2024 FORD F650/750 brake light

GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: Occasional brake noise is normal. Ifa metal-to-metal, continuous grinding orcontinuous squeal sound is present, thebrake linings may be worn-out. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible. If thevehicle has continuous vibration or shudderin the steering wheel while braking, have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
All standard equipment brakes areself-adjusting. Automatic adjustment,when required, occurs whenever you applyand release the brakes during forward orreverse operation.
Know the required stopping distances forall driving conditions you may encounter.For longer brake lining life, take fulladvantage of engine braking power whencoming to a stop.
Wet brakes result in reduced brakingefficiency. Gently press the brake pedal afew times when driving from a car wash orstanding water to dry the brakes.
If the brakes do not grip well:
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check the brake linings for excessivewear.
•Check the system air pressure onvehicles with air brakes.
•Let the brakes cool if you have beenusing them excessively, as in mountaindriving or after several fast, high-speedstops.
•If you have been driving through deepwater, gently apply the brakes severaltimes while your vehicle is movingslowly.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedalbecomes stuck or entrapped, apply steadyand firm pressure to the brake pedal toslow the vehicle and reduce engine power.If you experience this condition, apply thebrakes and bring your vehicle to a safestop. Move the transmission to park (P),switch the engine off and apply the parkingbrake. Inspect the accelerator pedal forany interference. If none are found and thecondition persists, have your vehicle towedto the nearest authorized dealer
Anti-lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steeringcontrol during emergency stops by keepingthe brakes from locking.
If the light does not illuminateduring start up, remains on orflashes, the system may bedisabled. It also momentarily illuminateswhen you switch the ignition on to confirmthe lamp is functional. If it does notilluminate when you switch the ignition on,or begins to flash at any time, have thesystem checked.
If you connect a PLC trailer withthe ignition on, the trailer ABSlight also illuminates. If the lightfails to illuminate, if it remains on after youstart the vehicle or continues to flash, havethe system serviced immediately.
See Warning Lamps and Indicators(page 67).
139
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakesE67020 E210335

Push the palm release lever (A) on theparking brake handle (B) and push downas far as possible to release the brake.Driving with the parking brake on causesthe brakes to wear out quickly and reducesfuel economy.
We recommend you not use the parkingbrake to stop a moving vehicle. However,if the normal brakes fail, you can use theparking brake to stop your vehicle in anemergency. Since the parking brake onlyapplies retardation to the rear wheels, thevehicle's stopping distance increasesgreatly and the handling of your vehicle isadversely affected.
Releasing Spring Manually
WARNING: Do not attempt todisassemble the parking brake airchamber under any circumstances asthis may cause serious injury.
WARNING: Block the wheels tohelp prevent the vehicle from moving.
WARNING: Unexpected andpossibly sudden vehicle movement mayoccur if you do not take theseprecautions.
If you release hydraulic pressure from thespring brake chamber, the power springapplies the brake. If the hydraulic pressurecan be re-established, you must releasethe spring brake in order to move yourvehicle.
Air Brakes (If Equipped)
WARNING: This control is forparking only. Do not leave the vehicleunattended after setting the parkingbrake without placing the transmissionin park (P). We recommend using wheelchocks for hilly or off-roadcircumstances.
If the service brakes fail to operate whileyour vehicle is moving, you can make anemergency stop with the parking brake.Since the parking brake only appliesstopping power to the rear wheels, yourvehicle’s stopping distance greatlyincreases and the handling of your vehicleis adversely affected. Make repairsimmediately to an inoperative air brakesystem circuit.
Pull the yellow, dash-mounted parkingbrake knob to apply the parking brake.
The parking brake lightilluminates and remainsilluminated (when you switchthe ignition to the on position) until yourelease the parking brake.
141
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakesE210341 E208810

Releasing the Parking Brake
WARNING: When your vehicle isstationary, keep the brake pedal fullypressed when shifting gears. Failure tofollow this instruction could result inpersonal injury, death or propertydamage.
Note:Read and understand the followingsteps and perform them whenever youprepare to drive the vehicle.
Note:The parking brake does not disengageunless sufficient system air pressure isavailable.
1.Press and hold the service brake pedalwhile the engine is running.
2.Select the appropriate drive gear.
3.Push and hold the yellowdash-mounted parking brake knob untilthe parking brake light turns off, thenrelease.
Parking Brake Light Illumination Dueto Low Air Pressure
If the air pressure becomes too low at anytime during vehicle operation, the parkingbrake may apply and the parking brakelight turns on.
If the parking brake applies due to low airpressure, immediate service is required tothe parking brake system.
Releasing Spring Brake with AirPressure
The air system in all vehicles withspring-actuated rear wheel parking brakeshas a valve on the governor for connectionto an outside air supply. The valve lets yourecharge the system with air from anoutside source, releasing thespring-actuated parking brakes. Yourvehicle is now ready to tow in anemergency.
You can only use an outside air source ifthe protected system is in operatingcondition. If you cannot restore air pressurein the protected air system, you mustrelease the spring-actuated brakesmanually.
Releasing Spring Manually
Do not use impact wrenches as they maydamage the piston and prevent propercaging of the spring. Do not apply morethan 50 lb.ft (68 Nm) to the release boltnut.
1.Remove the stud tool and nut from thecarrying pocket on the brake chamberassembly.
2.Remove the access plug from the endof the spring chamber.
3.Insert the release stud through theopening in the chamber and into thespring pressure plate.
4.Turn the release stud ¼ turn to engagethe stud tangs with the slot in thepressure plate. Keep the stud engagedand install the nut on the release stud.
142
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakesE210365 E210366

