2021 FORD TRANSIT warning

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 235).
Your vehicle may have electrical
items, such as fuses or relays,
related to towing. See
Fuses
(page 263).
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
229).
You can also find information in
the
RV & Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized
dealer, or online.
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When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a correctly 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 correct wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and brake
lamp.
Yellow
Ground (-).
White
Electric brakes.
Blue
Right turn signal and brake
lamp.
Green
Battery (+).
Orange
Running lamps.
Brown
Reverse lamps.
Grey
Tow Hitch WARNING: Do not exceed the
lowest rating capacity for your vehicle or
trailer hitch. Overloading your vehicle or
trailer hitch can impair your vehicle
stability and handling. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Do not cut, drill, weld
or modify the trailer hitch. Modifying the
trailer hitch could reduce the hitch rating.
Do not use a tow hitch that either clamps
on to the bumper or attaches to the axle.
You must distribute the load in your trailer
so that between 10% and 15% of the total
weight of the trailer is on the tongue. Weight Distributing Hitches
A weight distribution hitch is not
recommended for use with your vehicle.
Safety Chains
Always connect the safety chains to the
frame or hook retainers of your vehicle's
tow 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.
Note:
Do not attach safety chains to the
bumper.
Trailer Brakes
(If Equipped) 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, manual, automatic or surge-type
trailer brakes are safe if you install them
correctly and adjust them to the
manufacturer's specifications. 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.
Separate functioning brake systems are
required for safe control of towed vehicles
and trailers weighing more than
1,500 lb
(680 kg) when loaded.
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Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
WARNING: Use the integrated
trailer brake controller to properly adjust
the trailer brakes and check all
connections before towing a trailer.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. Gain adjustment buttons.
A
Manual control lever.
B
When used correctly, the trailer brake
controller assists in smooth and effective
trailer braking by powering the trailer ’s
electric or electric-over-hydraulic brakes
with a proportional output based on the
towing vehicle ’s brake pressure Slide the manual control lever to the left
to turn on the trailer's electric brakes. They
work independently of the tow vehicle's
braking system. See Procedure for
Adjusting the Gain Setting for
instructions on correct use of this feature.
If you use the manual control while the
brake is also applied, the greater of the two
inputs determines the power sent to the
trailer brakes.
1. Press the + and - buttons to adjust the
brake controller's power output to the
trailer brakes in 0.5 increments. You
can increase the gain setting to 10
(maximum trailer braking) or decrease
it to zero (no trailer braking). Pressing
and holding a button raises or lowers
the setting continuously.
The gain setting displays in the
information display as: Message
Trailer Brake
Gain:
Note: Using the manual control lever
illuminates the trailer's brake lamps and
your vehicle's brake lamps, except the
center high-mounted brake lamp, if you
make the correct electrical connection to
the trailer.
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5. If the trailer wheels lock, indicated by
squealing tires, reduce the gain setting.
If the trailer wheels turn freely, increase
the gain setting. Repeat steps four and
five until the gain setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lock. If towing
a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lock may
not be attainable even with the
maximum gain setting of 10.
System Warning Messages Action and Description
Message
Displays in response to faults sensed by the trailer brake
controller, accompanied by a single tone. If this message
appears, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair. The controller may still function, but
performance may be degraded.
Trailer Brake Module
Fault
Displays when there is a short circuit on the electric brake
output wire. If the message displays, accompanied by a single
tone, with no trailer connected, the problem is with your
vehicle wiring between the trailer brake controller and the 7-
pin connector. If the message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer wiring. Consult a
trailer dealer for assistance. This can be a short to ground,
for example a chaffed wire, short to voltage, for example a
pulled pin on trailer emergency breakaway battery or the
trailer brakes may be drawing too much current.
Wiring Fault on Trailer
Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose the trailer brake controller to determine exactly
which trailer fault has occurred. However, the Ford Warranty does not cover this diagnosis
if the fault is with the trailer.
Points to Remember
• Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit
may result.
• Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.
• Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set. •
Only use the manual control lever for
correct adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.
• Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in instability of trailer or tow vehicle.
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•
The trailer brake controller is fitted with
a feature that reduces output at vehicle
speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so
trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.
• The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.
• Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brake system whether you
attach a trailer or not.
• When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.
• The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.
