ABS FORD F450 2011 User Guide
Page 250 of 449
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation. Refer to
Transmission fluid temperature gauge in the Instrument Cluster
chapter for the transmission fluid temperature information.
To find the maximum trailer weight allowed for your vehicle, consult
your authorized dealer (or the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided
by your authorized dealer).
To calculate your maximum trailer weight on your own:
1. Pick-up trucks: Take curb weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s
weight, then subtract them from the GCWR listed for your vehicle
series and drive axle ratio listed on the following table.
2. Chassis cabs and pick-up trucks with aftermarket equipment:
Weigh your vehicle at a certified scale and subtract this actual curb
weight, hitch hardware and the driver’s weight from the GCWR listed
for your vehicle series and drive axle ratio listed on the following
table.
The weight of all additional cargo and passengers must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight calculated above.
Further trailer/hitch restrictions and limitations exist depending on the
type of trailer and hitch used. This information follows the table listing
the maximum GCWRs.
For load specification terms found on the label and instructions on
calculating your vehicle’s load, refer to Vehicle loading - with and
without a trailer in this chapter when figuring the total weight of your
vehicle.
Note: Do not exceed the tire ratings specified on the Tire Label or
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
WARNING: Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING: Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.Tires, Wheels and Loading
250
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 258 of 449
• The TBC is equipped with a feature which reduces output at vehicle
speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and vehicle braking is not
jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes
using the vehicle’s brake pedal, not the TBC.
• The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including
ABS, in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lock-up;
therefore, if these systems are not functioning properly, the TBC may
not function at full performance.
• Your vehicle’s brake system and the trailer brake system work
independently of each other; changing the GAIN setting on the TBC
does not affect the operation of your vehicle’s brakes whether a trailer
is attached or not.
• When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC output is disabled and the
display is shut down; turning the ignition from off to on awakens the
TBC module.
• The TBC is only a factory- or dealer-installed item; Ford is not
responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or
customer installation.
• Do not attempt removal of the TBC without consulting the
Workshop Manual; damage to the unit may result.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Contact
your authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions
and equipment for hooking-up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 km) of trailer towing and don’t make full-throttle starts.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Activate the tow/haul feature to eliminate excessive transmission
shifting and assist in transmission cooling. For additional information,
refer to Automatic transmission operation in the Driving chapter.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.Tires, Wheels and Loading
258
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 268 of 449
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 to Warning lights and
chimes in the Instrument 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.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Brake assist
The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the
ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake
application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the
brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by
either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the
system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal
pulsation may be observed; this is normal. P!
BRAKEDriving
268
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 269 of 449
ABS warning lamp
The ABS lamp in the instrument
cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned on. If
the light does not illuminate during
start up, remains on or flashes, the
ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately by an authorized dealer.
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, press the
parking brake pedal down until the
pedal stops.
The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated until the
parking brake is released. ABS
P!
BRAKE
P!
BRAKE Driving
269
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 275 of 449
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC )
Roll Stability Control™ (RSC ) may help to maintain roll stability of the
vehicle during adverse maneuvers. RSC operates 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 Roll Stability Control™ (RSC )the
stability control light in the instrument cluster will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the Roll Stability
Control™ system, which include:
• Emergency lane-change
• Taking a turn too fast
• Quick maneuvering to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
The Roll Stability Control™ system may be deactivated in certain
situations. See the Switching off AdvanceTrac with RSC section
following.
Switching off AdvanceTrac with RSC
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTrac with RSC
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle. To switch off the AdvanceTrac with RSC system, press the
stability control button located on the instrument panel to the right of
the climate control system. Full features of the AdvanceTrac with RSC
system can be restored by pressing the button again or by turning off
and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the AdvanceTrac with RSC system, the stability
control off light will illuminate steadily. Pressing the stability control
button again will turn off the stability control off light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC and RSC are
disabled. Driving
275
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 278 of 449
WARNING: Hill descent control cannot control descent in all
surface conditions and circumstances, such as ice or extremely
steep grades. Hill descent control is a driver assist system and cannot
substitute for good judgment by the driver. Failure to do so may result
in loss of vehicle control, crash or serious injury.
Hill descent control can maintain vehicle speeds on downhill grades
between 2 mph (3 km/h) and 12 mph (20 km/h). Above 20 mph
(32 km/h), the system remains armed, but descent speed cannot be set
or maintained.