5.Tighten the nut until the spring is fullycaged and brakes released. Do notloosen or remove the release stud andnut unless you completely assembleand securely clamp the brake chamber.
6.After restoring the air pressure,unscrew and remove the release studand install in the carrying pocket. Installthe access plug.
HILL START ASSIST -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES
WARNING: The system does notreplace the parking brake. When youleave your vehicle, always apply theparking brake.
WARNING: You must remain inyour vehicle when the system turns on.At all times you are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle, supervising thesystem, and intervening if required.Failure to follow this instruction couldresult in the loss of control of yourvehicle, personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system will turnoff if a malfunction is apparent or if yourev the engine excessively. Failure to takecare may result in the loss of control ofyour vehicle, serious personal injury ordeath.
The system makes it easier to pull awaywhen your vehicle is on a slope withoutneeding to use the parking brake.
When the system is active, your vehicleremains stationary on the slope for two tothree seconds after you release the brakepedal. This allows time to move your footfrom the brake to the accelerator pedal.The brakes release when the engine has
developed sufficient torque to prevent yourvehicle from rolling down the slope. Thisis an advantage when pulling away on aslope, for example from a car park ramp,traffic lights or when reversing uphill intoa parking space.
When the vehicle is on a slope, the systemwill turn on automatically to preventvehicle rollback.
Note:There is no warning light to indicatethe system is either on or off.
Using Hill Start Assist
1.Press the brake pedal to bring yourvehicle to a complete standstill. Keepthe brake pedal pressed and shift intogear when facing uphill or reverse (R)when facing downhill.
2.If the sensors detect that your vehicleis on a slope, the system automaticallyactivates.
3.When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal, your vehicle remains onthe slope without rolling away forabout two to three seconds. This holdtime automatically extends if you arein the process of driving off.
4.Drive off in the normal manner. Thesystem releases the brakesautomatically.
Note:When you remove your foot from thebrake pedal and press the pedal again whenthe system is active, you will experiencesignificantly reduced brake pedal travel. Thisis normal.
Switching the System On and Off
Vehicles with Manual Transmission
You can switch this feature on or off in theinformation display. The systemremembers the last setting when you startyour vehicle.
143
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakes

Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
When you switch the ignition on, thesystem automatically turns on. You cannotturn the system on or off.
AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Failure to maintainproper air brake adjustment can resultin reduction or loss of braking ability.
WARNING: Do not drive or continueto drive if the low air pressure buzzer issounding or the brake warning light is lit.These warnings indicate that air pressureis not to normal operating level.Continued use of the vehicle could resultin loss of braking ability.
WARNING: Avoid repeated lightapplication of the brake pedal. Thisdepletes air pressure faster and couldresult in loss of braking capability.
WARNING: Do not move thevehicle when the air pressure isinsufficient because the brake systemmay be inoperative.
After starting the engine, allow time for theair compressor to build air pressure to60 psi (414 kPa) before moving yourvehicle.
Periodically check the air pressure gaugewhile driving. Pressure should rangebetween approximately 100 psi (690 kPa)to 130 psi (896 kPa). The air compressorgovernor cut-in and cutout pressuresettings are set at the factory and cannotbe adjusted.
When air pressure is insufficient(below 60 psi (414 kPa)), awarning light illuminates and abuzzer sounds when the ignition is on. Thismay happen because excessive brakeapplications are depleting the system airpressure. If this condition occurs, stopdriving your vehicle until the compressorhas fully recharged the air system.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehiclebefore descending grades. Supplementingwith brakes, as required, helps safely slowthe vehicle and avoids overspeeding theengine.
Air Chamber Stroke Indication -Drum Brakes
Air chamber push rods have orange strokeindicator markers that warn when thebraking system requires adjustment orrepair. The painted orange indicator is onthe air chamber push rod at the slackadjuster stroke dimension that requiresservice when visible during brakeapplication.
144
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakesE210336 E206772

