
5. Tighten the nut until the spring is fully
caged and brakes released. Do not
loosen or remove the release stud and
nut unless you completely assemble
and securely clamp the brake chamber.
6. After restoring the air pressure, unscrew and remove the release stud
and install in the carrying pocket. Install
the access plug.
AIR BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED) WARNING:
Do not drive or
continue to drive if the low air pressure
buzzer is sounding or the brake warning
light is lit. These warnings indicate that
air pressure is not to normal operating
level. Continued use of the vehicle could
result in loss of braking ability. WARNING:
Avoid repeated light
application of the brake pedal. This
depletes air pressure faster and could
result in loss of braking capability. WARNING:
Do not move the
vehicle when the air pressure is
insufficient because the brake system
may be inoperative.
After starting the engine, give the air
compressor time to build up the air
pressure to
60 psi (414 kPa) before moving
your vehicle. Periodically check the air pressure gauge
while driving. Pressure should range
between approximately 100 psi (690 kPa)
to
130 psi (896 kPa). The air compressor
governor cut-in and cutout pressure
settings are set at the factory and are not
adjustable. When air pressure is insufficient
(below
60 psi (414 kPa)), a
warning light illuminates and a
buzzer sounds when the ignition is in the
on position. This may happen because
excessive brake applications are depleting
the system air pressure. If this condition
occurs, stop driving your vehicle until the
compressor has fully recharged the air
system.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle
before descending grades. Supplementing
with brakes, as required, help to safely slow
the vehicle and avoids overspeeding the
engine.
Air Chamber Stroke Indication
Air chamber push rods have orange stroke
indicator markers that warn when the
braking system requires adjustment or
repair. The painted orange indicator is on
the air chamber push rod at the slack
adjuster stroke dimension that requires
service when visible during brake
application.
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A qualified service technician should
perform air brake inspection and
adjustment or repairs keeping to the
instructions in the service manual.
Cam Brakes - Automatic Slack
Adjusters
WARNING: Do not manually
adjust the automatic slack adjusters to
correct excessive push rod stroke as it
may result in reduced brake
effectiveness and a vehicle crash.
Excessive push rod stroke indicates that
a problem exists with the automatic
adjuster, with the installation of the
adjuster, or with foundation brake
components that manual adjustment
does not remedy. Seek service from a
qualified facility for excessive push rod
stroke. Standard air brakes (cam) are equipped
with automatic brake adjusters. Automatic
adjustment occurs during brake
applications. Inspect brakes for proper
adjustment at the specified intervals. See
Scheduled Maintenance
(page 322). Emergency Air Brake WARNING:
Do not continue to
operate the vehicle with a failure of one
of the brake systems. Take the vehicle
to your dealer for service immediately.
All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake
system. In the unlikely event of a failure of
one system, the second system functions
for emergency stopping. The brake pedal
controls all these systems in the same
manner as for normal stops.
EXHAUST BRAKE
(IF EQUIPPED) WARNING:
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. WARNING:
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.
Note: Installing an exhaust or auxiliary
brake does not necessarily protect the
engine from exceeding the maximum
governed speed. Use the primary brakes to
make sure the engine never exceeds the
maximum governed speed under any
circumstance.
Note: Before starting the engine, make sure
that the exhaust brake is off. Do not switch
the exhaust brake on until the engine has
reached normal operating temperature.
Note: Maximum exhaust brake
performance relates to the type of
transmission your vehicle has.
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•
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.
TRAILER BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED)
Trailer Brake Hand Control (If Equipped) WARNING:
The hand control
should never be used to apply the brakes
when the tractor and trailer are parked
unattended. Air may leak from the
system and the vehicle could possibly
move, resulting in possible property
damage, personal injury or death. The hand control is located on the
right-hand side of the instrument panel. It
applies the trailer service brakes, which are
independent of the truck or tractor service
brakes. It operates a valve that provides gradual
control of air pressure applied. When the
valve is only partially applied, you can
override the trailer brakes by pressing fully
on the brake pedal.
To apply the trailer brakes using the hand
control, move the lever downward. The
further you push the lever down, the
greater the air pressure is applied to the
brakes. The lever remains in place until
manually moved.
To release the trailer brakes, move the
lever up completely.
Trailer Air Supply and Parking
Brake Modular Controls
(If Equipped)
The trailer air supply valve delivers air to
the trailer supply and automatically pops
out, shutting off the trailer supply, if
pressure decreases to approximately 35 psi
(249 kPa)
.
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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.
Press the TCS Off button to enable the
mud/snow 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 TCS OFF light
illuminates on the instrument cluster. If a
traction event occurs in either mode, the
Stability Control and Traction Control 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.
