DRIVE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
Selectable Drive Modes
The system delivers a driving experience
through a suite of sophisticated electronic
vehicle systems. These systems optimize
steering, handling and powertrain
response. This provides a single location
to control multiple systems performance
settings.
Changing the drive mode automatically
changes the functionality of the following
systems:
• Electronic stability control and traction
control maintains your vehicle control
in adverse conditions or high
performance driving. See
Stability
Control (page 233).
• Electronic throttle control enhances
the powertrain response to your inputs.
• Transmission controls are optimized
with shift schedules tuned to each
terrain.
Using the System
The system automatically tailors your
vehicle configuration for each mode you
select.
Column Shifter Console Shifter
To change the drive mode setting, press
the drive mode button. The drive mode
selection menu appears in the instrument
cluster and allows you to select through
the available drive modes.
Note:
Mode changes are not available when
the vehicle ignition is off. In drive (D), only
some modes may be available. Normal – Delivers a balanced
combination of comfort and
handling. This mode provides an
engaging drive experience and a direct
connection to the road without sacrificing
any of the composure demanded from
your vehicle. Tow Haul – Improves
transmission operation when
towing a trailer or hauling a
heavy load. Snow/Wet – For use during
inclement weather conditions.
Vehicle response becomes
tuned for optimum traction at lower
speeds and confidence inspiring stability
at higher speeds. EcoSelect – Offers the best
possible fuel economy with
tradeoffs in vehicle performance
and comfort.
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Sport – Use for spirted and
aggressive off road driving
situations. Vehicle response
becomes tuned for max off road
performance.
Note: Your vehicle may only be equipped
with some of the drive modes listed above.
Note: The system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system for
proper operation. Certain drive modes are
not available based on the gearshift
position. If a mode is unavailable due to a
system fault or change in gearshift position,
the mode defaults to Normal. Some drive modes reduce
traction and stability control
performance and the warning
indicator illuminates in the instrument
cluster. See Using Stability Control
(page 234).
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The controller user interface consists of
the following:
A: + and - (Gain adjustment buttons):
Pressing these buttons adjusts the
controller's power output to the trailer
brakes in 0.5 increments. You can increase
the gain setting to 10.0 (maximum trailer
braking) or decrease it to 0 (no trailer
braking). The gain setting displays in the
message center.
The controller shows gain setting, output
bar graph, and trailer connectivity status
in the information display. They appear in
the information display as follows:
• Trailer Brake Controller Gain (without
trailer connected): Shows the current
gain setting during a given ignition cycle
and when adjusting the gain. This also
displays if you use the manual control
lever or make gain adjustments with
no trailer connected.
• Trailer Brake Controller Gain Output:
Displays when you push your vehicle's
brake pedal, or upon use of the manual
control. Bar indicators illuminate in the
information display to indicate the
amount of power going to the trailer
brakes relative to the brake pedal or
manual control input. One bar indicates
the least amount of output; six bars
indicate maximum output.
• Trailer Connected: Displays when the
system senses a correct trailer wiring
connection (a trailer with electric trailer
brakes) during a given ignition cycle.
• Trailer Disconnected: Displays,
accompanied by a single audible time,
when the system senses a trailer
connection and then a disconnection,
either intentional or unintentional,
during a given ignition cycle. It also
displays if a truck or trailer-wiring fault
occurs causing the trailer to appear
disconnected. This message can also
display if you use the manual control lever without a trailer connected. After
disconnecting the trailer connector,
press the brake pedal for
approximately five seconds to allow
the system to detect and update the
trailer status.
B:
Manual control lever: Slide the control
lever to the left to turn on the trailer's
electric brakes independent of the tow
vehicle's. See the following Procedure for
adjusting gain section for instructions on
proper use of this feature. If you use the
manual control while the brake is also
applied, the greater of the two inputs
determines the power sent to the trailer
brakes.
• Stop lamps: Using the manual control
lever illuminates both the trailer brake
lamps and your vehicle brake lamps
except the center high-mount stop
lamp, if you make the proper electrical
connection to the trailer. Pressing your
vehicle brake pedal also illuminates
both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.
Procedure for Setting Trailer Brake
Controller Mode
Select the correct option using the
information display. Choose electric for
trailers with electromagnetic drum brakes
or EOH for trailers with electric over
hydraulic brake systems. See Information
Displays
(page 116).
Trailer Brake Effort Setting
The trailer brake controller allows the user
to customize how aggressively the trailer
brakes engage. The default value is "Low"
and is the recommended setting for most
trailers. If your trailer's brakes require more
initial voltage, or if you prefer more
aggressive trailer braking, then select either
the "Medium" or the "High" setting.
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When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
•
Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 in (15 cm) above the bottom
edge of the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS WARNING:
If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the
ignition is in the accessory or on position
when being towed. Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the powertrain
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in neutral (N).
If you cannot move the transmission
into neutral (N), you may need to
override it. See
Transmission (page
212).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km).
Recreational Towing
Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 147).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. These
guidelines are designed to prevent damage
to your transmission.
Two-wheel Drive Vehicles
You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehicle
with any wheels on the ground as vehicle
or transmission damage may occur. You
must tow your vehicle with all four wheels
off the ground, such as when using a
car-hauling trailer.
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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 mi (480 km). During
this time, your vehicle may exhibit some
unusual driving characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first
1,000 mi (1,600 km)
. Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first
1,000 mi
(1,600 km).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
•
Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Revving the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• 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.
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SNOWPLOWING
We recommend the four-wheel drive F-150
in XL, XLT or Lariat trim levels with the 5.0L
engine and snowplow option for residential
snowplowing only. We do not recommend
the F-150 with the automatic four-wheel
drive system for snowplowing.