Note:Installing an exhaust or auxiliarybrake does not necessarily protect theengine from exceeding the maximumgoverned speed. Use the primary brakes tomake sure the engine never exceeds themaximum governed speed under anycircumstance.
Note:Engine speed has a major influenceon limiting performance. When enginespeed stays at the maximum allowablelevel, the exhaust brake operates at peakperformance.
Note:Exhaust brakes operate effectivelywith automatic transmissions. However,performance varies with engine speed andthe gear selected by the transmission.
An exhaust brake is an auxiliary brakingsystem that assists, but does not replace,the primary brake system. It helps controlvehicle speed. It is not a vehicle-stoppingdevice.
Use the button on the instrument panel, incombination with the accelerator pedal,to maximize the use of the exhaust brakein the following conditions:
•Off-highway driving.
•Mountain driving.
•Heavy traffic.
•High-speed highway driving.
To switch the exhaust brake on, press thebutton. A light on the instrument clusterindicates the system is on. Press the buttonagain to switch it off.
While approaching a steep grade, makesure that the exhaust brake switch is on.The exhaust brake begins working as soonas you remove your foot from theaccelerator pedal.
Before descending a hill or steep grade,always select the proper gear. If you takethe transmission out of gear whiledescending, you may not be able to selectanother gear because of maximumgoverned RPM.
Make sure the engine speed does notexceed the maximum allowable engineRPM. Exceeding the maximum allowableengine RPM can result in damage to theengine. Apply the service brakes to reducethe engine RPM or make a slower descentby using a lower gear.
146
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakesE215226

While driving down a grade, use a lowenough gear to descend safely with aminimum application of the service brakes.As a general guideline, use the same gearas you use to ascend the hill.
Exhaust Brake OperatingCharacteristics
The exhaust brake switches on when youremove your feet from the acceleratorpedal and the exhaust brake is on.
If the brake is working properly, you maynotice:
•A slight change in engine sound whenthe exhaust brake turns on.
•A smooth braking effect. Do not expecta retarding effect similar to sudden,hard application of the service brakes.
•A retarding force possibly felt actingagainst your body during brakeapplication, depending on the gradeand vehicle load. This force helps yourvehicle resist increasing speeds downgrades.
•Engine temperatures remaining in thenormal operating range.
•A drop in engine RPM, depending ongrade and vehicle load, during adescent.
•A decrease in road speed whenapplying the exhaust brake during adescent, except when your vehicle iscarrying a heavy load or the grade isextremely steep. In these instances,you may need to apply the servicebrakes occasionally.
TRAILER BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED)
Trailer Brake Hand Control (If Equipped)
WARNING: The hand controlshould never be used to apply the brakeswhen the tractor and trailer are parkedunattended. Air may leak from thesystem and the vehicle could possiblymove, resulting in possible propertydamage, personal injury or death.
The hand control is located on theright-hand side of the instrument panel. Itapplies the trailer service brakes, which areindependent of the truck or tractor servicebrakes.
It operates a valve that provides gradualcontrol of air pressure applied. When thevalve is only partially applied, you canoverride the trailer brakes by pressing fullyon the brake pedal.
To apply the trailer brakes using the handcontrol, move the lever downward. Thefurther you push the lever down, thegreater the air pressure is applied to thebrakes. The lever remains in place untilmanually moved.
To release the trailer brakes, move thelever up completely.
147
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingBrakesE210339

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoiddrive wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the systemapplies the brakes to individual wheelsand, when needed, reduces engine powerat the same time. If the wheels spin whenaccelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,the system reduces engine power in orderto increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
Press the TCS Off button on theinstrument panel to enable themud/snow mode.
This is beneficial when your vehicle is stuckin snow or on a slippery road surface. Thismode allows wheel spin to dig your vehicleout and allows you to rock your vehicle.
Press the switch again to select standardtraction control. The system automaticallyselects standard traction control at thenext ignition cycle.
System Indicator Light
Note:If the traction control light does notflash during a traction control event or staysilluminated, the system is not functioningproperly. Take your vehicle to an authorizeddealer for service.
During traction control operation, thetraction control light flashes rapidly andthe engine does not rev-up when you pressfurther on the accelerator. This is normaland is no reason for concern.
In mud/snow mode, the TCS OFF lightilluminates on the instrument cluster. If atraction event occurs in either mode, thestability and traction control light flashesrapidly.
USING TRACTION CONTROL -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES
WARNING: Operating your vehiclewith the traction control disabled couldlead to an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personal injuryand death.
The system turns on each time you switchthe ignition on.
Use the traction control buttonon the instrument panel toswitch the system off or on.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off is beneficialas this allows the wheels to spin.
Press the button again to switch thetraction control system on.
System Indicator Light
Note:If the traction control light does notflash during a traction control event or stayson, the system is not operating. Have thesystem checked as soon as possible.
During a traction control event, the tractioncontrol light rapidly flashes. Pressingfurther on the accelerator does not causethe engine to rev higher. This is normal andis no reason for concern.
151
2024 F-650/750 (TBC) , enUSA, Edition date: 202210, First-PrintingTraction ControlE330660 E330660