GENERAL DRIVING POINTS
General Information
• Accelerate smoothly and evenly. Rapid
acceleration increases fuel
consumption without increasing engine
performance.
• When approaching a hill, press the
accelerator smoothly to start the
incline at full power, and then shift
down as needed to maintain vehicle
speed.
• When going down a hill, or long steep
grades, prevent overspeeding of the
engine. Normally, choose the same
gear to descend the hill that you use to
ascend the hill. The engine governor
has no control over engine speed when
it is being pushed by a loaded vehicle.
• Do not operate in a gear that permits
an engine speed more than the
maximum governed speed or high-idle
RPM (no load).
• Always shift to a lower gear at high
altitudes to prevent engine smoking.
Backing Up
WARNING: All vehicles have blind
spots. To reduce the risk of severe injury
or property damage, never move your
vehicle to the side or rear or change lanes
without being sure your way is clear on
both sides and to your rear.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
the possibility of personal injury while
backing up the vehicle, always be sure
your vehicle’s path is clear.Before backing up your vehicle, be sure you
can do so safely. If anything behind the cab
limits your view, do not rely on mirrors
alone to make sure that your intended path
is clear. If other people are in the vicinity,
have someone standing well behind your
vehicle and outside of your intended path
(visible through an exterior mirror) guide
you as you back up.
Although OSHA or some governmental
regulations may require the use of an
electrical or mechanical back up alarm to
warn bystanders, such an alarm does not
guarantee that the intended path is clear.
When in doubt, get out of your vehicle and
visually check the intended path is clear.
Back up slowly as to allow others time to
move, if necessary.
If you install an electrical back up alarm,
connect it to the backup lamp circuit.
Parking
WARNING: When parking your
vehicle, do not leave the transmission in
gear; if the key is in the on position and
the vehicle rolls, the engine could start.
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in an unattended vehicle moving,
possibly causing personal injury or
property damage.
Always use the parking brake. When
parking on a grade, block the wheels and
turn the front wheels to one side so that if
your vehicle rolls, the front tires act against
the curb to stop your vehicle. The front
wheels are more effective at stopping a
rolling vehicle than the rear wheels.
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Driving Hints
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a
vehicle concern, Ford Motor Company
offers a complimentary roadside
assistance program. This program is
separate from the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
The service is available:
• 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• For the coverage period supplied with
your vehicle.
Roadside Assistance covers:
• A flat tire change with a good spare
(except vehicles supplied with a tire
inflation kit).
• Battery jump start.
• Lock-out assistance (key replacement
cost is the customer's responsibility).
• Fuel delivery — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall deliver up
to 2 gal (8 L) of gasoline or 5 gal (20 L)
of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.
Roadside Assistance limits fuel delivery
service to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
• Winch out — available within 100 ft
(30 m) of a paved or county
maintained road, no recoveries.• Towing — independent service
contractors, if not prohibited by state,
local or municipal law, shall tow Ford
eligible vehicles to an authorized dealer
within 35 mi (56 km) of the
disablement location or to the nearest
authorized dealer. If a member
requests a tow to an authorized dealer
that is more than 35 mi (56 km) from
the disablement location, the member
shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of 35 mi (56 km).
• Roadside Assistance includes up to
$200 for a towed trailer if the disabled
eligible vehicle requires service at the
nearest authorized dealer. If the towing
vehicle is operational but the trailer is
not, then the trailer does not qualify for
any roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the United States:
Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance
identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is in
the Owner's Manual kit.
United States vehicle customers who
require Roadside Assistance, call
1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance
for yourself, Ford Motor Company
reimburses a reasonable amount for
towing to the nearest dealership within
35 mi (56 km). To obtain reimbursement
information, United States vehicle
customers call 1-800-241-3673.
Customers need to submit their original
receipts.
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Roadside Emergencies
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
Note:If used when the vehicle is not
running, the battery loses charge. As a result,
there may be insufficient power to restart
your vehicle.
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The hazard flasher control is located on
the instrument panel. Use it when your
vehicle is creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.• Press the flasher control and all front
and rear direction indicators flash.
• Press the flasher control again to
switch them off.
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.
Note: When you try to restart your vehicle
after a fuel shutoff, your vehicle makes sure
that various systems are safe to restart.
Once your vehicle determines that the
systems are safe, your vehicle allows you to
restart.
Note:In the event that your vehicle does
not restart after your third attempt, contact
a qualified technician.
The fuel pump shutoff stops the flow of
fuel to the engine in the event of a
moderate to severe crash. Not every
impact causes a shutoff.
