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.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: The traction control
light illuminates steadily if a failure is
detected in the system. Verify that the
traction control system was not
manually disabled using the switch. If
the traction control light is still
illuminating steadily, have the system
serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with
traction control disabled could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.
Switching the System Off The switch for the traction
control system is located on the
instrument panel.
When you switch the system off, an
illuminated icon appears on the instrument
cluster.
Use the switch again to return the traction
control system to normal operation. System Indicator Lights and
Messages The traction control light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and flashes
when a driving condition activates the
system. The traction control off light
temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on:
• When you switch the traction control
system off.
• If a problem occurs in the system.
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(If Equipped)E194301 E138639 E194301
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power
steering system:
•
Do not hold the steering wheel at its
furthest turning points for more than
three to five seconds when the engine
is running.
• Avoid continuously steering back and
forth with elevated engine RPM as this
may overheat the system. If trying to
free a stuck vehicle, pause between
attempts to allow the power steering
system to cool or seek assistance.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool.
• Do not operate the vehicle if the power
steering pump fluid level is 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 switched off, you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• An improperly inflated tire.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment. If any steering components are serviced or
replaced, install new fasteners. Many
fasteners are coated with thread adhesive
or have prevailing torque features which
may not be re-used. Do not 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
WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label. WARNING:
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.
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, for example fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 131).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading your 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.
• Select a draw bar with the
correct rise or drop. 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
correct trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
Owner's Manual. See
Load Limit
(page 99). You can also find the
information in the RV & Trailer
Towing Guide. See an authorized
dealer.
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RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:
Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Vehicles equipped with the Trailer
Tow Package or the Heavy Duty
Payload Package should not
exceed 60 ft² (5.6 m²) trailer
frontal area.
Note: Exceeding this limitation
may significantly reduce the
performance of your towing
vehicle. Selecting a trailer with a
low aerodynamic drag and rounded
front design helps optimize
performance and fuel economy. Note:
For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1,000 ft (300 m)
starting at the 1,000 ft (300 m)
elevation point.
Note: Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Be sure to
check state regulations for this
specified weight. The maximum
trailer weights listed may be limited
to this specified weight, as your
vehicle's electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailer
brakes. E-350 Cutaway
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
6.2L
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
6.2L
4.56
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E-350 Cutaway
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Single Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56E-350 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
138 in (3.5 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
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E-350 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
17,000 lb(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56
13,000 lb
(5,897 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
17,000 lb
(7,711 kg)
4.56
18,500 lb
(8,391 kg)
4.10
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
4.56E-450 Cutaway
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
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E-450 Stripped Chassis
MaximumGCWR
Rear Axle
Ratio
Wheelbase
Length
Rear Axle
Option
Engine
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
158 in (4.01 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
18,000 lb
(8,165 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.2L
22,000 lb
(9,979 kg)
4.56
176 in (4.47 m)
Dual Rear
Wheel
6.8L
Calculating the Maximum
Loaded Trailer Weight for Your
Vehicle
1. Start with the gross combined weight rating for your vehicle
model and axle ratio. See the
previous charts.
2. Subtract all of the following
that apply to your vehicle:
• Vehicle curb weight.
• Hitch hardware weight, such as
a draw bar, ball, locks or weight
distributing hardware.
• Driver weight.
• Passenger(s) weight.
• Payload, cargo and luggage
weight.
• Aftermarket equipment weight.
The maximum loaded trailer
weight is this value or 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg), whichever is less. Note:
The trailer tongue load is
considered part of the payload for
your vehicle. Reduce the total
payload by the final trailer tongue
weight.
Note: Consult an authorized dealer
to determine the maximum trailer
weight allowed for your vehicle if
you are not sure.
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.
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Points to Remember
Note:
Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set.
• Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle.
• The trailer brake controller is equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
• Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brakes whether you attach a
trailer or not. •
When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.
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).
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