STEERING
Hydraulic Power Steering
To help prevent damage to the powersteering system:
•Do not hold the steering wheel at itsfurthest turning points for more thanthree to five seconds when the engineis running.
•Avoid continuously steering back andforth with elevated engine RPM as thismay overheat the system. If trying tofree a stuck vehicle, pause betweenattempts to allow the power steeringsystem to cool or seek assistance.Typical steering and driving maneuversallow the system to cool.
•Do not operate the vehicle if the powersteering pump fluid level is below theMIN mark on the reservoir.
•Some noise is normal during operation.If excessive, check for low powersteering pump fluid level beforeseeking service by your dealer.
•Heavy or uneven efforts may be causedby low power steering fluid. Check forlow power steering pump fluid levelbefore seeking service by your dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pumpreservoir above the MAX mark on thereservoir, as this may result in leaksfrom the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks downor if you switch the engine off, you cansteer the vehicle manually, but it takesmore effort.
If you have any steering componentsserviced or replaced, install new fasteners.Many fasteners have coatings with threadadhesive, or have prevailing torquefeatures you cannot reuse. Do not reuse abolt or nut. Torque fasteners tospecifications.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•An improperly inflated tire.
•Uneven tire wear.
•Loose or worn suspensioncomponents.
•Loose or worn steering components.
•Improper vehicle alignment.
Note:A high crown in the road or highcrosswinds may also make the steeringseem to wander or pull.
PRE-COLLISION ASSIST -
VEHICLES WITH: AIR BRAKES
WARNING: You are responsible forcontrolling your vehicle at all times. Thesystem is designed to be an aid and doesnot relieve you of your responsibility todrive with due care and attention. Failureto follow this instruction could result inthe loss of control of your vehicle,personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system does notdetect vehicles that are driving in adifferent direction, pedestrians, cyclistsor animals. Apply the brakes whennecessary. Failure to follow thisinstruction could result in the loss ofcontrol of your vehicle, personal injury ordeath.
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LOAD LIMIT
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label.
WARNING: Do not usereplacement tires with lowerload carrying capacities than theoriginal tires because they maylower the vehicle's GVWR andGAWR limitations. Replacementtires with a higher limit than theoriginals do not increase theGVWR and GAWR limitations.
WARNING: Exceeding anyvehicle weight rating limitationcould result in serious damageto the vehicle and/or personalinjury.
Every vehicle manufactured byFord Motor Company is suppliedwith information on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label,located on either the B-pillar orthe driver’s door edge, listing themaximum loading for the vehicle(GVWR), and its axle systems(GAWR) at the tire to groundinterface.
Example only:
Under no circumstances shouldyour vehicle be loaded in excessof the GVWR or GAWR. It is theoperator’s responsibility to ensurethat neither the axle capacities,spring capacities, tire capacitiesnor the vehicle rated GVWR isexceeded.
Unloaded or Lightly LoadedVehicles
WARNING: Whenoperating empty or lightlyloaded, sudden or hard brakingmay induce wheel lockup withloss of vehicle control and thepossibility of accident andserious injury, especially on wetor slippery road surfaces.
The braking system has beendesigned to safely stop yourvehicle when fully loaded to itsGVWR.
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AIR SUSPENSION
Note:Do not operate your vehicle withoutair in the suspension springs. Operating yourvehicle without air in the suspension springsdamages the suspension, degrades rideperformance and may cause propertydamage.
The air suspension system automaticallyadjusts to different loads to maintain aconstant frame height, allows for ease ofvehicle loading, provides improved vehicleride, and increased driver comfort.
Air Suspension Dump Button
Note:The suspension dumps air when theignition is in the accessory or on position,but fills only when the ignition is in the onposition.
A button located on the instrument panelcontrols the system. It operates only whenthe ignition is in the accessory or onposition and the air tanks have sufficientpressure to fill the air springs. When youturn off the ignition, the suspensionremains in whatever state it was last set.
Pressing and holding the button for twoseconds exhausts air from the air springs,lowering the frame for loading. Pressingand holding the button for two secondsfills the air springs so your vehicle remainsat normal ride height.
System Indicator Light
The air suspension indicator lightilluminates when using the button torelease air pressure in the rear air springs.Never drive your vehicle when the warninglamp is illuminated and there is low (or no)air pressure in the springs.
Connecting and Disconnecting aTrailer with Air Suspension and AirSuspension Dump Button
When connecting to a trailer:
•Press and hold the button for twoseconds to exhaust air from the airsuspension system.
•Press and hold the button for twoseconds, and then raise the landinggear after making the connection tothe trailer.
When disconnecting the trailer:
•Lower the landing gear, and then pressand hold the button for two seconds.