WARNING: Hill descent control does not provide hill hold at
zero mph (0 km/h). When stopped, the parking brake must be
applied and/or the vehicle must be placed in P (Park) or it may roll
away.
Hill descent control requires a cooling down interval after a period of
sustained use. The amount of time that the feature can remain active
before cooling varies with conditions. The system will provide a warning
in the message center and a chime will sound when the system is about
to disengage for cooling. At this time, manually apply the brakes as
needed to maintain descent speed.
Enabling hill descent control and setting the descent speed
1. Press and release the hill descent
button located on the instrument
panel. A light in the cluster will
illuminate and chime will sound
when this feature is activated.
2. To increase descent speed, press the accelerator pedal until the
desired speed is reached. To decrease descent speed, press the brake
pedal until the desired speed is reached.
Whether accelerating or decelerating, once the desired descent speed is
reached, remove your feet from the pedals and the chosen vehicle speed
will be maintained.
Note: Noise from the ABS pump motor may be observed during hill
descent control operation. This is a normal characteristic of the ABS and
should be no reason for concern.Driving
278
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 309 of 449
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a “squeeze” technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to the Brakes section of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
WARNING: If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep
speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid aggressive
steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control which can
lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides
while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover). Driving
309
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 324 of 449
Fuse/Relay
Location Fuse Amp
Rating Protected Circuits
38 Relay Powertrain control module
(PCM) (diesel engine),
Electronic control module (ECM)
(gas engine)
39 10A** 4x4 hub lock
40 15A** 4x4 electronic lock
41 — Not used
42 — Not used
43 — Not used
44 — Not used
45 10A** Run/start relay coil
46 10A** Transmission control module
(TCM) keep-alive power (diesel
engine)
47 10A** A/C clutch feed
48 Relay Run/start
49 10A** Rearview camera system
50 10A** Blower motor relay coil
51 — Not used
52 10A** PCM/ECM/TCM run/start
53 10A** 4x4 module
54 10A** Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
run/start
55 10A** Rear window defroster coil,
Battery charge coil
56 20A** Passenger compartment fuse
panel run/start feed
57 Relay Fuel pump
58 — Not used
59 — Not used
60 — Not used
61 — Not usedRoadside Emergencies
324
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 325 of 449
Fuse/Relay
Location Fuse Amp
Rating Protected Circuits
62 — Not used
63 — Not used
64 — Not used
65 — Not used
66 20A** Fuel pump
67 — Not used
68 10A** Fuel pump relay coil
69 — Not used
70 10A** Trailer tow backup lamp
71 10A** Cannister vent (gas engine)
72 10A** PCM/ECM relay coil feed
keep-alive power
73 — Not used
74 Relay Trailer tow left-hand stop/turn
75 Relay Trailer tow right-hand stop/turn
76 Relay Backup lamp
77 — Not used
78 — Not used
79 — Not used
80 — Not used
81 — Not used
82 20A* Auxiliary power point #2
83 20A* Auxiliary power point #1
84 30A* 4x4 shift motor
85 30A* Heated/cooled seats
86 25A* ABS coil feed
87 20A* Auxiliary power point #5
88 — Not used
89 40A* Starter motor
90 25A* Trailer tow battery charge
91 — Not used Roadside Emergencies
325
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)
Page 326 of 449
Fuse/Relay
Location Fuse Amp
Rating Protected Circuits
92 20A* Auxiliary power point #4
93 20A* Auxiliary power point #3
94 25A* Upfitter #1
95 25A* Upfitter #2
96 50A* ABS pump
97 40A* Invertor
98 — Not used
99 — Not used
100 25A* Trailer tow turn signals
101 Relay Starter
102 Relay Trailer tow battery charge
103 — Not used
104 — Not used
105 — Not used
106 — Not used
107 — Not used
* Cartridge fuses ** Mini fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS), the indicator light will illuminate when the spare tire is
in use. To restore the full functionality of the monitoring system, all road
wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted
on the vehicle.
If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, have a flat serviced by an
authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to the TPMS sensors, refer
to Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and
Loading chapter. Replace the spare tire with a road tire as soon as
possible. During repairing or replacing of the flat tire, have the
authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for damage.Roadside Emergencies
326
2011 F-250/350/450/550 (f23)
Owners Guide, 4th Printing
USA (fus)