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 lamps,
brake lamps, turn signals and hazard
warning lamps 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
•
Do not drive faster than
70 mph
(113 km/h) until you drive your vehicle
at least 495 mi (800 km). See
Breaking-In (page 247).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check the tow hitch, electrical
connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled
50 mi (80 km)
.
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position park (
P) to aid
engine and transmission cooling and
to help A/C performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or on hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If the transmission is fitted with a
Grade Assist, Tow/Haul
feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
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REDUCED ENGINE
PERFORMANCE
WARNING: If you continue to drive
your vehicle when the engine is
overheating, the engine could stop
without warning. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle moves to the upper limit position,
the engine is overheating. See Gauges
(page 110).
You must only drive your vehicle for a short
distance if the engine overheats. The
distance you can travel depends on
ambient temperature, vehicle load and
terrain. The engine continues to operate
with limited power for a short period of
time.
If the engine temperature continues to rise,
the fuel supply to the engine reduces. The
air conditioning switches off and the engine
cooling fan operates continually.
1. Gradually reduce your speed and stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
2. Immediately switch the engine off to prevent severe engine damage.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down.
4. Check the coolant level. See
Engine
Coolant Check (page 285).
5. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. ECONOMICAL DRIVING
The following helps to improve fuel
consumption:
•
Regularly check your tire pressures and
make sure that they are inflated to the
correct pressure.
• Follow the recommended maintenance
schedule and carry out the
recommended checks.
• Plan your journey and check the traffic
before you set off.
• Avoid idling the engine in cold weather
or for extended periods. Start the
engine only when you are ready to set
off.
• Do not carry unnecessary weight in your
vehicle as extra weight wastes fuel.
• Do not add unnecessary accessories
to the exterior of your vehicle, for
example running boards. If you use a
roof rack, remember to fold it down or
remove it when not in use.
• Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and
anticipate the road ahead to avoid
heavy braking.
• Switch off all electric systems when
not in use, for example air conditioning.
Make sure that you unplug any
accessories from the auxiliary power
points when not in use.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS
The functional operation of some
components and systems can be affected
at temperatures below approximately
-13°F (-25°C)
.
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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. The engine
also needs to break in. Avoid hard
accelerations and driving too fast for the
first 1,000 mi (1,600 km). If possible, avoid
carrying heavy loads up steep grades
during the break-in period.
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.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNING:
Use a floor mat
designed to fit the footwell of your
vehicle that does not obstruct the pedal
area. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury. WARNING:
Secure the floor mat
to both retention devices so that it
cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING: Do not place additional
floor mats or any other covering on top
of the original floor mats. This could
result in the floor mat interfering with the
operation of the pedals. Failure to follow
this instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Always make sure that
objects cannot fall into the driver foot
well while your vehicle is moving. Objects
that are loose can become trapped
under the pedals causing a loss of
vehicle control.
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Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting
Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company of
Canada, Limited offers a complimentary
roadside assistance program. This program
is eligible within Canada or the continental
United States.
The service is available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
This program is separate from the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, but the coverage
is concurrent with the powertrain coverage
period of your vehicle. Canadian roadside
coverage and benefits may differ from the
U.S. coverage.
If you require more information, please call
us in Canada at 1-800-665-2006, or visit
our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHERS
The hazard warning button is
located on the instrument panel.
Switch the hazard warning
flashers on when your vehicle is creating a
safety hazard.
Press the button to switch the hazard
warning flashers on. The front and rear
direction indicators will flash.
Press the button again to switch the
hazard warning flashers off.
Note: Prolonged use of the hazard warning
flashers will cause the battery to run out of
charge. There may be insufficient power to
restart the engine. EMERGENCY EXIT - M2 BUS
1. Pull the release handles.
2. Push the window.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING: If your vehicle has been
involved in a crash, have the fuel system
checked. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in fire, personal injury or
death.
In the event of a moderate to severe crash,
your vehicle is fitted with a fuel pump
shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel
to the engine. Not every impact will cause
a shutoff.
Should the engine turn off after a crash,
you may restart the engine by carrying out
the following.
Ignition Switch
1. Switch the ignition off.
2. Switch the ignition to position III.
3. Switch the ignition off.
4. Switch the ignition on again to re-enable the fuel pump.
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