•Disconnect the brake hoses, trailer-sideand rear light connectors, then pull therelease lever on the fifth wheel.
You must fill the air springs beforeoperating with a trailer or operating in thebobtail mode.
Suspension Conversions
WARNING: When operating aloaded vehicle, the driver must keep alladjustable axles on the ground at alltimes, supporting their share of thevehicle’s load. Failure to do so canoverload other axles, tires, wheels,springs, steering components, brakesand frames, resulting in early componentfailure, loss of vehicle control, possibleproperty damage and personal injury.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
See Load limits in the Load Carryingchapter for load specification terms foundon the tire label and Safety Compliancelabel and instructions on calculating yourvehicle's load.
Remember to account for the trailertongue weight as part of your vehicle loadwhen calculating the total vehicle weight.
Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps ontothe bumper or attaches to the axle. Youmust distribute the load in your trailer sothat 10-15% of the total weight of thetrailer is on the tongue.
Safety Chains
Note:Do not attach safety chains to thebumper.
Always connect the safety chains to theframe or hook retainers of your vehiclehitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross thechains under the trailer tongue and allowenough slack for turning tight corners. Donot allow the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING: Do not connect atrailer's hydraulic brake system directlyto your vehicle's brake system. Yourvehicle may not have enough brakingpower and your chances of having acollision greatly increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic orsurge-type trailer brakes are safe if youinstall them properly and adjust them tothe manufacturer's specifications. Thetrailer brakes must meet local and federalregulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's brakingsystem operation is at the gross vehicleweight rating, not the gross combinedweight rating.
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect anytrailer lamp wiring to the vehicle's taillamp wiring; this may damage theelectrical system resulting in fire. Contactyour authorized dealer as soon aspossible for assistance in proper trailertow wiring installation. Additionalelectrical equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towedvehicles. Make sure all running lights, brakelights, turn signals and hazard lights areworking.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing upto get the feel of your vehicle-trailercombination before starting on a trip.When turning, make wider turns so thetrailer wheels clear curbs and otherobstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Check your hitch, electrical connectionsand trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughlyafter you have traveled 50 mph(80 km/h).
•When stopped in congested or heavytraffic during hot weather, place thetransmission in park (P) or neutral (N)to aid engine and transmission coolingand to help air conditioningperformance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavyloads or in hilly terrain. The speedcontrol may turn off automaticallywhen you are towing on long, steepgrades.
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•Shift to a lower gear when driving downa long or steep hill. Do not apply thebrakes continuously, as they mayoverheat and become less effective.
•If your transmission is equipped withthe Tow/Haul feature, use this featurewhen towing. This provides enginebraking and helps eliminate excessivetransmission shifting for optimum fueleconomy and transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping witha trailer attached. Anticipate stops andbrake gradually.
FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION (IF
EQUIPPED)
WARNING: Failure to follow thefifth wheel manufacturer’s instructionsfor hooking and unhooking as well assliding the fifth wheel could result in anaccident, personal injury or death.
WARNING: When the tractor andtrailer are parked unattended, the trailerbrake hand control should never be usedto apply the brake, since air may leakfrom the system, allowing vehiclemovement, resulting in possible propertydamage, personal injury or death.
Before hook-up, make sure:
•The fifth wheel jaws are fully open.
•The fifth wheel is fully tilted back toprevent body damage when the tractoris backed under a trailer.
•You block the trailer wheels and adjustand apply the trailer spring brakes.Never chase a trailer.
•The brake hoses and light cords areclear of the fifth wheel.
Hook-up
1.Back the tractor squarely under thetrailer, engaging the fifth-wheel jawson the kingpin. Always back up slowly;make sure the trailer is neither too highnor too low. Avoid backing under thetrailer from an angle.
2.Connect the service and emergencybrake hoses and trailer light connector.
3.Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel tobe sure they have fully closed on thetrailer kingpin and the trailer plate isresting securely on the fifth wheel.
4.Make sure the coupler release lever isin the locked position.
5.Charge the trailer brake system. Setthe trailer brakes, with either the handvalve or tractor protection valve. Pullagainst the trailer for an extra check ofproper hook-up. Do not pull hardenough to damage or strain theequipment.
6.Set the tractor parking brakes and fullyraise the trailer landing gear.
7.Check the operation of all trailer lightsand correct any lights that may befaulty.
Un-hook
1.Try to keep the tractor and trailer in astraight line.
2.Apply the parking brakes.
3.Lower the trailer landing gear, makingsure it is on solid, level ground. Theweight of the trailer is to be on thelanding gear.
4.Block the trailer wheels.
