2021 FORD F-53 traction control

Brakes
General Information
.....................................54
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
..
55
Parking Brake ..................................................
55
Hill Start Assist ..............................................
56
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ..................................
57
Using Traction Control .................................
57
Stability Control
Principle of Operation .................................
58
Cruise Control
What Is Cruise Control ................................
60
Switching Cruise Control On and Off ........................................................................\
..
60
Setting the Cruise Control Speed ...........
60
Canceling the Set Speed ............................
61
Resuming the Set Speed ............................
61
Cruise Control Indicators .............................
61
Using Adaptive Cruise Control ..................
61
Driving Aids
Driver Alert .......................................................
69
Lane Keeping System ..................................
70
Steering .............................................................
73
Pre-Collision Assist .......................................
74
Load Carrying
Load Limit ........................................................
78
Towing
Towing a Trailer ..............................................
83
Recommended Towing Weights .............
84
Essential Towing Checks ............................
87
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
89Driving Hints
Reduced Engine Performance
.................
90
Economical Driving ......................................
90
Breaking-In .......................................................
91
Driving Through Water .................................
91
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance ...................................
93
Hazard Flashers .............................................
94
Jump Starting the Vehicle .........................
94
Transporting the Vehicle ............................
96
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need ................
98
In California (U.S. Only) ..............................
99
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
100
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .........................................................
101
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
.
102
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
.
102
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
.
103
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ..........................
104
Changing a Fuse .............................................
111
Maintenance
General Information ....................................
113
Under Hood Overview - Commercial Chassis .........................................................
114
Under Hood Overview - Motorhome Chassis .........................................................
115
Engine Oil Dipstick .......................................
116
Engine Oil Check ...........................................
116
Oil Change Indicator Reset .......................
116
Changing the Engine Air Filter ..................
117
Engine Coolant Check ................................
118
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Table of Contents

If it flashes, engine misfire could be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have
your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether your vehicle is
ready for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Emission Law (page 46).
Stability Control Indicator (If Equipped) Flashes during operation.
If it does not illuminate when you switch
the ignition on, or remains on when the
engine is running, this indicates a
malfunction. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Traction Control Indicator It flashes during a traction
control event.
If it does not illuminate when you switch
the ignition on, or remains on when the
engine is running, this indicates a
malfunction. Have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
Traction Control System Off Illuminates when you switch the
system off. Tow Haul Indicator Illuminates when you switch the
tow/haul feature on. If the light
flashes steadily, immediately
have the system serviced, damage to the
transmission could occur.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by your authorized dealer
immediately.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE138639 E138639 E130458 E246592

Fourth (4)
The transmission operates in fourth (4)
gear only. Use fourth (4) gear for improved
traction on slippery roads.
Second (2)
The transmission operates in second (2)
gear only. Use second (2) gear to start-up
on slippery roads.
First (1)
•
The transmission operates in first (1)
gear only.
• Provides maximum engine braking.
• Allows upshifts by moving the gearshift
lever.
• Does not downshift into first (1) gear
at high speeds. Allows for first (1) gear
when the vehicle reaches slower
speeds.
Tow/Haul Mode 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. To activate tow/haul, press the
button on the gearshift lever
once. The TOW HAUL indicator
light illuminates in the instrument cluster.
To deactivate the tow/haul feature and
return to normal driving mode, press the
button on the gearshift lever again. The
TOW HAUL light deactivates. Tow/haul
can also deactivate when you power down
your vehicle.
The tow/haul feature:
• Delays upshifts to reduce the frequency
of transmission shifting.
• Provides engine braking in all forward
gears, which can slow your vehicle and
assist you in controlling your vehicle
when descending a slope.
• Depending on driving conditions and
load conditions, may downshift the
transmission, slow your vehicle and
control your vehicle speed when
descending a hill, without pressing the
accelerator pedal. The amount of
downshift braking provided varies
based on the amount the brake pedal
is pressed.
The tow/haul feature improves
transmission operation when towing a
trailer or a heavy load. All transmission
gear ranges are available when using
tow/haul.
Forced Downshifts
To achieve a forced downshift, press the
accelerator pedal to the floor to allow the
forced downshift.
• Allowed in drive (D) with the tow/haul
feature on or off.
• Allows transmission to select an
appropriate gear.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing TransmissionE318028 E161509

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 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 traction control
activating 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 turns on each time you switch
the ignition on. Use the traction control button
on the instrument panel to
switch the system off or on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off is beneficial
as this allows the wheels to spin.
Press the button again to switch the
traction control system on. System Indicator Light
Note:
If the traction control light does not
flash during a traction control event or stays
on, the system is not operating. Have the
system checked as soon as possible.
During a traction control event, the traction
control light rapidly flashes. Pressing
further on the accelerator does not cause
the engine to rev higher. This is normal and
is no reason for concern.
When the system turns the traction control
off, the OFF light illuminates on the
instrument cluster. If a traction event
occurs in either mode, the stability control
and traction control light rapidly flashes.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Traction ControlE330660

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
57).
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Stability Control
(If Equipped)

Automatic cancellation can also occur
when:
•
The tires lose traction.
• You apply the parking brake.
Hilly Condition and Trailer Tow
Usage
You should select a lower gear when the
system is active in situations such as
prolonged downhill driving on steep
grades, for example in mountainous areas.
The system needs additional engine
braking in these situations to reduce the
load on the vehicle ’s regular brake system
to prevent it from overheating.
Note: An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for
an extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
Note: When towing with adaptive cruise
control, switch on Tow/Haul Mode.
Note: Tow/Haul mode increases the time
gaps and allows more distance for braking.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
Off Press and release the button
when the system is in standby
mode, or switch the ignition off.
Note: You erase the set speed and gap
setting when you switch the system off. Detection Issues WARNING: On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the
road infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these
cases, the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening,
if required. WARNING:
If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of
view. It may not detect vehicles at all or
detect a vehicle later than expected in
some situations. The lead vehicle graphic
does not illuminate if the system does not
detect a vehicle in front of you.
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•
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.
• Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
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).
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING:
Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the wheel
hubs. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so:
•
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
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2021 Motorhome (TY3) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Edition date: 202010, Second-Printing Driving HintsE176913

TIRE CARE
Information About Uniform
Tire Quality Grading
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
The Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A.
These Tire Quality Grades are
determined by standards that the
United States Department of
Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires.
They do not apply to deep tread,
winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use
spare tires, light truck or LT type
tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or
limited production tires as defined
in Title 49 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 575.104 (c)(2). U.S. Department of
Transportation Tire quality
grades:
The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford
Motor Company to give you the
following information about tire
grades exactly as the government
has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear 1 ½ times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C WARNING:
The traction
grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction
characteristics.
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