating the control for both front wheel
hub locks from the FREE or LOCK position,
then manually engaging or disengaging the
transfer case with the floor-mounted
shifter. For increased fuel economy in 2WD,
rotate both hub locks to the FREE position.
Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly
(ESOF) 4WD system
(If Equipped)
Note: If 4X4 Low is selected while the
vehicle is moving above
3 mph (5 km/h),
the 4WD system will not perform a shift.
This is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to or from 4L (4X4
Low) for proper system operation.
Note: Auto-manual hub locks can be
manually overridden by rotating the hub lock
control from AUTO to LOCK. 214
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)LOC K
EERF
E163187 LOC K
OTUA
E163188

For proper operation, make sure that each
hub is fully engaged and that both hub
locks are set to the same position (both
set to LOCK or both set to AUTO). To
engage LOCK, turn the hub locks
completely clockwise; to engage AUTO,
turn the hub locks completely
counterclockwise.
The ESOF 4WD system:
•
provides 4x4 High engagement and
disengagement while the vehicle is
moving.
• is operated by a rotary control located
on the instrument panel that allows
you select 4x2, 4x4 High or 4x4 Low
operation.
• uses auto-manual hub locks that can
be engaged and disengaged
automatically based on the 4x4 mode
selected.
• will increase fuel economy when used
in the hub lock's recommended AUTO
mode.
4WD Indicator Lights
Note: When a 4X4 system fault is present,
the system will typically remain in whichever
4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault
condition occurring. It will not default to 4X2
in all circumstances. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an
authorized dealer.
4X2 Momentarily illuminates when
2H is selected.
4X4 HIGH Continuously illuminates when
4H is selected. 4X4 LOW Continuously illuminates when
4L is selected.
CHECK 4X4 Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Using a Manual Shift On Stop
(MSOS) 4WD system (If Equipped)
Note: High shift efforts may be encountered
when attempting to shift into and out of 4x4
modes. It is recommended to allow the
vehicle to roll at a speed below
3 mph
(5 km/h) when shifting between modes. 2H (4X2)
For general on-road driving. Sends power
to the rear wheels only and should be used
for street and highway driving. Provides
optimal smoothness and fuel economy at
high speeds
4H (4X4 High)
Used for extra traction such as in snow or
icy roads or in off road situations. This
mode is not intended for use on dry
pavement.
215
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E163173 E181779 E181780 E233846

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.
216
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)E233846

If Shift Delayed Pull Forward appears in
the information display, transfer case gear
tooth blockage is present. To alleviate this
condition, place the transmission in a
forward gear, move the vehicle forward
approximately
5 ft (1.5 m), and shift the
transmission back to neutral to allow the
transfer case to complete the range shift.
How Your Vehicle Differs From
Other Vehicles WARNING
Vehicles with a higher center of
gravity (utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. Truck and utility vehicles can differ from
some other vehicles. Your vehicle may be
higher to allow it to travel over rough
terrain without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.
The differences that make your vehicle so
versatile also make it handle differently
than an ordinary passenger car.
Maintain steering wheel control at all
times, especially in rough terrain. Since
sudden changes in terrain can result in
abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure
you grip the steering wheel from the
outside. Do not grip the spokes.
Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage
from concealed objects such as rocks and
stumps. You should either know the terrain or
examine maps of the area before driving.
Map out your route before driving in the
area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all
four wheels on the ground and they must
be rolling, not sliding or spinning.
Driving Off-Road With Truck and
Utility Vehicles
Note:
On some models, the initial shift from
two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while
the vehicle is moving can cause some
momentary clunk and ratcheting sounds.
This is the front drivetrain coming up to
speed and the automatic locking hubs
engaging and is not cause for concern.
Note: Your vehicle may be equipped with
a front air dam that can become damaged
(due to reduced ground clearance) when
taking your vehicle off-road. This air dam
can be taken off by removing 15 bolts.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are specially
equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud
and rough terrain and have operating
characteristics that are somewhat
different from conventional vehicles, both
on and off the road.
Power is supplied to all four wheels
through a transfer case. On four-wheel
drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you
to select 4WD when necessary.
Information on transfer case operation and
shifting procedures can be found in this
chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the
Maintenance chapter. You should become
thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.
Four-wheel drive (when you select a 4WD
mode) uses all four wheels to power the
vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road
conditions that a conventional two-wheel
drive vehicle cannot.
218
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Four-Wheel Drive
(If Equipped)

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.
220
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)E143949

Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Equipped
with a Manual-shift Transfer Case
1. Put the transmission in neutral (N).
2. Put the transfer case in neutral (N).
3.
Put the hub locks in the FREE position.
Always make sure that both hub locks
are set to the same position.
Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Equipped
with an Electronic-shift Transfer Case
Only tow a four-wheel drive vehicle that
has an electronic-shift transfer case with
all wheels on the ground. To do this, place
the transfer case in its neutral position and
engage the four-wheel-down towing
feature.
Perform the steps in the following section
after positioning your vehicle behind the
tow vehicle and properly securing them
together.
Note: Make sure you properly secure your
vehicle to the tow vehicle.
Four-wheel-down Towing
1. Put the ignition in the on position, but do not start the engine. If your vehicle
has an ignition key, turn the key to on.
If your vehicle has intelligent access,
press the engine START/STOP button
once without pressing the brake pedal.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch to 2H.
4. Shift the transmission to neutral (N).
5. Rotate the four-wheel drive switch from
2H to 4L and back to 2H five
times within seven seconds.
Note: If completed successfully, the
information display shows a message
indicating that your vehicle is safe to tow
with all wheels on the ground. Note:
If you do not see the message in the
display, you must perform the procedure
again from the beginning.
Note: You may hear an audible noise as the
transfer case shifts into its neutral position.
This is normal.
6. Leave the transmission in neutral (N) and turn the ignition as far as it will go
toward the off position (it will not turn
fully off when the transmission is in
neutral). If your vehicle has an ignition
key, you must leave the key in the
ignition while towing. To lock and
unlock your vehicle, use the keyless
entry keypad or extra set of keys. If your
vehicle has intelligent access, press the
engine
START/STOP button once
without pressing the brake pedal. You
do not need to leave your keys in the
vehicle. You can lock and unlock your
vehicle as you normally do.
7. Release the brake pedal. WARNINGS
Do not disconnect the battery during
recreational towing. It prevents the
transfer case from shifting properly
and may cause the vehicle to roll, even if
the transmission is in park (P). Shifting the transfer case to its
neutral position for recreational
towing may cause the vehicle to roll,
even if the transmission is in park (P). It
may injure the driver and others. Make sure
you press the foot brake and the vehicle is
in a secure, safe position when you shift to
neutral (N). Note:
Failing to put the transfer case in its
neutral position while towing with all four
wheels on the ground will damage vehicle
components.
296
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Towing

•
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.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Use a floor mat designed to fit the
footwell of your vehicle that does not
obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Secure the floor mat to both
retention devices so that it cannot
slip out of position and interfere with
the pedals. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. Do not place additional floor mats
or any other covering on top of the
original floor mats. This could result
in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. Always make sure that objects
cannot fall into the driver foot well
while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped under
the pedals causing a loss of vehicle control. 299
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Driving HintsE176913

We recommend towing a four-wheel drive
vehicle with all wheels off the ground, such
as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. However, it is acceptable to
use a wheel lift to raise the rear of your
vehicle so long as, depending on vehicle
configuration, you perform the following
before towing:
•
If your vehicle has a manual-shift
transfer case, make sure the front
wheel hub locks are in the FREE
position before towing.
• If your vehicle has an electronic
shift-on-the-fly transfer case, make
sure you switch the four-wheel drive
control to the
2H position before
towing.
Note: Towing an electronic shift-on-the-fly
four-wheel drive vehicle with the front
wheels on the ground without disengaging
the front hubs may cause damage to the
automatic transmission.
Note: Towing a two-wheel drive vehicle or
an electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel
drive vehicle with the rear wheels on the
ground for more than
50 mi (80 km) or
faster than 35 mph (56 km/h) may cause
damage to the automatic transmission.
Note: Using wheel lift equipment to tow a
dual rear wheel vehicle requires removing
an outer rear wheel before towing.
TOWING POINTS WARNINGS
Using recovery hooks is dangerous
and should only be done by a person
familiar with proper vehicle recovery
safety practices. Improper use of recovery
hooks may cause hook failure or separation
from the vehicle and could result in serious
injury or death. WARNINGS
Always slowly remove the slack from
the recovery strap prior to pulling.
Failure to do so can introduce
significantly higher loads which can cause
the recovery hooks to break off, or the
recovery strap to fail which can cause
serious injury or death. Never link two straps together with
a clevis pin. These heavy metal
objects could become projectiles if
the strap breaks and can cause serious
injury or death. Your vehicle comes equipped with
frame-mounted front recovery hooks.
These hooks should never have a load
applied to them greater than the gross
vehicle weight rating of your vehicle.
Before using recovery hooks:
•
Make sure all attaching points are
secure and capable of withstanding
the applied load.
• Never use chains, cables or tow straps
with metal hook ends.
• Only use recovery straps that have a
minimum breaking strength two to
three times the gross vehicle weight of
the stuck vehicle.
• Make sure the recovery strap is in good
condition and free of visible cuts, tears
or damage.
• Use a damper device such as a tarp,
heavy blanket or piece of carpet
draped over the recovery strap to help
absorb the energy in the event the
strap breaks.
• Make sure the stuck vehicle is not
loaded heavier than its gross vehicle
weight rating specified on the
certification label.
308
Super Duty (TFE) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201709, Second Printing Roadside Emergencies