Releasing the Parking Brake
WARNING: When your vehicle is
stationary, keep the brake pedal fully
pressed when shifting gears. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury, death or property
damage.
Note: Read and understand the following
steps and perform them whenever you
prepare to drive the vehicle.
Note: The parking brake does not disengage
unless sufficient system air pressure is
available.
1. Press and hold the service brake pedal
while the engine is running.
2. Select the appropriate drive gear.
3. Push and hold the yellow dash-mounted parking brake knob until
the parking brake light turns off, then
release.
Parking Brake Light Illumination Due
to Low Air Pressure
If the air pressure becomes too low at any
time during vehicle operation, the parking
brake may apply and the parking brake
light turns on.
If the parking brake applies due to low air
pressure, immediate service is required to
the parking brake system.
Releasing Spring Brake with Air
Pressure
The air system in all vehicles with
spring-actuated rear wheel parking brakes
has a valve on the governor for connection
to an outside air supply. The valve lets you
recharge the system with air from an
outside source, releasing the
spring-actuated parking brakes. Your
vehicle is now ready to tow in an
emergency. You can only use an outside air source if
the protected system is in operating
condition. If you cannot restore air pressure
in the protected air system, you must
release the spring-actuated brakes
manually.
Releasing Spring Manually
Do not use impact wrenches as they may
damage the piston and prevent proper
caging of the spring. Do not apply more
than
50 lb.ft (68 Nm) to the release bolt
nut.
1. Remove the stud tool and nut from the
carrying pocket on the brake chamber
assembly. 2. Remove the access plug from the end
of the spring chamber.
3. Insert the release stud through the opening in the chamber and into the
spring pressure plate. 4.
Turn the release stud ¼ turn to engage
the stud tangs with the slot in the
pressure plate. Keep the stud engaged
and install the nut on the release stud.
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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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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)
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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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 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 167).
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
141).
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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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
See Load limits in the Load Carrying
chapter for load specification terms found
on the tire label and Safety Compliance
label and instructions on calculating your
vehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle. You
must distribute the load in your trailer so
that 10-15% of the total weight of the
trailer is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note: Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle
hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow
enough slack for turning tight corners. Do
not allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes WARNING:
Do not connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake system directly
to your vehicle's brake system. Your
vehicle may not have enough braking
power and your chances of having a
collision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations. The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
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, turn signals 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
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled
50 mph
(80 km/h).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
transmission in park (P) or neutral (N)
to aid engine and transmission cooling
and to help air conditioning
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
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