Should your vehicle shut off after a crash,
you may restart your vehicle.
If your vehicle has a key system:
1. Turn key to the off position.
2. Turn key to the start position.
3. Turn key to the off position.
4. Turn key to the on position.
5. The fuel pump is now re-enabled.
189
Roadside Emergencies
Engine compartment (with engine off)
Inspect for glazing, fraying or cracking. There should be no
more than 5-7 cracks per rib, per 1 in (2.5 cm) Belts (fan, alternator,
water pump and air
conditioning
compressor)
Inspect for signs of fluid puddles or dripping fluid on the
ground under the engine, or the underside of the engine. Fluid leaks
Inspect for debris that may have collected on the HVAC air
inlet grille or inside the exterior module as this may reduce
system performance. HVAC air inlet
Engine starting (with parking brake applied)
Before entering the cab, verify that the vehicle is equipped
with spare electrical fuses (if used), three red reflective
triangles, a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher and
wheel chocks. Safety and emergency
equipment
Walk around the vehicle and verify all steps and grab handles,
inside and out (as well as behind), are tight and clean. Use
extreme caution and a three-point stance at all times.
Inspect door latches for proper closing, latching and locking.
Set the parking brake. Make sure the gearshift lever is in
neutral (N) or park (P) (if equipped with a park position). Starting the engine
Diesel engine: Turn the key to the on position. Turn the key
to start when the wait to start indicator light in the instrument
cluster turns off.
Gasoline engine: Turn the key to start, and then release it
as soon as the engine starts.
Verify pressure builds to normal operating range. Engine oil pressure
A tone indicating low air pressure should sound immediately
after the engine starts but before the compressor has built-
up pressure. The tone should stop when the air pressure
reaches 70 psi (483 kPa). Let the air pressure build to
governed cutout pressure, which should occur between
115–130 psi (793–896 kPa). Low air pressure warning
tone (if equipped with an
air compressor)
Press the accelerator and verify that it operates smoothly,
without any binding or irregular feel. Release the pedal and
verify the engine returns to idle speed immediately. Accelerator
211
Vehicle Inspection Guide
Engine starting (with parking brake applied)
Check the gauge (diesel engine) or indicator light (gasoline
engine) to verify the alternator is charging. Voltmeter
Inspect for excessive free play in the steering linkages. The
steering wheel should have less than 2 in (5 cm) of free play
at its rim. Steering linkage free play
Verify the parking brake holds the vehicle by gently trying to
pull forward with the parking brake applied. Parking brake
Verify operation using the following procedure. Chock the
wheels, if necessary. Push in the parking brake and, on
tractors, push in the tractor parking brake knob: Air brakes
1. Verify the air compressor or governor cutout pressure is
approximately 120 psi (827 kPa).
2. Turn off the engine, and then turn the key back to the on
position (without starting the engine).
3. Without the brake pedal applied, note the air pressure drop
for one minute. It should be less than 2 psi (14 kPa) for single
vehicles and 3 psi (21 kPa) for combination vehicles.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal with 90 psi (621 kPa) or
more. Make sure there is no more than a 3 psi (21 kPa) per
minute leak for single vehicles and a 4 psi (28 kPa) minute
leak for combination vehicles.
5. Pump the brake pedal to deplete the system of air pressure.
The warning light and tone should turn on at 57 psi (393 kPa).
6. Pump the brake pedal and make sure the parking brake
and trailer parking brake knobs pop out at 20 psi (138 kPa)
or higher.
Verify that the fluid level is in the proper operating range. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check (page 242). Automatic transmission
fluid
Front of vehicle
Verify all exterior lights illuminate and are clean. Lights
Check headlights function on high and low beam.
Verify reflectors are clean, unbroken and of proper color (red
on rear, amber elsewhere).
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Vehicle Inspection Guide
Front of vehicle
Verify running lights are clean and unbroken.
Inspect for any missing or loose fasteners, power steering
fluid leaks and damage to power steering hoses. Steering gear
Verify connecting links, arms and rods are not worn or cracked. Steering linkage
Verify joints, sockets and boot seals are not worn or loose.
Verify cotter keys, nuts and bolts are not loose or missing.
Inspect front and rear tow hooks for damage or loose
mounting. This is particularly important on vehicles that use
them frequently. Tow hooks
Front suspension
Inspect for missing, broken or shifted leaves, or leaves that
may be in contact with (or nearly contacting) a tire, rim, brake
drum, frame or body component. Springs
Note: Never apply grease to spring pads.