5.Disconnect the brake hoses and lightcords. Be sure hoses and cords areclear.
6.Pull coupler release lever to disengagethe fifth wheel jaws.
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GENERAL DRIVING POINTS
General Information
•Accelerate smoothly and evenly. Rapidacceleration increases fuelconsumption without increasing engineperformance.
•When approaching a hill, press theaccelerator smoothly to start theincline at full power, and then shiftdown as needed to maintain vehiclespeed.
•When going down a hill, or long steepgrades, prevent overspeeding of theengine. Normally, choose the samegear to descend the hill that you use toascend the hill. The engine governorhas no control over engine speed whenit is being pushed by a loaded vehicle.
•Do not operate in a gear that permitsan engine speed more than themaximum governed speed or high-idleRPM (no load).
•Always shift to a lower gear at highaltitudes to prevent engine smoking.
Backing Up
WARNING: All vehicles have blindspots. To reduce the risk of severe injuryor property damage, never move yourvehicle to the side or rear or change laneswithout being sure your way is clear onboth sides and to your rear.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofthe possibility of personal injury whilebacking up the vehicle, always be sureyour vehicle’s path is clear.
Before backing up your vehicle, be sure youcan do so safely. If anything behind the cablimits your view, do not rely on mirrorsalone to make sure that your intended pathis clear. If other people are in the vicinity,have someone standing well behind yourvehicle and outside of your intended path(visible through an exterior mirror) guideyou as you back up.
Although OSHA or some governmentalregulations may require the use of anelectrical or mechanical back up alarm towarn bystanders, such an alarm does notguarantee that the intended path is clear.When in doubt, get out of your vehicle andvisually check the intended path is clear.Back up slowly as to allow others time tomove, if necessary.
If you install an electrical back up alarm,connect it to the backup lamp circuit.
Parking
WARNING: When parking yourvehicle, do not leave the transmission ingear; if the key is in the on position andthe vehicle rolls, the engine could start.Failure to follow these instructions couldresult in an unattended vehicle moving,possibly causing personal injury orproperty damage.
Always use the parking brake. Whenparking on a grade, block the wheels andturn the front wheels to one side so that ifyour vehicle rolls, the front tires act againstthe curb to stop your vehicle. The frontwheels are more effective at stopping arolling vehicle than the rear wheels.
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ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by severalthings, such as how you drive, theconditions you drive under, and how youmaintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy bykeeping these things in mind:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds withoutstopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down mayeliminate the need to stop.
•Close the windows for high-speeddriving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds. Travelingat 55 mph (90 km/h) uses 15% lessfuel than traveling at 65 mph(105 km/h).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and useonly the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduledmaintenance.
Avoid these actions; they reduce your fueleconomy:
•Sudden accelerations or hardaccelerations.
•Warm up your vehicle on coldmornings.
•Use the air conditioner.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal whiledriving.
•Carry unnecessary weight.Approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lostfor every 400 lb (180 kg) of weightcarried.
•Driving with the wheels out ofalignment.
Conditions
•Adding certain accessories to yourvehicle may reduce fuel economy. Forexample bug deflectors, rollbars, lightbars, running boards, ski racks orluggage racks.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol maylower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lowertemperatures during the first 5–10 mi(12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improvedfuel economy as compared to drivingon hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fueleconomy when operated in the topcruise gear and with steady pressureon the gas pedal.
COLD WEATHER
PRECAUTIONS - 6.7L DIESEL
Winter Grille Cover (If Equipped)
The winter grille cover enhances heaterperformance and will reduce the amountof time it takes to warm the inside of yourvehicle in extremely cold conditions below-0.4°F (-18°C).
The winter grille cover installs over theoutside of the front grille and restricts theair flowing to the engine compartment bycovering the radiator grille openings.
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DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING: Do not drive throughflowing or deep water as you may losecontrol of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water cancause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if waterenters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,check the depth. Never drive through waterthat is higher than the bottom of the wheelhubs.
When driving through standing water, drivevery slowly and do not stop your vehicle.Your brake performance and traction maybe limited. After driving through water andas soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to dry thebrakes and to check that they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check thatthe steering power assist works.
Operation in Standing Water
Ingestion of water into the diesel enginecan result in immediate and severedamage to the engine. If driving throughwater, slow down to avoid splashing waterinto the intake. If the engine stalls, and yoususpect ingestion of water into the engine,do not try to restart the engine. Consultyour dealer for service immediately.
Your fuel tank vents to the atmosphere byvalves on top of the tank and through thefuel cap. If water reaches the top of thetank, the valves may pull water into thefuel tank. Water in the fuel can causeperformance issues and damage the fuelinjection system.
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