brakes FORD E250 2010 User Guide

When descending long, steep downhill grades, always use a lower gear to
provide engine braking to save wear on brakes. Use D (Overdrive OFF)
on moderately steep hills, 2 (Second) on steep hills, and 1 (First) on
very steep hills.Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they
may overheat and become less effective.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
Trailer towing tips
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•If you will be towing a trailer frequently in hot weather, hilly
conditions, at GCWR, or any combination of these factors, consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic gear lube if not already so
equipped. Refer to theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for
the lubricant specification. Remember that regardless of the rear axle
lube used, do not tow a trailer for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of a
new vehicle, and that the first 500 miles (800 km) of towing be done
at no faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
•Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) after changing
the rear axle lube.
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of power per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately three hours of operation. Block heater operation longer
than three hours will not improve system performance and will
unnecessarily use additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
P!
BRAKE
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The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
TRACTION CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a traction control system (TCS). This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During TCS operation, the traction
control active light will flash and the
engine will not “rev-up” when you
press further on the accelerator.
This is normal system behavior and
should be no reason for concern.
WARNING:Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe
personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a traction
control event is an indication that at least some of the tires have
exceeded their ability to grip the road. This may lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and
death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
The TCS switch, located on the
center console, has an indicator
light that illuminates steadily in the
instrument cluster when the system
is off. The TCS will automatically
turn on every time the ignition is
turned off and on. The TCS should
normally be left on.
If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the TCS off. This may allow excess wheel spin to
“dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver.
Remember to switch the TCS back on once the vehicle is no longer
stuck.
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When AdvanceTracwith RSCperforms a normal system self-check,
some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a
rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTracwith RSCyou may
experience the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The “sliding car”
indicator light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem: Engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During traction control events the “sliding car” icon
in the instrument
cluster will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Anti-lock braking, RSC, and ESC are not affected by this condition and
will continue to function during the cool-down period.
The engine traction control and brake traction control system may be
deactivated in certain situations. See theSwitching off AdvanceTrac
with RSCsection following.
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Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.
During ESC events the “sliding car” icon
in the instrument cluster
will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which
include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
•Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
•Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
•Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
•Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
•Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
•Cornering while towing a heavily loaded trailer (refer toTrailer
towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter).
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC)
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSCoperates by detecting the
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it changes and by applying the
brakes to one or more wheels individually.
During an event that activates the RSCthe “sliding car” icon
in the
instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the RSCsystem, which
include:
•Emergency lane-change
•Taking a turn too fast
•Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
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BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
The vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
in the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse
has blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer
toFuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, and turn
the ignition to the on position.
2. Remove the lower trim panel
under the steering column. Make
sure to not disturb the wires on the
electrical connector.
3. Locate the brake-shift interlock
solenoid underneath the steering
column.
4. Pull back on the solenoid, and at
the same time, shift the
transmission into N (Neutral).
5. Start the vehicle.
See your authorized dealer as
soon as possible if this
procedure is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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Your vehicle is qualified for use as a stationary power source, within
limits detailed in theFord Truck Body Builders Layout Book,found at
www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas, and through the Ford Truck Body Builders
Advisory Service.
Gas engine vehicles are qualified for up to 10 minutes of continuous
operation as a stationary power source, due to the potential for the
normal venting of fuel vapors. For stationary PTO operation of extended
duration (beyond 10 minutes), diesel engine is recommended. Further
consult your aftermarket PTO installer, since the duration of operation
limit for the aftermarket PTO may be less than the vehicle is capable of.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
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6. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the FULL COLD range. Be sure to put the
dipstick back in the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper fluid type.
BRAKE FLUID
•E-150/E-250/E-350 Single Rear
Wheel
•E-350/E-450 Dual Rear Wheel
The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to add
fluid. If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range, the
performance of the system could be compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
DRIVELINE UNIVERSAL JOINT AND SLIP YOKE
Your vehicle may be equipped with universal joints that require
lubrication. Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor
maintenance intervals. If the original universal joints are replaced with
universal joints equipped with grease fittings, lubrication will also be
necessary.
Maintenance and Specifications
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A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................201
Air cleaner filter ...............306–308
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................................102–103
and child safety seats ............104
description ..............................103
disposal ....................................107
driver airbag ............................105
indicator light .........................106
operation .................................105
passenger airbag .....................105
passenger deactivation
switch ......................................108
Ambulance packages ....................7
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................280
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................198–199
Anti-theft system ........................81
arming the system ....................82
Audio system (see Radio) ...29, 31
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................210, 212, 215
fluid, adding ............................301
fluid, checking ........................301
fluid, refill capacities ..............309
fluid, specification ..................309
Auxiliary Input Jack ...................38
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........309
refill capacities ........................309
traction lok ..............................206
B
Battery .......................................277acid, treating emergencies .....277
jumping a disabled battery ....247
maintenance-free ....................277
replacement, specifications ...308
servicing ..................................277
Belt-Minder...............................98
Blind Spot Spotter Mirror ........222
Booster seats .............................130
Brakes ........................................198
anti-lock ...........................198–199
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................199
fluid, checking and adding ....300
fluid, refill capacities ..............309
fluid, specifications .................309
lubricant specifications ..........309
parking ....................................199
shift interlock ..........................209
trailer .......................................186
Bulbs ............................................55
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....309
Cell phone use ............................10
Changing a tire .........................237
Child safety seats ......................117
in front seat ............................117
in rear seat ..............................117
LATCH .....................................121
recommendations ...................115
tether anchorage hardware ...127
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................130
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............265
exterior ....................................268
instrument panel ....................267
interior .....................................267
Index
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K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................72
Keys .............................................83
positions of the ignition .........193
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................56
daytime running light ...............50
headlamps .................................50
headlamps, flash to pass ..........51
instrument panel, dimming .....51
interior lamps ...........................54
replacing bulbs .........................57
LATCH anchors .........................121
Lights, warning and indicator ....14
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........199
Load limits .................................167
Loading instructions .................174
Locks
autolock .....................................72
doors ..........................................72
Lubricant specifications ...........309
Lug nuts ....................................246
Lumbar support, seats ...............87
M
Message center ...........................21
english/metric button ...............26
warning messages .....................26
Mirrors ...................................65–66
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................65
fold away ...................................67side view mirrors (power) .......66
Motorcraftparts ..............269, 308
N
Navigation system .......................46
O
Octane rating ............................291
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................274
P
Parking brake ............................199
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........308
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................232
Power door locks ........................72
Power mirrors .............................66
Power point .................................63
Power steering ..........................206
fluid, checking and adding ....299
fluid, refill capacity ................309
fluid, specifications .................309
Power Windows ...........................64
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................207
R
Radio ......................................29, 31
Rear-view camera system .........220
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................115
Relays ........................................229
Index
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