2020 FORD F-53 suspension

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 turns on each time you switch
the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, the
following conditions are possible:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminate.
• The stability control and traction
control systems are not maintaining
traction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system, the following conditions are
possible:
• The stability and traction control light
flash.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• The system reduces 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 could move as the system
applies higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system assists in preventing skids or
lateral slides by applying the brakes to one
or more of the wheels individually and, if
necessary, decreases engine power.
Traction Control
The system helps maintain traction of the
wheels by detecting and controlling wheel
spin.
See Using Traction Control (page
54).
55
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Stability Control
(If Equipped)

DRIVER ALERT (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
The system may not
function if the sensor is blocked. WARNING:
Take regular rest
breaks if you feel tired. Do not wait for
the system to warn you. WARNING:
Certain driving styles
may result in the system warning you
even if you are not feeling tired. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us.
Note: Keep the windshield free from
obstructions. For example, bird droppings,
insects and snow or ice. Note:
If you have a blocked camera or
damaged windshield, the system may not
function.
Note: The system remembers the last
setting when you start your vehicle, unless
it detects a MyKey ™.
Note: If enabled in the menu, the system
activates at speeds above
40 mph
(64 km/h). The system monitors your driving behavior
using various inputs including the front
camera sensor.
If the system detects reduced driving
alertness below a certain threshold, the
system alerts you using a tone and a
message in the information display.
Using Driver Alert
Switching the system on and off
You may switch the system on or off
through the information display by
selecting Settings, Driver Assist and then
Driver Alert in the menu. When activated,
the system monitors your alertness level
based upon your driving behavior in relation
to the lane markings, and other factors.
System Warnings
Note:
The system does not issue warnings
below approximately
40 mph (64 km/h).
65
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Driving AidsE249505

The warning system is in two stages. At
first the system issues a temporary warning
that you need to take a rest. This message
only appears for a short time. If the system
detects further reduction in driving
alertness, another warning could be issued
which remains in the information display
for a longer time. Press OK on the steering
wheel control to clear the warning. When
active the system runs in the background
and only issues a warning if required.
Resetting the System
You can reset the system by either:
•
Switching the ignition off and on.
• Stopping the vehicle and then opening
and closing the driver door.
LANE KEEPING SYSTEM (IF
EQUIPPED) WARNING: You are responsible for
controlling your vehicle at all times. The
system is designed to be an aid and does
not relieve you of your responsibility to
drive with due care and attention. Failure
to follow this instruction could result in
the loss of control of your vehicle,
personal injury or death. WARNING:
Always drive with due
care and attention when using and
operating the controls and features on
your vehicle. WARNING:
In cold and severe
weather conditions the system may not
function. Rain, snow and spray can all
limit sensor performance. WARNING:
The system will not
operate if the sensor cannot track the
road lane markings. WARNING:
The sensor may
incorrectly track lane markings as other
structures or objects. This can result in
a false or missed warning. WARNING:
Large contrasts in
outside lighting can limit sensor
performance. WARNING:
The system may not
operate properly if the sensor is blocked.
Keep the windshield free from
obstruction. WARNING:
If damage occurs in the
immediate area surrounding the sensor,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. WARNING:
The system may not
correctly operate if your vehicle is fitted
with a suspension kit not approved by
us.
Note: The system works as long as the
camera can detect one lane marking at a
speed above
40 mph (64 km/h).
Note: The system may not function with a
blocked camera, or if the windshield is
damaged or dirty. 66
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Driving AidsE243054

Why is the feature not available (line markings are gray) when I can see the lane markings
on the road?
There is standing water on the road.
Faint lane markings, for example partial yellow lane markings on concrete roads.
Lane width is too narrow or too wide.
The camera has not been calibrated after a windshield replacement.
Driving on tight roads or on uneven roads.
Vehicle accessories are blocking the camera, for example a snow plow.
STEERING
Hydraulic Power 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. •
Low power steering fluid could cause
heavy or uneven efforts. 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 you switch the engine off, you can
steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort.
If you have any steering components
serviced or replaced, install new fasteners.
Many fasteners have coatings with thread
adhesive, or have prevailing torque
features you cannot reuse. Do not reuse a
bolt or nut. Torque fasteners to
specifications.
Steering Tips
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.
69
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Driving Aids