Make sure there the following items are properly tightened
and that there are no cracks, breaks, wear, damage to spring
hangers, bolts, bushings, axle mounting bolts, and nuts. Spring mounts
Inspect for any cracks, leaks, or missing or broken bolts or
bushings. Shock absorbers
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Vehicle Inspection Guide
5. Turn the air conditioning (if equipped)
on and allow the engine to idle for at
least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your
foot on the brake pedal and with the
air conditioning on, put the vehicle in
drive (D) and allow the engine to idle
for at least one minute.
• If you do not allow the engine to
relearn its idle trim, the idle quality
of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the idle trim is
eventually relearned.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the
relearning process
• The vehicle may need to be driven
10 mi (16 km) or more to relearn the
idle and fuel trim strategy along
with the ethanol content for flexible
fuel vehicles.
If the battery has been disconnected or a
new battery has been installed, the clock
and radio settings must be reset once the
battery is reconnected.
Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized standards
for disposal. Call your local authorized
recycling center to find out more about
recycling automotive batteries.
Battery Management System (If
Equipped)
The battery management system (BMS)
monitors battery conditions and takes
actions to extend battery life. If excessive
battery drain is detected, the system may
temporarily disable certain electrical
features to protect the battery. Those
electrical accessories affected include the
rear defrost, heated/cooled seats, climate
control fan, heated steering wheel, audio
and navigation system. A message may be
shown in the information displays to alertthe driver that battery protection actions
are active. These messages are only for
notification that an action is taking place,
and not intended to indicate an electrical
problem or that the battery requires
replacement.
Electrical accessory installation
To ensure proper operation of the BMS,
any electrical devices that are added to
the vehicle should not have their ground
connection made directly at the negative
battery post. A connection at the negative
battery post can cause inaccurate
measurements of the battery condition
and potential incorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessories
added to the vehicle by the dealer or the
owner may adversely affect battery
performance and durability, and may also
affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
which matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle. After battery replacement,
or in some cases after charging the battery
with the external charger, the BMS requires
eight hours of vehicle sleep time (key off
with doors closed) to relearn the new
battery state of charge. Prior to relearning
the state of charge, the BMS may disable
electrical features (to protect the battery)
earlier than normal.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
Vertical Aim Adjustment
The headlamps on your vehicle are
properly aimed at the assembly plant. If
your vehicle has been in an accident, the
alignment of your headlamps should be
checked by your authorized dealer.
247
Maintenance
AUXILIARY SWITCHES (IF
EQUIPPED)
For maximum vehicle performance, keep
the following information in mind when
adding accessories or equipment to your
vehicle:
• When adding accessories, equipment,
passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight
capacity of the vehicle or of the front
or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as
indicated on the Safety Compliance
Certification label). Ask an authorized
dealer for specific weight information.
• The Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Canadian
Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulate the use
of mobile communications systems
equipped with radio transmitters, for
example, two-way radios, telephones
and theft alarms. Any such equipment
installed in your vehicle should comply
with Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and Canadian
Radio Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC) regulations, and
should be installed by an authorized
dealer.
• An authorized dealer needs to install
mobile communications systems.
Improper installation may harm the
operation of your vehicle, particularly
if the manufacturer did not design the
mobile communication system
specifically for automotive use.
• If you or an authorized Ford dealer add
any non-Ford electrical or electronic
accessories or components to your
vehicle, you may adversely affect
battery performance and durability. In
addition, you may also adversely affect
the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
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The auxiliary switch option package
provides four switches, mounted in the
center of the instrument panel. These
switches operate when the ignition is on
or from battery power, depending on the
switchable power distribution box fuse
locations #82 and #83. We recommend,
however, that the engine remain running
to maintain battery charge when using the
auxiliary switches for extended periods of
time or higher current draws.
Note:When your vehicle has a diesel
engine, use the auxiliary switches only while
the engine is running. The glow plugs also
drain battery power when the ignition key is
in the on position. Using the auxiliary
switches, even for limited amounts of time,
can cause your battery to drain quickly and
prevent your vehicle from restarting.
When switched on, the auxiliary switches
provide 20 amps or 40 amps of electrical
battery power for a variety of personal or
commercial uses.
The relays for the auxiliary switches are in
the power distribution box under the hood
by the right-hand fender. See your
authorized dealer for service.
Each switch includes a power lead, a
blunt-cut and sealed wire below the
instrument panel and to the left of the
steering column in the driver footwell area.
The power leads are coded as shown:
315
Accessories