Do not use F-150 vehicles equipped with
the 2.7L, 3.0L, 3.3L or 3.5L engines for
snowplowing.
Installing the Snowplow
Weight limits and guidelines for selecting
and installing the snowplow are in the Ford
Truck Body Builders Layout Book,
snowplow section, found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas.
A typical installation affects the following:
•
Certification to government safety laws
such as occupant protection and airbag
deployment, braking, and lighting. Look
for an Alterer ’s Label on your vehicle
from the snowplow installer certifying
that the installation meets all
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• The Front Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) is on the upper left side of the
vehicle ’s Safety Compliance
Certification Label. This is the total
weight that front axle supports, which
includes the vehicle weight plus any
auxiliary equipment such as snowplow
frame-mounted hardware that can be
added to the vehicle and satisfy Ford
compliance certification to FMVSS. Do
not exceed FGAWR or Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).
• Rear ballast weight behind the rear
axle may be required to prevent
exceeding the FGAWR, and provide
front-to-rear weight balance for proper
braking and steering. •
Front wheel toe may require
re-adjustment to prevent premature
uneven tire wear. Specifications are in
the Ford Workshop Manual.
• Headlight aim may require adjustment.
• The tire air pressures recommended
for general driving are on the vehicle ’s
Safety Certification Label. The
maximum cold inflation pressure for
the tire and associated load rating are
on the tire sidewall. Tire air pressure
may require re-adjustment within these
pressure limits to accommodate the
additional weight of the snowplow
installation.
• Federal and some local regulations
require additional exterior lamps for
snowplow-equipped vehicles. Contact
an authorized dealer for additional
information.
Snowplow Mode (If Equipped)
Press the snowplow button on the
instrument panel to switch on snowplow
mode. The button illuminates when in
snowplow mode. A message appears in
the information display indicating that
features are turned off when in snowplow
mode.
The following features are disabled when
in snowplow mode:
• 110V inverter.
• Fog lamps.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Heated front and rear seats.
• Massaging seats.
The body module also activates the
snowplow relay that provides power to
aftermarket snowplow controls.
Switch off snowplow mode by pressing
the snowplow button or switching off the
ignition. The snowplow button is no longer
illuminated and features are turned on.
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Note:
The electrical system is designed to
support the addition of a residential
snowplow (up to 60 Amps continuous) and
snowplow lights (up to 20 Amps
continuous) using snowplow mode. The
system is not designed to support snowplow
usage with additional electrical aftermarket
accessories.
Operating the Vehicle with the
Snowplow Attached
Note: Drive the vehicle at least 500 mi
(800 km) before using your vehicle for snow
removal.
We recommend vehicle speed does not
exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) when
snowplowing.
The attached snowplow blade restricts
airflow to the radiator, and may cause the
engine to run at a higher temperature.
Attention to engine temperature is
especially important when outside
temperatures are above freezing. Angle
the blade to maximize airflow to the
radiator and monitor engine temperature
to determine whether a left or right angle
provides the best performance.
Follow the severe duty schedule in your
Scheduled Maintenance information for
engine oil and transmission fluid change
intervals.
Snowplowing with your Airbag
Equipped Vehicle WARNING:
Do not attempt to
service, repair, or modify the airbag
supplemental restraint systems or its
fuses on a vehicle containing air bags as
you could be seriously injured or killed.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon
as possible. WARNING:
All occupants of your
vehicle, including the driver, should
always properly wear their seatbelts,
even when an airbag supplemental
restraint system is provided. Failure to
properly wear your seatbelt could
seriously increase the risk of injury or
death. WARNING:
Modifying or adding
equipment to the front end of your
vehicle (including hood, bumper system,
frame, front end body structure, tow
hooks and hood pins) may affect the
performance of the airbag system,
increasing the risk of injury. Do not
modify or add equipment to the front
end of your vehicle.
Note: Please refer to the Body Builders
Layout Book for instructions about the
appropriate installation of additional
equipment.
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver and
passenger airbag supplemental restraint
system. The supplemental restraint system
activates in certain frontal and offset
frontal collisions when the vehicle sustains
sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving while
snowplowing, which results in significant
vehicle decelerations, can deploy the
airbag. Such driving also increases the risk
of accidents.
Never remove or defeat the tripping
mechanisms designed into the snow
removal equipment by its manufacturer.
Doing so may cause damage to the vehicle
and the snow removal equipment as well
as possible airbag deployment.
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When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
•
Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When Fail-Safe Mode Is Activated WARNING: Fail-safe mode is for
use during emergencies only. Operate
your vehicle in fail-safe mode only as
long as necessary to bring your vehicle
to rest in a safe location and seek
immediate repairs. When in fail-safe
mode, your vehicle will have limited
power, will not be able to maintain
high-speed operation, and may
completely shut down without warning,
potentially losing engine power, power
steering assist, and power brake assist,
which may increase the possibility of a
crash resulting in serious injury. WARNING:
Do not remove the
coolant reservoir cap when the engine is
on or the cooling system is hot. Wait 10
minutes for the cooling system to cool
down. Cover the coolant reservoir cap
with a thick cloth to prevent the
possibility of scalding and slowly remove
the cap. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in personal injury.
Your vehicle has limited engine power
when in the fail-safe mode, drive your
vehicle with caution. Your vehicle does not
maintain high-speed operation and the
engine may operate poorly. Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch the engine off.
2. If you are a member of a roadside assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait for a short period of time for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management
(If Equipped) WARNING:
To reduce the risk of
crash and injury, be prepared that the
vehicle speed may reduce and the
vehicle may not be able to accelerate
with full power until the coolant
temperature reduces.
If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a message may appear in the
information display.
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