TOWING A TRAILER
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. WARNING:
Do not exceed
the GVWR or the GAWR
specified on the certification
label.
Note: See
Recommended
Towing Weights (page 81).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 101).
Your vehicle's load capacity
designation is by weight, not by
volume, so you cannot necessarily
use all available space when
loading a vehicle or trailer.
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 ball mount with the
correct rise or drop and load
capacity. 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
proper trailer loading and setting
your vehicle up for towing is
located in another chapter of this
manual. See
Load Limit (page
75).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
80
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Towing

Safety Practices
WARNING: If your vehicle
is stuck in snow, mud or sand, do
not rapidly spin the tires;
spinning the tires can tear the
tire and cause an explosion. A
tire can explode in as little as
three to five seconds. WARNING:
Do not spin the
wheels at over 34 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and
injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal
to do with your tire mileage and
safety.
*Observe posted speed limits
*Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
*Avoid potholes and objects on
the road
*Do not run over curbs or hit the
tire against a curb when parking
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive
there ’s always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire
on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic.
This may further damage the flat
tire, but your safety is more
important. If you feel a sudden vibration or
ride disturbance while driving, or
you suspect your tire or vehicle
has been damaged, immediately
reduce your speed. Drive with
caution until you can safely pull
off the road. Stop and inspect the
tires for damage. If a tire is
under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and
replace it with your spare tire and
wheel. If you cannot detect a
cause, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest repair facility or tire
dealer to have the vehicle
inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or
pothole can cause the front end
of your vehicle to become
misaligned or cause damage to
your tires. If your vehicle seems to
pull to one side when you’re
driving, the wheels may be out of
alignment. Have an authorized
dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front
or the rear can cause uneven and
rapid treadwear of your tires and
should be corrected by an
authorized dealer. Front-wheel
drive vehicles and those with an
independent rear suspension may
require alignment of all four
wheels.
The tires should also be balanced
periodically. An unbalanced tire
and wheel assembly may result in
irregular tire wear.
145
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Wheels and Tires

USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Snow tires must be the
same size, load index, and speed rating
as those originally provided by Ford. Use
of any tire or wheel not recommended
by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could
result in an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury, and death. Additionally, the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels
could cause steering, suspension, axle,
transfer case, or power transfer unit
failure. It is also strongly advised to
follow the Ford recommended tire
inflation pressure found on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label (affixed
to either the door hinge pillar, door-latch
post, or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver ’s
seating position), or Tire Label which is
located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver door. Failure to follow the tire
pressure recommendations can cause
uneven treadwear patterns and
adversely affect the way your vehicle
handles.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires and cables. If you need
to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and
specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note: The suspension insulation and
bumpers help prevent vehicle damage. Do
not remove these components from your
vehicle when using snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains: •
If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that
the chains do not touch any wiring,
brake lines or fuel lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains
rub or bang against your vehicle, stop
and retighten the chains. If this does
not work, remove the chains to prevent
damage to your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are
no longer needed. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snow
chains or cables, please contact your
authorized dealer.
CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
(IF
EQUIPPED)
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not
apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease your speed. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe
place on the side of the road.
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire
Assembly Information WARNING:
Failure to follow these
guidelines could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or
death.
147
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Wheels and Tires

Check every six months
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great. Multi-point inspection
Horn operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Battery performance
Suspension component for leaks ordamage
Engine air filter
Steering and linkage
Exhaust system
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure**
Exterior lamps and hazard warning system
operation
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Washer spray and wiper operation
For oil and fluid leaks
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission, power steering and window
washer.
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
168
Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 201910, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance