
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.
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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.
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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION -
VEHICLES WITH: HYDRAULIC
BRAKES
WARNING: Vehicle modificationsinvolving braking system, aftermarketroof racks, suspension, steering system,tire construction and wheel and tire sizemay change the handling characteristicsof your vehicle and may adversely affectthe performance of the electronicstability control system. In addition,installing any stereo loudspeakers mayinterfere with and adversely affect theelectronic stability control system. Installany aftermarket stereo loudspeaker asfar as possible from the front centerconsole, the tunnel, and the front seatsin order to minimize the risk of interferingwith the electronic stability controlsensors. Reducing the effectiveness ofthe electronic stability control systemcould lead to an increased risk of loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: Remember that evenadvanced technology cannot defy thelaws of physics. It's always possible tolose control of a vehicle due toinappropriate driver input for theconditions. Aggressive driving on anyroad condition can cause you to losecontrol of your vehicle increasing the riskof personal injury or property damage.Activation of the electronic stabilitycontrol system is an indication that atleast some of the tires have exceededtheir ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator's ability to controlthe vehicle potentially resulting in a lossof vehicle control, vehicle rollover,personal injury and death. If yourelectronic stability control systemactivates, SLOW DOWN.
The system turns on each time you switchthe ignition on.
If a fault occurs in either the stabilitycontrol or the traction control system, thefollowing conditions are possible:
•The stability and traction control lightilluminate.
•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems are not maintainingtraction of the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem, the following conditions arepossible:
•The stability and traction control lightflash.
•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 andyour foot is not on the brake, the brakepedal could move as the systemapplies higher brake force.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system assists in preventing skids orlateral slides by applying the brakes to oneor more of the wheels individually and, ifnecessary, decreases engine power.
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•The stability control and tractioncontrol systems do not enhance yourvehicle's ability to maintain traction ofthe wheels.
If a driving condition activates either thestability control or the traction controlsystem you may experience the followingconditions:
•The stability and traction control lightflashes rapidly.
•Your vehicle slows down.
•Reduced engine power.
The stability control system has severalfeatures built into it to help you maintaincontrol of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent skids or lateral slides byapplying brakes to one or more of thewheels individually and, if necessary,reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto prevent rollovers by detecting yourvehicle’s motion and the rate at which itchanges by applying the brakes to one ormore wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s abilityto maintain traction of the wheels bydetecting and controlling wheel spin. SeeUsing Traction Control (page 151).
Vehicle without stability controlskidding off its intended route.A
Vehicle with stability controlmaintaining control on a slipperysurface.
B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on eachtime you switch the ignition on
You cannot switch the stability control androll stability control systems off, but whenyou shift into reverse (R), the systemsdeactivate.
You can switch the traction control systemoff or on. See Traction Control (page 151).
Limitations of the Stability System
Stability Control effectiveness may begreatly reduced if:
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Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Settings
DynamicBehaviorDistance GapGraphicDisplay,Bars Indic-atedBetweenVehicles
Sport.Closest.1
Normal.Close.2
Normal.Medium.3
Comfort.Far.4
Each time you switch the system on, itselects the last chosen gap setting.
Overriding the Set Speed
WARNING: If you override thesystem by pressing the acceleratorpedal, it does not automatically applythe brakes to maintain a gap from anyvehicle ahead.
When you press the accelerator pedal, youoverride the set speed and gap distance.
Use the accelerator pedalnormally to intentionally exceedthe set speed limit.
When you override the system, the greenindicator light illuminates and the vehicleimage does not appear in the informationdisplay.
The system resumes operation when yourelease the accelerator pedal. The vehiclespeed decreases to the set speed, or alower speed if following a slower vehicle.
Changing the Set Speed
Press and release to increase theset speed in small increments.
Press and release to decreasethe set speed in smallincrements.
Press and hold either button to change theset speed in large increments. Release thebutton when you reach your preferredspeed.
The system may apply the brakes to slowthe vehicle to the new set speed. The setspeed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Canceling the Set Speed
Press and release the button ortap the brake pedal.
The set speed does not erase.
Resuming the Set Speed
Press and release the button.
Your vehicle speed returns to thepreviously set speed and gap setting. Theset speed displays continuously in theinformation display when the system isactive.
Note:Only use resume if you are aware ofthe set speed and intend to return to it.
Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehiclespeeds below 12 mph (20 km/h). Theinformation display indicates low enginespeed, an audible alarm sounds and theautomatic braking releases if the vehicledrops below this speed.
Automatic cancellation can also occurwhen the tires lose traction or you applythe parking brake.
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Hilly Condition and Trailer TowUsage
You should select a lower gear when thesystem is active in situations such asprolonged downhill driving on steepgrades, for example in mountainous areas.The system needs additional enginebraking in these situations to reduce theload on the vehicle’s regular brake systemto prevent it from overheating.
Note:An audible alarm sounds and thesystem shuts down if it applies brakes foran extended period of time. This allows thebrakes to cool. The system functionsnormally again after the brakes cool.
Note:When towing with adaptive cruisecontrol, switch on Tow/Haul mode.
Switching Adaptive Cruise ControlOff
Press and release the buttonwhen the system is in standbymode, or switch the ignition off.
Note:The set speed and gap setting iserased when you switch the system off.
Detection Issues
WARNING: On rare occasions,detection issues can occur due to theroad infrastructures, for example bridges,tunnels and safety barriers. In thesecases, the system may brake late orunexpectedly. At all times, you areresponsible for controlling your vehicle,supervising the system and intervening,if required.
WARNING: If the systemmalfunctions, have your vehicle checkedas soon as possible.
The radar sensor has a limited field of view.It may not detect vehicles at all or detecta vehicle later than expected in somesituations. The lead vehicle graphic doesnot illuminate if the system does notdetect a vehicle in front of you.
Detection issues can occur:
When driving on a different linethan the vehicle in front.A
With vehicles that edge into yourlane. The system can only detectthese vehicles once they movefully into your lane.
B
There may be issues with thedetection of vehicles in frontwhen driving into and coming outof a bend or curve in the road.
C
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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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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Do not exceedthe GVWR or the GAWRspecified on the certificationlabel.
WARNING: Towing trailersbeyond the maximumrecommended gross trailerweight exceeds the limit of thevehicle and could result in enginedamage, transmission damage,structural damage, loss ofvehicle control, vehicle rolloverand personal injury.
Your vehicle may have electricalitems, such as fuses or relays,related to towing. See Fuses(page 202).
Your vehicle's load capacitydesignation is by weight, not byvolume, so you cannot necessarilyuse all available space whenloading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an extraload on your vehicle's engine,transmission, axle, brakes, tiresand suspension. Inspect thesecomponents periodically during,and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailermovement affects your vehiclewhen driving:
•Load the heaviest items closestto the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest itemscentered between the left andright side trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items abovethe trailer axles or just slightlyforward toward the trailertongue. Do not allow the finaltrailer tongue weight to goabove or below 10-15% of theloaded trailer weight.
When driving with a trailer orpayload, a slight takeoff vibrationor shudder may be present due tothe increased payload weight.Additional information regardingproper trailer loading and settingyour vehicle up for towing islocated in another chapter of thismanual. See Load Limit (page178).
You can also find information inthe RV & Trailer Towing Guideavailable at your authorizeddealer, or online.
RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/Website
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