2020 FORD F-550 service

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 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.
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.
Note: When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Note: For additional information on the
traction and stability control systems. See
Using Stability Control
(page 223). Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information
display showing system status.
Use the traction and stability control
switch on the instrument panel to switch
the system off or on.
The switch illuminates when traction
control is off.
When you place your vehicle into
four-wheel drive low mode the traction
control disables. Traction control resumes
full operation when you put your vehicle
back into two-wheel drive mode.
System Indicator Lights and
Messages
The stability and traction control
light:
• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems. The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates
on engine start-up and stays on
when you switch the traction control
system off.
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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.
• 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 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.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Electronic Torque Overlay Steering
(If Equipped) WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks
that continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays
in the information display. Stop your
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Switch the ignition off. After at least 10
seconds, switch the ignition on and
watch the information display for a
steering system warning message. If a
steering system warning message
returns, have the system checked as
soon as possible. WARNING:
If the system detects
an error, you may not feel a difference in
the steering, however a serious condition
may exist. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
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For best results:
•
Use a long, straight, smooth and level
road when attempting to calibrate.
• Drive straight forward.
• Drive between 4–24 mph
(6– 39 km/h).
System Operation
The following warnings or difficulties may
occur during feature operation. Tips to
resolve them are listed below.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ System is Not
Available or Trailer Reverse Guidance
System is Not Available:
• The system relies on many
sub-systems in your vehicle to correctly
operate. If those sub-systems are not
correctly operating, the system may
not be available.
• Low battery voltage is a condition that
prevents the system from operating.
Please make sure the battery is
correctly charged if the system is not
available.
• You may need to drive your vehicle
straight forward above
25 mph
(40 km/h) before the system is
available again.
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press Knob
to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press OK to
Exit:
• The steering system needs to learn
internal parameters to fully enable the
feature. Drive your vehicle straight
forward above
25 mph (40 km/h) for
approximately 5 minutes.
• This may occur when your vehicle is
new, the battery voltage is too low, the
battery has been disconnected or your
steering system has been serviced. Sticker lost:
•
If the system cannot initially find the
sticker, it may be necessary for you to
change the lighting conditions by
moving the vehicle and trailer or
waiting until conditions change.
• Check for the following if you receive
the lost sticker message while using
the system.
• Stop your vehicle as soon as the
message displays.
• Make sure the sticker is visible and the
pattern is discernable in the rear view
camera image.
• Clean the sticker and camera to make
sure they are unobstructed.
• Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free
cloth and water.
• Clean the sticker with isopropyl rubbing
alcohol sprayed directly onto the
sticker, and then wipe clean with a soft
cloth.
• Remove any items that may be
blocking the view of the sticker.
Depending on your trailer configuration
and any equipment mounted to your
trailer, it is possible for the sticker to be
blocked from view of the camera as it
rotates on the hitch ball but not be
blocked during setup. Remove the
obstruction if possible. It may be
necessary to remove the sticker from
its current location if the obstruction
cannot be cleared. Place a new sticker
that is visible to the camera in all
positions of the trailer behind your
vehicle.
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If the system remains on one message for
an extended time, is not progressing
through the typical calibration steps or if
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Shift to Park Press Knob to Exit,
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Refer to Owner's Manual. Press
Knob to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance
Trailer Not Detected. Refer to Owner's
Manual. Press OK to Exit displays, check
the following:
•
Verify the sensor is correctly installed.
See Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer
Sensor Installation.
• Verify the trailer length is within the
allowed range of 10– 39 ft (3–11.94 m).
• Verify you are calibrating on a smooth
road surface.
Repeat calibration on a different route if
you have verified the previous checks.
System Operation
The following warnings or difficulties may
occur during system operation. Tips to
resolve them are listed in the following
section.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ System is Not
Available or Trailer Reverse Guidance
System is Not Available:
• The system relies on many
sub-systems in your vehicle to correctly
operate. If those sub-systems are not
correctly operating, the system may
not be available.
• Low battery voltage is a condition that
prevents the system from operating.
Please make sure the battery is
correctly charged if the system is not
available.
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service. Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press Knob
to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance Driving
Required to Initialize Steering Press OK to
Exit:
•
The steering system needs to learn
internal parameters to fully enable the
feature. Drive your vehicle straight
forward above 25 mph (40 km/h) for
approximately 5 minutes.
• This may occur when your vehicle is
new, the battery voltage is too low, the
battery has been disconnected or your
steering system has been serviced.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Sensor Not
Detected Refer to Owner's Manual Press
Knob to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance
Sensor Not Detected Refer to Owner's
Manual Press OK to Exit:
• Check that the 12 way connector is fully
inserted into the 12 way socket. The red
rubber seal is not visible when the
connector is fully inserted.
• Check that the wiring harness sensor
connection is fully inserted at the trailer
sensor.
• Check for damaged wiring between the
12 way connector and the trailer sensor.
• Only one sensor can be connected to
your vehicle at a time. If you have a 7/12
pin connector in the truck bed and in
the bumper, check to make sure that
only one sensor is connected.
Note: If you did not purchase the fifth wheel
prep pack, you need to replace the 7/4 way
trailer connector in your bumper with a 7/12
pin connector. See your authorized dealer.
Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ Trailer Not
Detected. Refer to Owner's Manual. Press
Knob to Exit or Trailer Reverse Guidance
Trailer Not Detected. Refer to Owner's
Manual. Press OK to Exit:
• If the message continues to display,
see your authorized dealer for service.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
WARNING: Do not exceed the
maximum vertical load on the tow ball.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death.
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.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
See
Scheduled Maintenance (page 553).
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
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.
Vehicles with a diesel engine have an
engine braking feature.
See General
Information (page 217).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Some vehicles will have the ability to
modify trailer towing features. See
General Information
(page 109). Trailer Towing Connector
When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Electric brakes
Blue
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Battery (+)
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
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Note:
You can check four-wheel-down
towing status at any time by opening the
driver's door or turning the ignition to the
accessory or on position. A message
displays in the information display
confirming your vehicle is in neutral tow.
When finished towing with all four wheels
on the ground return the transfer case to
its 2H position:
1. With your vehicle still properly secured
to the tow vehicle, put the ignition in
the on position, but do not start the
engine. If your vehicle has an ignition
key, switch the key to on. If your vehicle
has intelligent access, switch the
vehicle into accessory mode. See
Starting and Stopping the Engine
(page
168).
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift out of neutral (N).
4. Release the brake pedal.
Note: If completed successfully, the
instrument cluster displays 2H and Neutral
Tow Disabled
.
Note: If the indicator light and message do
not display, you must perform the procedure
again from the beginning.
Note: If
Shift Delayed Pull Forward
displays in the instrument cluster, a transfer
case blockage is present. See resolving the
shift delayed pull forward message
instructions after this section.
5. Apply the parking brake and disconnect
the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
6. Release the parking brake, start the engine and shift the transmission to
drive (D) to make sure the transfer
case is out of neutral (N).
7. If the transfer case does not successfully shift out of neutral (N),
set the parking brake until you can have
your vehicle serviced. Resolving the
Shift Delayed Pull Forward
Message
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Put the transmission into neutral (N),
and then start the engine.
3. With the engine running, shift the transmission to drive (D) and let the
vehicle roll forward, up to
3 ft (1 m).
4. Make sure the instrument cluster displays that neutral tow is disabled.
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In addition to providing an excellent
on-road driving experience, your vehicle
excels at all types of off-road driving. Your
vehicle has been designed and equipped
to allow you to explore those places where
the road doesn
’t take you, whether it’ s a
forest trail or the open desert. Before going
off-roading, consult with your local
governmental agencies to determine
designated off-road trails and recreation
areas. Also, be sure to understand any
off-road vehicle registration requirements
for the area in which you plan on driving.
Tread Lightly® is an educational program
designed to increase public awareness of
land-use regulations and responsibilities
in our nation ’s wilderness areas. Ford joins
the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other
public and private lands by treading lightly.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a
basic vehicle inspection should be
conducted to make sure that the vehicle
is in peak operating condition.
It is always recommended that at least
two vehicles are used while off-roading.
The buddy system helps make sure that
help is close at hand should a vehicle
become stuck or damaged. It is also wise
to take supplies such as a first aid kit,
drinking water, tow strap, cell or satellite
phone with you any time an off-road
excursion is planned.
Remove the front license plate before
off-roading to achieve optimal
performance. Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
•
Grip the steering wheel with thumbs
on the outside of the rim. This reduces
the risk of injury due to abrupt steering
wheel motions that occur when
negotiating rough terrain. Do not grip
the steering wheel with thumbs inside
the rim.
• Throttle, brake and steering inputs
should be made in a smooth and
controlled manner. Sudden inputs to
the controls can cause loss of traction
or upset the vehicle, especially while
on sloped terrain or while crossing
obstacles such as rocks or logs.
• Look ahead on your route noting
upcoming obstacles, changes to
surface texture, color changes and any
other factors which may indicate a
change in available traction. Adjusting
the vehicle speed and route
accordingly. During pre-run, mark
obstacles with GPS markers to make
sure appropriate speeds are used to
avoid potential vehicle damage.
• When driving off-road, if the front or
rear suspension is bottoming-out
and/or excessive contact with the
skid-plates is encountered, reduce
vehicle speed to avoid potential
damage to the vehicle.
• When running with other vehicles, it is
recommended that some form of radio
communication is used so the lead
vehicle can notify others of obstacles
that could cause damage.
• Always keep available ground
clearance in mind and pick a route that
minimizes the risk of catching the
underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
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•
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 is
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. Consult
your authorized dealer for additional
information.
Operating the Vehicle with the
Snowplow Attached
Note: Do not use your vehicle for snow
removal until you have driven at least
500 mi (800 km).
Ford recommends vehicle speed does not
exceed
45 mph (72 km/h) when
snowplowing.
If transporting a snowplow in summertime,
cooling system airflow may be blocked by
the snowplow. Change the snowplow
height or position to improve airflow to the
radiator or limit your vehicle speed to a
maximum of
45 mph (72 km/h).
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
supplementary restraint system or
associated components. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or death. 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
will activate in certain frontal and offset
frontal collisions when the vehicle sustains
sufficient frontal deceleration.
Careless or high speed driving while
plowing snow that results in sufficient
vehicle decelerations can deploy the
airbags. Such driving also increases the risk
of accidents.
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