To switch the exhaust brake on, press the
button. A light on the instrument cluster
indicates the system is on. Press the button
again to switch it off.
While approaching a steep grade, make
sure that the exhaust brake switch is on.
The exhaust brake begins working as soon
as you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
Before descending a hill or steep grade,
always select the proper gear. If you take
the transmission out of gear while
descending, you may not be able to select
another gear because of maximum
governed RPM.
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 driving down a 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 switches on when you
remove your feet from both the accelerator
and clutch pedals and the exhaust brake
is on.
If the brake is working properly, there will
be:
•
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.
• A retarding force possibly felt acting
against your body during brake
application (depending on the grade
and vehicle load). This force prevents
the vehicle from going much faster.
• Engine temperatures remaining in the
normal operating range.
• 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.
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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
The stability and traction control
light illuminates steadily if the
system detects a failure. Make sure
you did not manually disable the traction
control system using the information
display controls or the switch. If the
stability control and traction control light
is still illuminating steadily, have the
system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
the traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Use the traction control switch on the
instrument panel to select Mud/Snow
traction mode.
This is beneficial when your vehicle is stuck
in snow or on a slippery road surface. This
mode allows 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 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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(If Equipped)
Press the switch again to enable the
traction control system.
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.
When traction control is disabled, the
traction control light illuminates and
flashes slowly.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It's always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator's ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
Vehicles With: Hydraulic Brakes
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes rapidly.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
Vehicles With: Air Brakes
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes rapidly.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
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Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle
’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s motion and the rate at which it
changes by applying the brakes to one or
more wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 132). Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route.
A
Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
B USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control and
roll stability control systems off, but when
you shift into reverse (R), the systems
deactivate.
You can switch the traction control system
off or on.
See Traction Control (page 132).
Limitations of the Stability System
Stability Control effectiveness may be
greatly reduced if:
• Your load shifts due to improper
retention, accident damage or the
inherently mobile nature of some loads,
for example, hanging meat, live
animals or partially laden tankers.
• Your vehicle or load has an unusually
high or off-set center of gravity (CG).
• Your brakes are not properly adjusted
or maintained.
• One side of your vehicle drops off the
pavement at an angle that is too great
to be counteracted by a reduction in
speed.
To Maximize the Effectiveness Of
Stability Control
• Make sure that the weight of your load
is evenly distributed, from front to back,
side to side and you secure it properly
at all times.
• Exercise extreme caution at all times
while driving and avoid sharp turns,
sudden steering inputs or abrupt lane
changes at high speeds, particularly if:
•Hauling loads that can shift.
• Your vehicle or load has a high or
off-set center of gravity when
loaded.
• You are towing doubles or triples.
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(If Equipped)E72903A
AA
B
BB
B
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power
steering system:
•
Never hold the steering wheel at its
furthest turning points (until it stops)
for more than three to five seconds
when the engine is running.
• Do not operate the vehicle with a low
power steering pump fluid level (below
the MIN mark on the reservoir).
• Some noise is normal during operation.
If excessive, check for low power
steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your dealer.
• Heavy or uneven efforts may be caused
by low power steering fluid. Check for
low power steering pump fluid level
before seeking service by your dealer.
• Do not fill the power steering pump
reservoir above the MAX mark on the
reservoir, as this may result in leaks
from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down
(or if the engine is turned off), you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.
Operating the steering system excessively
at an elevated engine RPM (>1200 rpm)
for more than 2 minutes can result in
steering system damage from overheating.
Move the steering wheel to the full left
position then full right position at idle
speed, or stop using the system for 2
minutes to allow the system to cool down.
If the power steering system exhibits heavy
or uneven efforts, check for the following
before seeking service from your dealer:
• An improperly inflated tire.
• Overloading of front suspension.
• Uneven vehicle loading.
• Binding suspension components. If the power steering system wanders or
pulls, check for:
•
An improperly inflated tire.
• Uneven vehicle loading.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
• High crosswinds.
If any steering components are serviced or
replaced, install new fasteners (many are
coated with thread adhesive or have
prevailing torque features which may not
be re-used). Never re-use a bolt or nut.
Torque fasteners to specifications.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds
may also make the steering seem to
wander or pull.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNINGS
Do not exceed the GVWR or
the GAWR specified on the
certification label. Towing trailers beyond the
maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the
limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage,
transmission damage, structural
damage, loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See Fuses
(page 165).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle.
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.
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
140).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online. RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
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RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Vehicles with gasoline engine
Maximum GCWR
Maximum GVWR
lb (kg)
Model
*
20500–
26000
(9299– 11792)
F-650 Pro-Loader
(Kick-Up Frame)
*
25600–
29000
(11612 –13154)
F-650 Pro-Loader
(Straight Frame)/F- 650 Straight Frame
* Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable your vehicle is
dependent on many variables including transmission capability. Check
with your sales consultant for the exact rating on your vehicle. Vehicles with diesel engine
Maximum GCWR
Maximum GVWR
lb (kg)
Model
*
20500–
26000
(9299– 11792)
F-650 Pro-Loader
(Kick-Up Frame)
*
25600–
29000
(11612 –13154)
F-650 Pro-Loader
(Straight Frame)/F- 650 Straight Frame
*
25999– 37000
(11793– 16783)
F-750
* Specific GCWR and maximum trailer weight applicable your vehicle is
dependent on many variables including transmission capability. Check
with your sales consultant for the exact rating on your vehicle.
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