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(If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: 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. WARNING:
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: 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:
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 133).
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(If Equipped)

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. You can use cruise
control when your vehicle speed is greater
than 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL WARNING:
Do not use cruise
control on winding roads, in heavy traffic
or when the road surface is slippery. This
could result in loss of vehicle control,
serious injury or death. WARNING:
When you are going
downhill, your vehicle speed could
increase above the set speed. The
system does not apply the brakes.
To help the system to maintain the set
speed when going downhill, downshift to
a lower gear.
Your vehicle speed could decrease below
the set speed when driving uphill.
Note: The system cancels if your vehicle
speed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) under
the set speed when driving uphill. The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel. See
Cruise Control (page 47).
Switching Cruise Control On Press and release the button.
The indicator displays in the
instrument cluster.
Setting the Cruise Speed
Drive to your preferred speed. Press and release the toggle
button towards
+ or - to set the
current speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note: The indicator will change color.
Changing the Set Speed Press and release the toggle
button towards+ or - to increase
or decrease the set speed in
small increments.
Press and hold in either direction to
accelerate or decelerate, respectively.
Release the button when you reach your
preferred speed.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal until
you reach your preferred speed. Press the
toggle button in either direction.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing only the
accelerator pedal, the set speed does not
change. When you release the accelerator
pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that
you previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed Press and release the button, or
tap the brake pedal to cancel the
set speed.
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LOAD LIMIT
WARNING: Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label. WARNING:
Do not use
replacement tires with lower
load carrying capacities than the
original tires because they may
lower the vehicle's GVWR and
GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations. WARNING:
Exceeding any
vehicle weight rating limitation
could result in serious damage
to the vehicle and/or personal
injury.
Every vehicle manufactured by
Ford Motor Company is supplied
with information on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label,
located on either the B-pillar or
the driver ’s door edge, listing the
maximum loading for the vehicle
(GVWR), and its axle systems
(GAWR) at the tire to ground
interface. Example only:
Under no circumstances should
your vehicle be loaded in excess
of the GVWR or GAWR. It is the
operator
’s responsibility to ensure
that neither the axle capacities,
spring capacities, tire capacities
nor the vehicle rated GVWR is
exceeded.
Unloaded or Lightly Loaded
Vehicles WARNING:
When
operating empty or lightly
loaded, sudden or hard braking
may induce wheel lockup with
loss of vehicle control and the
possibility of accident and
serious injury, especially on wet
or slippery road surfaces.
The braking system has been
designed to safely stop your
vehicle when fully loaded to its
GVWR.
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AIR SUSPENSION (IF EQUIPPED)
Note: Do not operate your vehicle without
air in the suspension springs. Operating your
vehicle without air in the suspension springs
damages the suspension, degrades ride
performance and may cause property
damage.
The air suspension system automatically
adjusts to different loads to maintain a
constant frame height, allows for ease of
vehicle loading, provides improved vehicle
ride, and increased driver comfort.
Air Suspension Dump Button Note:
The suspension dumps air when the
ignition is in the accessory or on position,
but fills only when the ignition is in the on
position.
A button located on the instrument panel
controls the system. It operates only when
the ignition is in the accessory or on
position and the air tanks have sufficient
pressure to fill the air springs. When you
turn off the ignition, the suspension
remains in whatever state it was last set.
Pressing and holding the button for two
seconds exhausts air from the air springs,
lowering the frame for loading. Pressing
and holding the button for two seconds
fills the air springs so your vehicle remains
at normal ride height. System Indicator Light
The air suspension indicator light
illuminates when using the button to
release air pressure in the rear air springs.
Never drive your vehicle when the warning
lamp is illuminated and there is low (or no)
air pressure in the springs.
Connecting and Disconnecting a
Trailer with Air Suspension and Air
Suspension Dump Button
When connecting to a trailer:
•
Press and hold the button for two
seconds to exhaust air from the air
suspension system.
• Press and hold the button for two
seconds, and then raise the landing
gear after making the connection to
the trailer.
When disconnecting the trailer:
• Lower the landing gear, and then press
and hold the button for two seconds.
• Disconnect the brake hoses, trailer-side
and rear light connectors, then pull the
release lever on the fifth wheel.
You must fill the air springs before
operating with a trailer or operating in the
bobtail mode.
Suspension Conversions WARNING:
When operating a
loaded vehicle, the driver must keep all
adjustable axles on the ground at all
times, supporting their share of the
vehicle ’s load. Failure to do so can
overload other axles, tires, wheels,
springs, steering components, brakes
and frames, resulting in early component
failure, loss of vehicle control, possible
property damage and personal injury.
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